Eateries Visit

Mrityunjoy Ghosh and Sons

Students from Class 11 and 12 explored Mrityunjoy Ghosh and Sons, a living tradition that unites generations and neighborhoods, much like Kolkata's century-old sweet shops that built legacies around rasgulla and sandesh. These aren't just desserts—they fuel community celebrations, warm hospitality, and cherished cultural memories passed down through families. This 94-year-old landmark, proudly named after its founder (the present owner's grandfather), creates deep customer bonds with early-morning snacks and timeless offerings like rosogolla, payesh, samosas, and sandesh. Fully vegetarian, with affordable pricing from ₹50 and a classic takeaway atmosphere, it captures 'old Kolkata' charm. Though the current generation couldn't share Partition-era stories, third-generation successor Mr. Somanath Ghosh describes how family resilience and unwavering customer trust overcame COVID-19 challenges. Multi-generational dedication, loyal patrons, and shared endurance preserve this eatery as a unifying community hub, where every sweet strengthens collective heritage.
 

New Aliah Hotel

Students from Class 11 and 12 visited New Aliah Hotel, established in 1928 by brothers Late Haji Md. Ali Box and Late Md. Ali, which has united Kolkata's food lovers for decades with its flavorful biryani legacy. Starting as a modest tea-and-snacks spot, it transformed into an elegant AC dining space with cozy chandelier-lit interiors. We spoke with Mr. Mohammad Zakir, a dedicated staff member of 40 years, who attributes the hotel's lasting popularity to consistent, high-quality dishes like iconic biryani, mutton chaap, and firni, where firni represents the hotel just as rosogolla represents Bengal. Open daily from 11:00 am to 11:30 pm, it welcomes everyone for timeless meals. Facing severe lockdown losses (over 100 workers), the team rebuilt through loyalty and government support. Decades-long staff teamwork, resilient recovery, and flavorful traditions draw diverse crowds together, fostering loyalty, satisfaction, and a shared sense of culinary continuity across communities.
 

Saldanha Bakery

Students from Class 11 and 12 discovered Saldanha Bakery, founded 90 years ago by Ms. Alisha Alexander's visionary Goan great-grandmother seeking independence, which unites four generations in a flourishing women-led legacy. Freshly baked treats like coconut macaroons, walnut cakes, and the prized rich fruit cake (from a 90-year-old oven) recall grandparents' favorites, with customers requesting creative birthday themes and flavors. French-Goan roots blend beautifully, as Ms. Alisha, passionate about baking since age 4, champions Makaibari culture. Diverse staff, including Muslims preparing Christmas and Easter items, reflect genuine harmony. No fixed counters; orders ensure freshness, with festival pop-ups for massive demand. Lockdown damaged bulk orders severely, but contactless delivery and sanitization revived business. Interfaith collaboration, family determination, adaptive innovation, and customer trust merge cultures and traditions, keeping this bakery a symbol of unity, diversity, and preserved heritage for Kolkata's melting pot.