Recently during my visit to Bolpur, Shantinekatan, I came across this amazing restaurant that serves Authentic Bengali food with a menu that is enough to satisfy all your cravings.
Situated just adjacent or the back of the famous Sonajhuri Khowai Haat, Shakuntala Restaurant is a part of the Shakuntala Village Resort and has its own serenity and depicts the tribal culture.
Though the Restaurant is a part of the Resort yet it is open to the outside visitors also.
The ambience of the place is alluring as you would find greenery , wood made furniture with aroma of nature, mud pots , jhuri(basket) as light hangings and lanterns etc for decorations, giving you a feel of purity that will connect you to the vibes of freshness and help you relax.
The prices of the food are very minimal and they have a very short menu which is dynamic in nature. They serve the food on mud thali upon which there is a layer of Padda pata that makes it look more stunning and presentable.
With such amazing vibes and the aroma of the place, we ended up ordering almost everything on the menu.
The mandatory thali which they offer is the veg thali (170/-) per person, Katla Mach 2 pcs(80/-) and Ilish mach 2 pcs(200/-).
They also had kochi pathar mangso , murgrir mangso, katla mach and pomfret too but by the time we ordered the food the timings of further ordering were already over.
*The restaurant serves Breakfast and Lunch only with Timings (8am- 10am) (12pm-3pm) depending on their availablity of the food as they like to serve fresh mouth watering food only.
Pocket friendly costing (Rs 600-700/-) for 2 person.
The restaurant works on a prepaid system. You need to select the item and pay for the food in advance. You will be issued a reference slip which you will give to the waiter who will come to ask for your order and he will get your order processed accordingly.
*Visit at the time when the restaurant starts serving the variety they serve.
*Open to all the visitors either staying in the hotel or the ones came to explore.
*As the Restaurant has two kitchens one is for the Authentic Bengali food other is for Chinese etc, make sure you choose the right one.
*This place is must visit for people who loves to enjoy the tribal culture , observe the Sonajhuri Khowai Haat view with some baul gaan (tradiotional song) and some really...
Read moreLocated in the cultural haven of Shantiniketan, Shakuntala Restaurant stands out as a culinary gem amidst the tranquil surroundings. Set against the backdrop of Rabindranath Tagore's poetic legacy and the vibrant arts scene, this restaurant offers a delightful fusion of flavors and ambiance that embodies the spirit of the town.
Nestled in the bustling Sonajhuri Hat area, Shakuntala Restaurant welcomes visitors with its charming decor and rustic charm. The ambiance is cozy and inviting, with comfortable seating arrangements and tasteful decor elements that reflect the essence of Shantiniketan's artistic heritage.
But it's the food that truly steals the show at Shakuntala Restaurant. The menu showcases a delectable array of dishes inspired by both traditional Bengali cuisine and contemporary culinary trends. From mouthwatering seafood delicacies to hearty vegetarian fare, each dish is a testament to the chefs' skill and dedication to quality.
One cannot visit Shakuntala Restaurant without sampling their signature dishes. The seafood specialties, such as the prawn malai curry and fish tikka, are a must-try for seafood lovers, while the paneer dishes and vegetable curries are sure to satisfy even the most discerning vegetarian palate. Each dish is prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring an authentic and flavorful dining experience.
In addition to its delectable food offerings, Shakuntala Restaurant also prides itself on its attentive service and warm hospitality. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure a memorable dining experience for every guest.
Whether you're a visitor exploring the cultural wonders of Shantiniketan or a local resident in search of a culinary delight, Shakuntala Restaurant offers a dining experience that's as memorable as it is delicious. With its inviting ambiance, exquisite cuisine, and impeccable service, it's no wonder that Shakuntala has become a favorite dining destination in the heart of...
Read moreNew Review: • ⭐⭐ Beautiful location inside the Sonajhuri forest – gives a peaceful, Bengali village vibe. • ⭐⭐ Authentic Bengali ambience – the setup feels traditional and rooted in culture. • ❌ Third visit, and the worst experience so far. Previously the food was great, but not this time. • ❌ Food quality and quantity both dropped – portions were small and not sufficient for our group of 8. • ❌ Several dishes were unavailable, and nothing was offered as a proper replacement. • ❌ Very poor hygiene overall. The restaurant didn’t feel clean or well-managed. • ❌ Washroom was in terrible condition – smelly, dirty, and not at all suitable for customers, especially for women. • ❌ Water was overflowing around the hand basin, and our clothes got wet in waste water. • ❌ Flies were everywhere, especially around the washroom area – extremely unhygienic. • ❌ No visible staff assigned to maintain cleanliness during rush hours. • ❌ Feels like they’re now only focused on making money, not on guest experience.
⚠️ Sadly, this visit was a big disappointment. Not planning to return to Shakuntala again.
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Old Review: The biggest advantage : it is located in the mid of Shonajhuri Bazaar and this is the 1st restaurant. Food quality is pretty decent. The restaurant is clean but not hygienic as there were flies buzzing. Portion size is good as well, they serve extra portions but on limited items. If you ask for chutney twice, they won’t. But other restaurants in the same area will give each and every items as many times you will ask for. Restaurant is instagram worthy and ambiance is pretty decent.
Biggest con is the price. ₹170 for veg thali. This is extortionately high and unacceptable. Though you can’t argue. If you want 2 pieces mutton, you have to pay freaking ₹200 extra!!! Washrooms are not clean. It’s stinky. Some staffs are cooperative and some are quite rude.
They will even charge you extra for sitting in AC restaurant and you will sweat profusely in non AC seating...
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