Indian Coffee House — Restaurant in Kolkata

Title: A Timeless Classic: Indian Coffee House on College Street

Rating: ★★★★☆

Located in the heart of Kolkata's intellectual hub, Indian Coffee House on College Street holds a special place in the city's cultural history. As an iconic institution that has stood the test of time, this establishment has remained a beloved haunt for generations of students, intellectuals, and coffee enthusiasts.

Upon stepping into Indian Coffee House, one is immediately struck by its old-world charm. The interior, with its high ceilings, large windows, and vintage furniture, transports visitors back in time to an era when coffee houses were vibrant hubs of intellectual exchange. The walls are adorned with black and white photographs of prominent personalities who have frequented the café, adding to its rich historical ambiance.

The menu at Indian Coffee House is simple yet satisfying. It offers a range of affordable snacks, sandwiches, and beverages, with coffee being the star attraction. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee permeates the air, inviting patrons to indulge in a cup of piping hot goodness. Whether you prefer the strong and invigorating espresso or the smooth and creamy cappuccino, the coffee here never disappoints.

The true essence of Indian Coffee House lies in its atmosphere. It is a place where lively conversations, debates, and discussions flow freely. Students and intellectuals from nearby universities, writers, artists, and professionals gather here to exchange ideas, engage in intellectual banter, or simply find solace in the company of like-minded individuals. The vibrant chatter and animated conversations provide an electric energy that is hard to find elsewhere.

The service at Indian Coffee House is efficient and unassuming. The waiters, dressed in traditional attire, are seasoned professionals who have witnessed the café's evolution over the years. They efficiently navigate through the bustling crowd, taking orders and serving food with a touch of old-world charm. Despite the occasional rush, they manage to maintain a friendly and welcoming demeanor.

However, Indian Coffee House is not without its flaws. The seating arrangements can be a bit cramped, and during peak hours, finding a vacant table might require a bit of patience. The overall cleanliness could also be improved, as the cafe's popularity sometimes leads to a slight neglect in this area.

Nevertheless, these minor shortcomings hardly dampen the allure of Indian Coffee House. It remains an enchanting place that captures the essence of Kolkata's intellectual heritage. The conversations that echo through its halls, the aroma of coffee that lingers in the air, and the rich history embedded within its walls make it an experience that is both nostalgic and enriching.

In conclusion, Indian Coffee House on College Street is more than just a café; it is a cultural landmark that has stood as a witness to Kolkata's intellectual vibrancy. Its timeless appeal, coupled with its authentic coffee and lively atmosphere, make it a must-visit for anyone seeking a taste of Kolkata's intellectual and...

I recently visited this coffee house that I’d heard so much about. It had a kind of old-world charm that made me feel nostalgic, almost like stepping back in time to my college days when we’d gather in tiny cafés and talk for hours. That cozy, slightly rustic atmosphere was probably the highlight of the experience. There’s a certain warmth to the décor, from the mismatched chairs to the vintage posters on the wall, that really took me back. It’s the kind of place you’d expect to find poets scribbling away in the corner.

However, as much as I wanted to love this place, I couldn’t ignore some major drawbacks that ultimately left me feeling just average about the whole experience. For one, the summer heat was almost unbearable. There’s no air conditioning, just a few ceiling fans that do little more than move the hot air around. It was sweltering, and I found myself wishing they’d invest in at least a couple of portable AC units to make it more bearable. I get that part of the vibe is that old-school café feel, but comfort should still be a priority, especially in the summer months.

Another big downside was the noise. Between the conversations of other patrons and the clattering of cups and plates, it was hard to hear myself think. It’s not the place to go if you’re hoping to have a quiet, introspective coffee break or get any work done. The acoustics just aren’t great, and it all adds up to a pretty noisy experience that took away from the relaxing vibe I’d hoped for.

One thing that really bothered me was the smoking. Almost everyone there seemed to be lighting up, and it was very disturbing for someone like me who doesn’t smoke. The café doesn’t seem to have any separate smoking area, so the smell and smoke drift throughout the whole place. It made it hard to fully enjoy the food and drinks, as the smoke just hung in the air. I understand that some people like to smoke with their coffee, but I wish there was a way to separate smokers from non-smokers to make it more pleasant for everyone.

Speaking of the food and drinks, they were alright but definitely overpriced for what you get. I had a simple iced coffee and a sandwich, and while they tasted fine, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I’d paid too much for what was essentially pretty standard fare. The menu isn’t huge, either, which is fine if you’re just there for the coffee, but it doesn’t offer much excitement if you’re hoping for something a bit more substantial.

Overall, I’d give this place a solid three stars. It’s got a nostalgic charm that can be appealing, but the heat, noise, smoke, and slightly overpriced food really keep it from being a top-notch spot. Maybe I’d come back in the winter when the lack of AC wouldn’t be a problem, but for now, I’ll be exploring other coffee spots...

The Indian Coffee House: A Classic Experience

I have always heard about the legendary Indian Coffee House at College Street, but never got a chance to visit it until today. I went there with my friend, and we were both excited to see what this iconic place had to offer.

We entered the two-storey building, and decided to go to the first floor, which had an open balcony overlooking the busy street. The waiters, dressed in their traditional white uniforms and turbans, greeted us warmly and showed us to our table. We quickly scanned the menu, which had a variety of dishes ranging from 50 to 200 rupees. We ordered a plate of chicken kabiraji (110/-), a crispy fried chicken cutlet coated with egg, and a cold coffee (55/-), a refreshing drink made with milk, coffee and ice cream.

We didn't have to wait long for our food, as it arrived in about 10 minutes. The chicken kabiraji was delicious, with a crunchy exterior and a tender interior, served with some tangy sauce and salad. The cold coffee was creamy and frothy, with a strong coffee flavor and a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. We enjoyed our meal, while admiring the ambience of the place, which had a vintage charm and a lively atmosphere. The tables were small and cozy, suitable for two or four people. We sat near a window, and watched the people and vehicles passing by.

After finishing our food, we paid our bill through UPI, a convenient digital payment method, and left the place. We were satisfied with our experience, and felt that we had a taste of the history and culture of Kolkata.

Here is my rating for the Indian Coffee House:

Food : 4/5 Ambience : 4/5 Staff and behaviour : 5/5 Location : 5/5 Budget and pricing : 4/5

Overall : 4.4/5

I would recommend this place to anyone who wants to try some authentic Bengali cuisine, and enjoy a classic coffee house experience. It is a must-visit for any food...