Kolkata’s Secret Chinese Fairytale
Tangra Chinatown

5 min read

Posted on 22/05/2024

Article

Tangra

Chinatown Kolkata

Chinese Food

Quick Summary

Kolkata is a city of immense cultural diversity, reflected in its bustling Chinatown — Tangra. Tucked away in the city's eastern part, this place has witnessed Chinese traditions and Indian spices collide in a beautiful explosion of culture for hundreds of years. This blog looks closely at Tangra's past and present, including its vibrant food scene, cultural heritage, and traditional workshops. You'll find dragons and red lanterns, but they're also neighbours to Hindu deities and the sizzle of Bengali spices. This unique mix is what makes Tangra special. It's a chance to witness history unfold through the friendly faces of the local community and a must-visit for anyone wanting a taste of Kolkata's incredible cultural diversity.

Deep Dive

Have you ever dreamt of visiting China without leaving India? Tangra Chinatown in Kolkata keeps dreams alive with a dizzying blend of drama, culture, and food. Tangra boasts a rich history, with generations of Chinese families calling it home.

The first Chinese settlers here weren't precisely wielding chopsticks — they were rolling up their sleeves in carpentry, tanneries, and shipping. As more and more Chinese arrived, Tangra blossomed into Kolkata's very own "Chinatown.” Today, Tangra is a living museum with a mix of colourfully painted shops, restaurants, and temples, each offering a fascinating story waiting to be discovered. Want to know more? Keep reading!

Tangra's Irresistible Blend of Indian and Chinese Cuisine

Tangra wasn't always the food paradise it is today. But since Kolkata has always been a haven for street food adventurers, Tangra took it to a new level!

If you're a fan of the unique fusion of Indo-Chinese flavours, Tangra is your ultimate destination. From momos and Hakka noodles to chop suey, Tangra has it all. Don't miss out on classics like chilli chicken, crispy noodles, spring rolls, and the ever-popular Manchurian.

But if you're craving the authentic taste of China, you can leave behind the Indianised versions because Tangra has got you covered here, too. Treat yourself to melt-in-your-mouth dim sums, succulent pork belly, steaming hotpot, and dumplings bursting with flavours.

Leave Behind Honking Horns for Some Peaceful Time in Tangra

Need a break from Kolkata's buzzing energy? Take a stroll and discover the neighbourhood's hidden gems, including majestic Chinese temples like the Fo Guang Shan Kolkata Buddhist Temple and the Nam Soon Church. Moreover, traditional workshops, with their brick and wood facades, stand as testaments to the area's skilled craftspeople.

Furthermore, the charming courtyard-style houses lining the streets of Tangra offer a haven of serenity, inviting you to step into a different world where time seems to slow down. In Tangra, you can rejuvenate yourself by indulging in the peaceful atmosphere and immersing yourself in the cultural treasures that adorn every corner.

The warm local community of Tangra

The people of Tangra are the heart and soul of this unique neighbourhood. You'll always be welcomed here with open arms and a friendly smile. Despite facing discrimination from some members of the larger community in the past, the people of Tangra have remained as resilient as the Great Wall itself.

Residents are creative and entrepreneurial and have a deep-rooted pride in Chinese culture. Fireworks light up the sky during Chinese New Year, and dragon boats carve through the waters during the Dragon Boat Festival. They are also keeping their heritage alive for generations to come through various cultural celebrations and martial arts classes, ensuring a beautiful blend of tradition and progress.

Tangra: Where History Whispers and Your Soul Finds Peace

Take a stroll and discover the neighbourhood's hidden gems, including majestic Chinese temples like the Fo Guang Shan Kolkata Buddhist Temple and the Nam Soon Church. Moreover, traditional workshops, with their brick and wood facades, stand as testaments to the area's skilled craftspeople

blurb

Tangra is home to the largest Chinese community not only in Kolkata but also throughout the entire country!

The popular "Hakka noodles" of India were born in Tangra after the Chinese people from the Hakka region of China settled here in the 20th century.

From the 1950s to the late 1970s, Kolkata had some of India’s finest Chinese restaurants, mostly run by Cantonese immigrants.