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VIEW PHOTOS
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Host: Bibi

Kolkata (Calcutta), India

USD
$29-$119 per person

Traditional Bengali food in Kolkata with a passionate local

Host offerings
  • Apartment
  • Professional cook
  • Pets
  • Vegetarian
  • Alcohol
  • Transportation
  • Cooking class
  • Market visit
  • Food tour

Meet Bibi

Bibi lives in a traditional Calcutta home with her teenage daughter, Joyee. Bibi, a restaurateur, started her career selling momos (steamed pork dumplings from Darjeeling) at the Nari Seva fair. She is a fun and friendly host passionate about sharing Bengali food and culture.

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

In-home meal: (1-8 guests) After your welcome drink of ampura sherbet (a refreshing raw mango drink) or, in the winter, apple juice with a hint of ginger, you will share a traditional Bengali meal eaten in courses with Bibi and her family. Dishes may include rice with a shaag bhaja (fried greens) or shukto (mixed bitter vegetables), dal, and vegetable bhaja (fried eggplant, crisp fried potato sticks), Bengali style vegetables, fish curry or fry, chicken or prawns cooked in a traditional way and papad and chutney. To finish, a dessert of mishti doi (sweetened yoghurt) or payesh (rice pudding with jaggery made from nectar from the date palm tree).

The menu can also include dishes from other regions of India. Please let Bibi know your food preferences or any allergies in advance, and you can further discuss and finalize the menu with her after booking.

Cooking experience: (1-8 guests) Join Bibi in her small kitchen watch her demonstrate how to cook authentic Bengali food that centers around a variety of vegetables and the flavors of mustard and panch poran (Bengali five-spice). The cooking demonstration will last about 2 hours.

Market visit: (1-8 guests) Discover local produce at one of Calcutta's old-world markets before returning home to learn to cook a traditional Bengali meal.

Notes: Bibi's apartment is on the 4th floor of a building which has a lift. It is located in the upmarket area of Jodhpur Park. Once you enter her home and meet Bibi, you feel comfortable and at home.

Languages spoken: English, Bengali, Hindi

Sample menu

This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
  • Shaag bhaja (fried greens) or shukto (mixed bitter vegetables)
  • Dal (lentils)
  • Vegetable bhaja (fried eggplant or crisp fried potato sticks)
  • Bengali style fish curry or chicken or prawns
  • Mishti doi (sweetened yoghurt) or payesh (rice pudding with jaggery made from nectar from the date palm tree).

Traveler reviews

5.0 (7)
Bibi gave a wonderful primer on Bengali cooking in her home. We had great conversation as she wove in her knowledge of the dishes and provided great back story and context to each dish. The ones she chose for the class highlighted different elements of Bengali flavors and were quite satisfying and varied. I can't recommend the class highly enough for people looking to experience authentic home Bengali cooking.
- Paul_B May 05, 2024
What can I say “ the high light of my West Bengal holiday “ this was the cherry on the top of a 12 day trip traveling in this beautiful region of India. Bibi is so welcoming and is highly knowledgeable on every aspect of India / Asian cooking. The meal we cooked together was the best Indian / Bengali food I had tasted. The instructions are explained step by step and I’m still watching some videos I shot while the prep and cooking was going on ! Can’t wait to get in the kitchen. Big thanks to Bibi and her family for allowing me to learn something I’ll surely repeat !
- Mark_S February 09, 2024
The experience was amazing for us! Bibi was an amazing host and showed us how Bengali food is cooked. We not only had a great food, but also great "adda" to go with it, which really completes a Bengali meal. I would highly recommend this experience to others who want to taste Bengal as a local!
- Ahbiroo October 10, 2023
We were new to Bengali food so Bibi, our hostess asked us a few questions about our preferred level of spiciness, and our likes and dislikes. We arrived at her house at lunchtime and she welcomed us with a glass of Kingfisher beer. We settled into her cozy home as her helper prepped some items. After some chit-chat we gathered around for a demonstration as Bibi's helper prepared four dishes. Bibi provided commentary and answered our questions. We returned to our chairs as the gourd dish cooked and the chicken marinated and had some more beer. We shared 2 bottles of Kingfisher strong. Bibi loves literature and we had some good conversations as we admired her library. After a bit, we went back to the hotplate to see how her helper finished the gourd dish and cooked the chicken. We had developed quite an appetite and were ready to sit down an eat. Bibi and her helper had previously prepared rice and dal to go along with the dishes from the demonstration. Her helper also fried up some fresh puri (a fried dough) for us. Everything was delicious! You could taste the different flavors and each course blended into the next seamlessly. We finished with a sweet vermicelli pudding that had been previously prepared and chilled. Very yummy! I would recommend this experience not only for the food, but for the conversation, and recommendations that Bibi and her husband can provide. Thanks for everything!
- Brodie M March 01, 2022
We (three adults and 3 years old kid) had amazing half day experience with Bibi and her husband, that included guided tour in food and fish market, detailed meal preparation with explanation and storytelling, and eventually eating the meal!Everything was more than perfect, we learned a lot and had overall local expect that could never be achieved without local experts like Bibi and her family.Thanks for everything!Highly recommended!
- Boris S October 18, 2019
Bibi was a great host and knowledgeable about many matters. She was easy to speak with and interested in many aspects of our conversation. The food taste and texture was very pleasing. We would visit again if back in Kolkata
- GORDON WATTS June 26, 2018
Had a last minute dinner arrangement at Bibi’s house. Was rather difficult for me to find her home but Bibi and her husband really tried to help me and navigate through the city, they were extremely supportive.We pre- agreed in the main courses with Bibi prior the event. I was nicely welcomed in their home- felt like visiting a friend of mine. Besides the great dinner - I believe there were 8 or 9 courses- we chatted nicely through the evening as well. Enjoyed the food and hospitality big time,and I got exactly what I have expected . If you are interested how locals live, the wonderful Bengali food, I highly recommend traveling spoon and Bibi as a host to you.
- neratha November 22, 2017
Read More

