'Start your day right!' and 'Breakfast is the most important meal of the day' are among many of the dialogues thrown our way since we were children, but sometimes, doesn't an extra half hour in bed just seem so much more appealing than a half-arsed bowl of muesli?
But even for the most bed-devoted sleepyhead, the bustling roads of Tiretti Bazaar in Kolkata promises a breakfast that will keep you coming back for more, even at the crack of dawn.
Tiretti bazaar, or 'New China Town' is its own little cosmos of vibrance, commerce, cultural exchange, and a whole lot of Mahjong. The entire area is packed with narrow lanes of rows of bustling stalls with vendors selling their exotic sauces, shitake mushrooms, and herbs. Restaurants with a constant influx of tourists and locals, clubs, and Chinese temples (often termed as 'churches'), all set up by various ethnic communities in the hopes of nurturing the social and cultural essence of the Chinese population. Some of these churches are also used as 'clubs' or public spaces for socialising and celebration.
Image Courtesy: Culture Trip You're sure to find a few vendors in the area every day but the weekend is the busiest. They open for business at 6:30 am and by 8:30, they're all but sold out, so if you want to get a wide selection, set your alarms!
Start off with some familiar comfort with the steamed momos that come in chicken, pork, and fish varieties with a clear broth, perfect for a chilly morning. If you're feeling a little less health conscious however, go for the fried versions that are a crispy indulgence. Sample a slice of fusion food with the shrimp pooris, or if seafood's not your thing, the meaty Chinese sausages are a must-try. Another unmissable treat are the steamed buns, either pork or fish that are soft and fluffy with a surprise flavour-packed centre.
Image Courtesy: Lost With Purpose Delve into the more traditional side of things with Sweet Rice Zung, a glutinous rice preparation with special stuffing, served in a bamboo leaf. Pick up a side of Ham Choi (salted vegetables) and Khwai Choi Pan (Vegetable Pancakes) for a a burst of freshness. Moving on to the main course, give the Red Roast Pork a try, it a rare delicacy that is smoked overnight on a charcoal fire. Tiretti Market is the only place in the country to sample this slice of perfection so don't leave without trying it. Round off the morning indulgence with sticky rice puddings topped with sesame seeds. They are so soft and sweet, you'll want to take a few for the road.
Image Courtesy: Eatstreet We reckon that by this point you won't be capable of hauling your stuffed-self back home, so take a seat and watch the incomparable happenings of India's only China Town at work!
Feature image courtesy Apurb Singh
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