Food,Culture,Language:
Food:
"Singara, Jilpi" and "Alur Chop". "Khichdi" is another great wonder of Bengal's culinary world. Usually this recipe is consumed along with fried vegetable that is popularly known as "Labra" in Kolkata.
Other highly-preferred food items of Kolkata people include "alu posto", "begun bhaja", "alu bhaja" and "dim bhaja". There are several eateries where pure Bengali foods are available. Among them Bhajahari Manna (in Ekdalia Park, Salt Lake), Aaheli, Suruchi (in the Peerless Inn hotel), Kewpies (in 2 Elgin Lane , South Kolkata) and Aradhana (in 205 A.P.C. Road) are very popular for offering traditional Bengali cuisines.
Apart from all these, multi-cuisine restaurants are also there to cater to your appetite. In those eateries, Chinese, South Indian, Muglai, Punjabi, Mexican as well as Thai recipes remain available. Added to this, a large number of Pizza huts are spread all over the city.
Food of Kolkata
reflects the taste and food habit of the city dwellers. Dining in Kolkata is indeed a delightful experience in itself. During a trip to Calcutta, one can enjoy various types of mouth-watering cuisines. From vegetarian to non vegetarian dishes, soups to deserts and appetizers to sweet dishes, all are relished equally by the city dwellers, as well as by the international visitors.
Mainly, rice with fish curry is considered to be the main dish of the people of Kolkata. "Luchi tarkari" is another favorite dish of the residents of Calcutta. On the other hand, among sweets, "Roshogolla", "Chomchom", "Shondesh", "Rajbhog", "Pantua","Pithe" and "Payesh" are indeed the most frequently consumed ones.
If you are fond of snacks, you can have "Kachuri".

Culture:
It is fun to explore the culture of Kolkata India. Over here, the days begin with a cup of tea and thereafter people leave from their houses to enjoy the morning breeze. They carry out their fitness workout consisting of walking, jogging, stretching etc. Bengal offers a mind-blowing variety of sweets and yummy mouthwatering dishes. Read on to know more about Calcutta culture:
Kolkata is truly a city of talent and passion, where people are lively and have an enthusiasm to live life to the fullest. If you want to get well versed with the Kolkatta culture, the best way is to look out for a friend over there and join adda i.e. the local parlance where chat sessions are held. Discussions take place on a wide variety of subjects ranging from politics, sports, religion, news, books, art, films, music, food etc. The discussions are healthy and never end with arguments or an ugly note.

Language:
Bengali and Hindi are the two most widely spoken languages in Kolkata. Most people, particularly in tourist areas, will have a fairly decent understanding of and capability to speak English. However, foreigners often find themselves having to compromise their English in order to communicate effectively. Speaking broken English may take some time getting used to but it is often the only way to make yourself understood. Using your hands and actions also help greatly in communication.

Airlines:
Flight Information: Arrivals 143 Departures 143
Indian Airlines: City 2211-4433 / 0730 Airport: 2511-9433 / 9637
Jet Airways: City 2229-2660 Airport 2511-6525 / 8836

Railways Enquiry:
Howrah - 2660-2581 / 3542 / 7412, Sealdah - 2350-3535 / 3537 / 3536 / 8828

Travel Agents:
Thomas Cook (I) Ltd Kolkata Email>> Tel: 2282-4711/12 www.thomascook.co.in

TAXIS:
Taxi Control Room - 2485-4040 / 5050, Blue Arrow Indicabs - 13658