Tangra

Tangra in Kolkata, often called “China Town”, is home to one of India’s oldest and most vibrant Chinese communities. Many families here trace their roots to immigrants who arrived in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, bringing with them rich cultural traditions, craftsmanship, and culinary skills. Tangra became especially famous for its tanneries, largely run by Chinese families for decades, shaping the area’s economic identity.Even after the tanneries shifted out, the community preserved its unique cultural footprint. Tangra’s Chinese temples, dragon motifs, and festive celebrations—especially Chinese New Year—keep heritage alive. The neighbourhood is best known today for its Indian-Chinese cuisine, a delicious fusion created in local kitchens and now beloved across India.Though smaller than before, the Chinese community in Tangra remains a symbol of Kolkata’s multicultural spirit, contributing to the city’s food, culture, and history with warmth and resilience.