Balwant Singh Dhaba — Restaurant in Kolkata

Balwant Singh Eating House was once the go-to place for chai lovers in Kolkata. The name itself brought memories of iconic "Doodh Cola" and that classic, thick malai chai served in kulhads. I had visited the place again recently, hoping to relive the same experience — but sadly, it just didn't hit the mark this time.

The tea, which was once their claim to fame, felt average and lacked that rich, nostalgic flavor. It was lukewarm, watery, and lacked the creamy consistency it was once known for. Even the Doodh Cola, which used to be a quirky, refreshing drink, tasted flat and uninspired.

That said, the place still has its charm. It's open 24x7 and is a popular hangout spot, especially late at night for college students, bikers, and foodies. The menu has expanded, offering basic North Indian snacks, parathas, and sandwiches — but the quality overall seems to have dipped over time.

The location near Elgin Road is convenient, and there’s a sense of heritage around the place. But unless they bring back the taste and attention to quality, it's hard to recommend it just for the sake of nostalgia.

Balwant Singh used to be a legendary chai stop — I genuinely hope it can reclaim that glory someday. For now, it's more about the memories...

I have been here few times prior to Covid-19. Since then, the prices have skyrocketed. It used to be an affordable place to have a quick bite or sit for breakfast, lunch or an evening grub. I have their famous "Doodh Kola" which is made by mixing powdered milk and Coca Cola. I have had their parathas and lassi,...

I ordered samosa chaat ,jalebi,rose lassi and paneer biryani..samosa chaat was in very cheap quality and they use lots of spices in samosa filling and also they used too much spices in biryani . Everything was expensive.I am very disappointed.....