Roots of Calcutta — Restaurant in West Bengal

It took me some time to pen this review of Roots of Calcutta by Bijoli Grill, which we visited during our trip to Kolkata in January 2025 after many years away. My son was eager to try Indo-Chinese cuisine, while my husband and I were excited to revisit the flavors of our youth, having cherished Bijoli Grill for over 35 years. We had seen videos showcasing the restaurant's ambiance and offerings and decided to experience it firsthand. Thankfully, we left feeling satisfied overall.

We were delighted by the ambiance at Roots of Calcutta by Bijoli Grill in New Town, Kolkata, which is a perfect blend of the heritage of Kolkata and modern aesthetics. The decor reflected the rich traditions of Bengal while incorporating contemporary elements creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The bathrooms were clean, at least the time of the day we were there, for which we were very grateful!

During our visit to Roots of Calcutta, one of the highlights was their Indo-Chinese menu—a culinary style deeply rooted in Kolkata's food culture. As lovers of this fusion cuisine, we were eager to check out the restaurant's balanced authenticity with innovation.

The menu at Roots of Calcutta by Bijoli Grill offers a diverse range of dishes that celebrate the rich culinary heritage of Bengal while incorporating modern and fusion elements catering to diverse palates. During our visit, we tried a few dishes with a special preference for Indo-Chinese.

Chef Leo and his team know the art of balancing traditional Hakka Chinese techniques with Indian spices and flavors. Each dish carried the hallmark characteristics of Indo-Chinese food—bold sauces, vibrant colors, and a medley of textures. My son loved the Hakka Noodles which were stir-fried to perfection with fresh vegetables and a smoky wok flavor. The subtle seasoning allowed the natural flavors to shine while pairing wonderfully with the spicier mains. My favorite, the Chili Fish, was crispy on the outside and soft inside, tossed in a flavorful chili sauce that balanced sweetness, spice, and umami beautifully. The fried rice we had ordered was infused with spicy Schezwan sauce, aromatic vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice, delivering a fiery yet balanced taste.

We also had to try the fish fry! Bijoli Grill’s version stands out for its attention to detail. The marinade was subtle yet flavorful, ensuring that the fish remained the star of the dish. The use of bhetki fish (I think it is also known as the Asian Sea Bass - please do the research), a sweet-water fish prized for its lack of bones and delicate flavor, elevated the experience. The crispness of the coating was impeccable, holding up even after being served a dollop of tangy Bengali kasundi mustard sauce, with julienned onions and cucumbers.

Chef Leo’s creations are not only delectable but also steeped in tradition, making it a must-visit spot for food enthusiasts exploring New Town.

The tea served at Bijoli Grill brought back memories of the essence of Bengali chai culture—strong, aromatic, and brewed with care. The tea was comforting with hints of cardamom, ginger, or cloves, served piping hot in delicate bone china cups.

We tried some other dishes too, and none of them disappointed us. Roots of Calcutta successfully delivered on its promise of nostalgic flavors with a modern twist. For us, it was not just about the food but also about reliving memories while introducing our son to the culinary treasures of Kolkata.

I would also like to mention the staff at this particular Roots of Calcutta restaurant: their service was attentive and friendly. They provided us with personalized care and warm and excellent hospitality enhancing our overall dining experience.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor craving authentic Bengali cuisine or fusion dishes, Roots of Calcutta by Bijoli Grill is worth...

On 19th of May, I along with my 10 friends visited "Roots of Calcutta", a newly opened fine dining place behind Axis Mall. My requirement was a private dining space where I could spend some quality time with my friends with whom I was catching up after a while. The first thing which drew my attention when I enterd the place was the neo-cool ambience coupled with oodles of hospitality from the restaurant staff. Mr Subhendu Pal, the floor manager greeted us with warmth and a genuine smile. The atmosphere was cool with class written all over the place, indicating the uniqueness of the place. All the staff were cordial and welcomed us all with a smile. They showed us to our private dining space which was neat with comfortable seating. I had ordered for a specially curated menu which was as follows : Welcome Drinks

Bombay Kalakhatta Gondhorajer Ghole Summer Delight

Starters

1.Murg Zafrani Tikka 2.Bhetki Fish Fry 3.Sabzi Sheekh Kabab 4.Kutte Mirch ka Tandoori mirch tikka

Main Course

1.Grilled Fish with lemon butter sauce 2.Herb rice Chicken Tikka masala 4.Mutton Kosha 5.Assorted Breads 6.Khubane Bhare Malai Kofta 7.Tandoori Paneer Tikka

Dessert

1.Cream Caramel 2.Brownie with chocolate sauce

The welcome drinks were super yummy with the Bombay kala khatta immediately bringing the temperatures down as soon as we sipped it. The starters were delectable with a special mention for Bhetki Fish Fry which was an absolute classic. The Kutte mirch ka Tandoori Murg Tikka was a melt in the mouth item with succulent and tender chicken pieces. The main attraction of the Main Course was Grilled Fish with Lemon Butter sauce which was just too good paired with aromatically cooked Herb Rice. Mutton Kasha was also delectable, with tender pieces of Mutton complemented by assorted breads.

We rounded of the evening with Cream Caramel and Brownie with Chocolate sauce which were both fantabulous and was asked for again and again to satiate the sweet tooth of the group.

I would like to thank the members who created such a vibrant atmosphere on a friends get together, making it a a special one to remember forever. A special thanks to the creative / hospitality team who with their behind the curtain work created such a memorable experience for us. I would give the following ratings :

Service 5 Dine in ambience / quality 5 Meal type - Dinner Food 5

Parking space Plenty of parking

Parking...

5th Birthday Celebration at Roots of Calcutta by Bijoli Grill – A Wonderful Experience!

We recently celebrated our son's 5th birthday at Roots of Calcutta by Bijoli Grill, and I felt compelled to share our experience—it was truly memorable!

🌟 Planning & Coordination We booked the venue just 10 days prior to the event, which naturally left us quite anxious about the arrangements—food, decorations, sound system, guest count, etc. But the moment we spoke to Mr. Soumitra (Manager), all our worries started fading. A real gentleman—calm, composed, and extremely reassuring. His words still echo in my ears: "Ma'am, you worry about everything else, leave the food with us." And indeed, they delivered on that promise!

🍽️ Food The food was the highlight of the event. Every single item was appreciated by our guests:

Starters: Cheese Balls, Fish Orly, Reshmi Kebab, French Fries (amazingly crispy till the last round!)

Main Course: Fish Diamond Fry, Paneer, Chicken Chap

Desserts: Gulab Jamun and Caramel Custard—110 out of 100!

Only minor con: There was less mutton in the biryani initially. Though Mr. Soumitra and the team quickly arranged for more, a few guests missed out. Just something to keep an eye on for next time.

🎉 Decoration The decoration was beautifully done by Chandan (associated with both the restaurant and also known to us personally). The decor received many compliments from guests and really added charm to the entire celebration.

🪄 Venue & Entertainment Comfortable space for up to 100 guests.

The team allowed a small area in front of the backdrop for a magic show and penguin mascot (image attached), which was a huge hit with the kids!

💰 Budget & Transparency One of our concerns was the cost, fearing hidden charges or inflated bills. But we were pleasantly surprised—thanks to the transparent billing and coordination, we were charged exactly as per guest count. No extra or hidden costs!

👏 Special Thanks A heartfelt thank you to:

Mr. Soumitra – for his exceptional management and reassuring nature.

Mr. Samiran and Mr. Solon – for their polite, attentive, and always-on-their-toes service.

Chandan – for the stunning and...