Nizam's Restaurant — Restaurant in Kolkata

I grew up in Calcutta and had often enjoyed the egg rolls at Nizam's. On a recent visit to the city I found out that things seem to have changed drastically.

I had visited Nizam's Calcutta on the 4th of June and placed an order for a few rolls to be packed and one roll which I would like to eat while I waited for the order to be packed. Everything went downhill after that.

It appears that those who will consume the food at the premises and those who do take aways are treated very differently.

The person in the kitchen who received my K.O.T. was very surly and expressed irritation when I asked for zero chillies in the rolls except the egg potato roll which I wanted to eat while I waited.

I waited for about 15 minutes and then requested one of the stewards to check about my egg potato roll. He completely ignored me and walked away. I had to walk up to the counter and request the cashier/manager to depute someone to check. He waved me off by saying, "Your is packing order, (sic!) go and ask at the kitchen window yourself." I was dumbfounded!

However, another steward came forward and asked me to wait while he went to check. Soon he returned with the roll and told me that I should have sat at a table and placed both orders for take away and table service. He added, "They are kitchen staff, they won't listen to you. They only listen to us."

DANGER BELLS STARTED RINGING!

I flew back home and presented my family with the 'delectable' rolls from the famous Nizam's of Calcutta. They were overjoyed, till it was time for dinner. Each and every roll had been liberally spiced with shredded green chillies and the heat levels were intolerable even for a person like me who enjoys spicy fare. I feel the surly kitchen order taker did it deliberately, for what reason I don't know.

I have spent many years working and training people from the service industry. Being polite with the service staff is of paramount importance to me, I don't think I could have done anything to trigger this belligerent attitude.

All in all, that was my last visit to this establishment and it ended a relationship which spanned 40 years.

There are far tastier, more hygienic and customer friendly alternatives available in...

Friday, October 8, 2021 9:00 PM IST (Post Covid19, New Market, Kolkata)

Please support all the local, especially the old restaurants during these testing times... we have grown eating there legendary food... now it's time to help them survive. Please do visit Nizam's...

First Impression. A lot of settings, people eating.... walls decorated with posters of old films... lamps... and bright lighting...

The Ambience is very well done, except it's very hot, they do have wall fans and a few coolers... but... people tend to stand right in front of it... although they do have a new Air Conditioned area... I didn't prefer it... as I like traditional seating space.

Anyway the most important part is food. Dinner time 9 PM... and thus goes the experience... I have had high hopes.... but it was extremely disappointing 😞.

I wanted to try there famous kebab... but it was not available, there new mutton item... not available, Biryani not available, Kulfi Faluda again not available.

More so... we did manage to get a few items to try... And after waiting and waiting... and just before patience ran out we were served...

Paratha... priced at rs. 40... it was thinner than rumali roti... (being sarcastic 🙄) Chicken chaap... tasted well... portions size is good enough for only one person... don't bother to share... Mutton Rezalla (second option, instead of there new dish) two small pieces of mutton about 50 grams each give or take... and about 250 grms of gravy... After a bill of around 650/675... it was a very disappointing experience.

As I am writing this my grand mom, was telling us that my late grandfather took her out for lunch to Nizam's ages ago... remembering Kathi kebab and rolls .. after watchin a movie near by... it was they year they got married... It's a legendary outlet... it has a lot of history, and my only hope is that the promoters of the restaurant improves all the aspect of it.

Despite this experience, I look forward to visit again.

My reviews are impartial and is not in any way to advertise but to share my experience...

• Nizam's Restaurant in Esplanade is one of Kolkata’s most iconic eateries, famously known as the birthplace of the Kathi Roll. With a legacy dating back decades, it draws crowds for its old-school charm and Mughlai-style delicacies.

• 📍 Located near the busy New Market area and just a short walk from Esplanade Metro Station, the restaurant is easily accessible via metro, bus, or cab. It’s tucked along Hogg Street, right in the middle of the city’s shopping and heritage zone.

• I had heard a lot about Nizam’s over the years and finally got the chance to visit yesterday. We chose to sit in the non-AC section as we were in a hurry. While the space carries a classic, old-world vibe, I must say the cleanliness was severely lacking, both in the seating area and visibly in the kitchen. For a place with such a reputation, hygiene should be a top priority.

• We ordered the Egg Chicken Kathi Roll (₹105), Murgh Malai Kebab (₹305 for 6 pieces), and Zafrani Firni (₹90). The roll was satisfying — flavorful, generously filled, and definitely value for money. Sadly, the kebab didn’t live up to the hype. It lacked the essential smokiness and the malai coating was overly sweet, making it feel out of balance and overpriced.

• The Zafrani Firni stole the show. 💫 Chilled to perfection, delicately sweet with a fragrant touch of saffron — it was pure bliss. Easily the highlight of the meal and something I’d return just to have again.

• The staff were polite but clearly lacked professionalism. Our initial cutlery was poorly cleaned, though they did replace it promptly when we pointed it out — without any fuss, which was appreciated. Still, basic cleanliness and service standards need serious improvement.

Overall: A historic restaurant with potential, but the current state — especially cleanliness and food consistency — needs attention. Come for the legacy and that heavenly firni, but manage your...