First Flush- Cafe & Restaurant — Restaurant in Kolkata

I tried this one of the lesser known places in Gariahat (though it seems JU and other college crowds in general are regular visitors in this cafe) as suggested by one of my friends. And trust me, this place didn't disappoint me (judging from the aspect of both food and ambience.)

So first thing, from outside, when you come near the entrance, this might seem a little place to you. However, once you go inside, you will realise the place is actually quite big.....they do have a spacious sitting arrangement with story books around the corners which you can just pull out and read alongside munching food, drinking tea/coffee or doing work on tha table (wifi can be used).

Coming to the food - there is a significance why the place is called The First Flush. So any Tea Connoisseur or a person who has a good knowledge of tea (which definitely is not me) would know that the first flush means the best quality one can have. Then you have the 2nd flush (2nd best quality) and so on. Exactly, as per the name, the place offers you the variant of tea from different parts of India. I tried out the Gidda Pahar First Flush (it is the most recommended one by various tea lovers.) Though I don't have much knowhow about tea but I liked the beverage that was served to me.

We also ordered Bhetki Fish Fry (4 pieces) Bacon wrapped Chicken Sausages American Non-Veg Club Sandwich (Full portion)

I enjoyed the taste of all the items we tried. Overall, I really liked the place from the POV of both ambience and food. Will not suggest this place to you if food is the main motivation here, but would definitely suggest for the...

First Flush is hidden in a narrow decrepit lane when you enter the lane next to Aminia's at Golpark (i.e. the lane previous to the auto-stand road from the Mouchak end). Once you enter, two things may overwhelm you: the fantastic air-conditioning which works (sadly lacking in many other reputed joints), and the quaint Darjeeling-café-ish decor.

The menu is quite overwhelming. Try their chicken omelette with chicken sausages, bacon, and garlic bread, or their bacon-wrapped pork sausages, or bacon cheese bombs, or their excellent selection of eclectic garden-sourced teas (first, second, or a myriad of flushes). They are all wonderfully served.

I simply LOVE their omelettes (really superb!), and their bacon dishes like the bacon-wrapped sausages. All are excellent, on the eyes as well as on the tongue. The coffees could (and should) definitely be better, but their teas are a class apart.

Addendum: Sometimes, on a weekend, you may catch an up-and-coming live band, a music release, or possibly an open-mic session here. So if you want to jive alone or with friends, here's the place to really be. And if you want to "really enjoy" the food (as one of the popular soft-drink ad shows!), better check before landing. Not everyone may appreciate the loudness, the crowdiness, or the consequent tardiness in service.

[Question: If any Foodie knows of any other place in Kolkata serving better, softer, or fresher bacon rashers, please leave a...

This quaint place tucked away in a narrow back lane of Golpark made me feel I was in Europe. They serve excellent tea along with good snacks. The place is fairly large inside, though the beautifully decorated tiny main door will suggest otherwise. The atmosphere is relaxed and quiet. Whether you enjoy a quiet chat with your friend here, or work at peace on your laptop, this is the place. The place also gets vibrant and noisy with people singing there to celebrate some occasion. They have a couple of microphones and mic stands to let you have a small performance as well. I visited in the afternoon, when it was quiet, with a few people sipping there teas and enjoying themselves in small groups and a few working on their laptop computers. I loved the experience.

The tea was excellent, and the basa fish fingers wers very good as well. They also had a bhetki fish option, I stead of basa.

A must visit, if u like a peaceful place away from all the hustle bustle right in middle...