Dacres Lane (James Hickey Sarani) — Restaurant in Kolkata

Here’s a visual glimpse into Dacres Lane (James Hickey Sarani)—a narrow, evocative alleyway in the heart of Kolkata that still vibrates with its colonial past and street-food legacy.

A Walk Through History: Dacres Lane (James Hickey Sarani)

Colonial Origins & Name Story

Over two centuries ago, the lane was known as Dacres Lane, named after Philip Milner Dacres, the Collector of Calcutta around 1773–1774, who would meet sailors here for meals .

Although officially renamed James Hickey Sarani—likely in honor of James Augustus Hicky, the pioneering publisher of Hicky's Bengal Gazette, Asia's first newspaper—the old name “Dacres Lane” remains deeply rooted in local memory and usage .

The Culinary Legacy Lives On

Situated between Waterloo Street (north) and Esplanade Row (south), this lane has maintained its charm and vibrancy across centuries .

It was the go-to spot for white- and blue-collar workers, especially those from nearby colonial government buildings like the Writer’s Building—but quickly became beloved by students, journalists, and food lovers too .

Dubbed the “Office-Para’s street-food hub,” Dacres Lane serves up a wide spectrum of affordable, soulful dishes—from chowmein, khichuri, rolls, and telebhaja, to fish fry and chicken stew—all on simple benches and counters .

A tiny but coveted mango lassi stall even found itself featured in a Gordon Ramsay TV show—where he once set up a pop-up stall here .

Why It Matters

Dacres Lane is more than a food street—it’s a living time capsule. The architecture may have evolved around it, but inside the lane, the atmosphere hasn’t changed much. The worn benches, the hand-painted signs, the chatter of vendors and patrons—it all evokes colonial-era Calcutta .

Among the spills and sizzle, the lane has retained its democratic spirit. From government officials to students on a budget, everyone gathers here for comfort, conversation, and a taste of the city’s gastronomic soul .

Summary Table

Feature Highlights

Original Name Dacres Lane – named after Philip Milner Dacres (~1773) Official Name James Hickey Sarani – likely honoring the publisher of the first Asian newspaper Geography Connects Waterloo Street to Esplanade Row; remains tucked behind colonial facades Cultural Role Historic colonial hangout evolved into a beloved street food destination for workers and locals Culinary Identity A kaleidoscope of affordable, iconic street foods—khichuri, chicken stew, rolls, telebhaja, lassi, and more Modern Appeal Retains old-world charm; even featured on Gordon Ramsay’s show; deeply cherished...

Dacres Lane, Kolkata

Dacres Lane is a street located in the central business district of Kolkata, West Bengal, India. It is a bustling area surrounded by offices, shops, and restaurants.

Location Nearest Metro Station: Dalhousie (0.5 km) Nearest Bus Stop: Dacres Lane Bus Stop (0.1 km) Landmark: Near Raj Bhavan and Dalhousie Square

Points of Interest Raj Bhavan: The official residence of the Governor of West Bengal Dalhousie Square: A historic square surrounded by colonial-era buildings St. Andrew's Church: A historic church built in 1818 Indian Museum: A museum showcasing Indian art, archaeology, and anthropology

Restaurants and Cafes The Coffee Shop: A popular cafe serving coffee and snacks The Dacres Lane Restaurant: A restaurant serving Indian and international cuisine Street Food Stalls: Various street food stalls serving local snacks and refreshments

Please note that the information provided is general and may not be up-to-date. For the latest information and guidance, I recommend checking with local authorities or a reliable...

I recently visited Dacres Lane, and as per the locals, it’s considered heaven for food lovers in Kolkata. The lane is filled with street vendors offering a variety of food at low prices. I tried a few dishes, and while some were above average, the overall taste was quite average. Being an outsider, I found the food not only local but also a bit too specific to regional tastes, which didn’t appeal to me as much.

Hygiene is another issue, as the cleanliness here is below average, with basic conditions that could be off-putting for many. While the prices are budget-friendly and the place offers an authentic local experience, it's not the best choice for everyone.

Overall, I’m giving it 3 stars. It’s a decent spot for food enthusiasts who are okay with the hygiene standards and want to try local flavors, but for outsiders or those expecting something extraordinary in taste or cleanliness, it may not be the...