Kolkata Social

Kolkata Social is a love letter to Bengali cuisine and culture in the heart of Sydney’s Inner West. Rooted in tradition yet shaped by the city’s diverse palate, it is guided by chef Ahana Dutt, a Kolkata-born talent whose journey spans India and celebrated Sydney kitchens, including Firedoor and Raja. Her approach honours local produce and time-honoured techniques, offering a perspective on Bengali cooking that moves beyond the familiar curry-house canon.

Flavours are layered and evocative: the gentle smoke of mustard oil, the hush of tempering spices, the brightness of fresh aromatics. Plates read like memories made tangible, from mustard oil-kissed barramundi to spiced ricotta wrapped in banana leaves. The cadence continues with Egg Dalna’s jammy comfort and the delicacy of Reshmi Kebab, scented with fenugreek and black pepper. Set menus trace a fuller arc, where Chicken Chaap nods to a beloved cousin of butter chicken, and Goat Kosha unfurls in slow-cooked depth.

The experience is intimate and narrative-driven, a captivating dine-in that brings stories to the table. Every set menu ordered also nourishes the wider community, with one meal donated in Sydney and another overseas through Calcutta Rescue, a charity improving lives in Kolkata with healthcare, education, and nutrition.

For those curious about the breadth of Bengali flavours, Kolkata Social offers a thoughtful invitation. Secure a seat, bring an appetite, and let the stories linger longer than the spice.