India is a sensory overload, a place where extremes of wealth and poverty, tradition and modernity, exist side by side in a dizzying, vibrant chaos. In the second season of No Reservations (2006), Anthony Bourdain dove headfirst into the overwhelming intensity of Kolkata and Mumbai, two cities that embody the relentless energy of the subcontinent. This episode wasn’t just a food tour; it was a test of endurance and an attempt to understand a culture that defies simple explanation. Bourdain’s approach to these colossal cities was to embrace the street-level reality, seeking out the flavors that fuel the millions who navigate the daily grind. The culinary scene in Kolkata and Mumbai is renowned for its incredible diversity, from the refined elegance of high-end hotel dining to the explosive spices of the street carts and bustling markets. He explored the stark contrasts, savoring everything from intricate street snacks in the shadow of iconic bridges to deeply traditional Muslim fare in historic neighborhoods. Here is a guide to the unforgettable spots that captured the relentless spirit and complex flavors of these two Indian powerhouses.
When Anthony Bourdain visited the cities of Kolkata and Mumbai in India on his show No Reservations Season 2 Episode 10, he and his crew picked many restaurants. Here are all the addresses and the dishes showcased on No Reservations – Anthony Bourdain Kolkata and Mumbai, all in a convenient list:
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DISH – Whole Tandoori Chicken
WHAT IS IT?
Whole chicken spiced with masala and roasted in a tandoor.
WHERE IS IT?
তাজ বেঙ্গল, কলকাতা (Taj Bengal, Kolkata)
34-B, Belvedere Rd, Alipore
Kolkata, West Bengal, India
ANTHONY BOURDAIN KOLKATA AND MUMBAI NOTES
According to Tony, “The chefs at Tan Bengal make one hell of a chicken dinner.”
DISH – Puri Bhaji
WHAT IS IT?
Fried up flour (puri) with potatoes, vegetables and curry.
WHERE IS IT?
MULLICK GHAT FLOWER MARKET Hawkers Committee
p222, 1, Strand Bank Rd, Fairley Place, B.B.D. Bagh
Kolkata, West Bengal, India
ANTHONY BOURDAIN KOLKATA AND MUMBAI NOTES
Mullick Ghat Flower Market is the biggest flower market in Kolkata, found under the Howrah Bridge, with various food stalls around it.
DISH – Jhalmuri
WHAT IS IT?
Puffed rice with potatoes, wheat crackers and spices, topped with a sauce made of sugar, molasses and fresh cilantro
READ MORE: IF YOU THINK THAT THE BEST INDIAN DISHES ARE ALL THE SAME, THEN THINK AGAIN!
WHERE IS IT?
ময়দান (Maidan)
Maidan
Kolkata, West Bengal, India
ANTHONY BOURDAIN KOLKATA AND MUMBAI NOTES
Maidan is a large urban park in Kolkata with cricket grounds and food carts.
DISH – Kebabs, Falooda, Baida Roti, and Magaj
WHAT IS IT?
Kebabs – grilled skewered meat like kidneys, minced lamb, chicken tandoori, and lungs; Falooda – dessert drink of fresh coriander seeds, rose water, vermicelli, homemade ice cream and milk; Baida Roti – fried minced meat and eggs in chapati bread; Magaj – animal brains fried with tomatoes, onions, peppers, garam masala and spices.
WHERE IS IT?
भेंडी बाजार (Bhendi Bazaar)
Ajmer, Bhuleshwar
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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ANTHONY BOURDAIN KOLKATA AND MUMBAI NOTES
Bhendi Bazaar is the muslim section of Mumbai, known for its food street.
Bourdain’s exploration of Kolkata and Mumbai was a hallmark of his early television work, showcasing his willingness to tackle destinations that challenge Western sensibilities. This episode highlighted his profound respect for the complex, often chaotic, food culture of India, emphasizing that some of the most extraordinary culinary experiences happen far from white tablecloths. By plunging into the crowded markets and vibrant street food scenes, he demonstrated that understanding a country requires engaging with its most intense realities. The vivid flavors and the sheer scale of the food operations he witnessed left a lasting impression, cementing India as a place of endless culinary fascination. When planning your own trip to India, make sure you step out of the hotel and into the beautiful chaos of the streets.