Bibi

$29-$119 USD

per person
100% VETTED
Learn more
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back
  • Credit card is not charged until the host confirms your booking
  • Private experience
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 $39 $35 $29
Cooking Experience + Meal
 $75 $65 $55
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
 $119 $109 $99
Alcohol
 $8 per person
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 $39 $35 $29
Cooking Experience + Meal
 $75 $65 $55
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
 $119 $109 $99
Alcohol
 $8 per person
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
In-Home Meal
 1:30pm-4:30pm 8:30pm-11:30pm
Cooking Experience+ Meal
 11:00am-2:00pm 5:30pm-8:30pm
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
 11:00am-4:00pm 5:00pm-10:00pm

Meet Bibi

Bibi lives in a traditional Calcutta home with her teenage daughter, Joyee. Bibi, a restaurateur, started her career selling momos (steamed pork dumplings from Darjeeling) at the Nari Seva fair. She is a fun and friendly host passionate about sharing Bengali food and culture.

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

In-home meal: (1-8 guests) After your welcome drink of ampura sherbet (a refreshing raw mango drink) or, in the winter, apple juice with a hint of ginger, you will share a traditional Bengali meal eaten in courses with Bibi and her family. Dishes may include rice with a shaag bhaja (fried greens) or shukto (mixed bitter vegetables), dal, and vegetable bhaja (fried eggplant, crisp fried potato sticks), Bengali style vegetables, fish curry or fry, chicken or prawns cooked in a traditional way and papad and chutney. To finish, a dessert of mishti doi (sweetened yoghurt) or payesh (rice pudding with jaggery made from nectar from the date palm tree).

The menu can also include dishes from other regions of India. Please let Bibi know your food preferences or any allergies in advance, and you can further discuss and finalize the menu with her after booking.

Cooking experience: (1-8 guests) Join Bibi in her small kitchen watch her demonstrate how to cook authentic Bengali food that centers around a variety of vegetables and the flavors of mustard and panch poran (Bengali five-spice). The cooking demonstration will last about 2 hours.

Market visit: (1-8 guests) Discover local produce at one of Calcutta's old-world markets before returning home to learn to cook a traditional Bengali meal.

Notes: Bibi's apartment is on the 4th floor of a building which has a lift. It is located in the upmarket area of Jodhpur Park. Once you enter her home and meet Bibi, you feel comfortable and at home.

Languages spoken: English, Bengali, Hindi

Sample menu

This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
  • Shaag bhaja (fried greens) or shukto (mixed bitter vegetables)
  • Dal (lentils)
  • Vegetable bhaja (fried eggplant or crisp fried potato sticks)
  • Bengali style fish curry or chicken or prawns
  • Mishti doi (sweetened yoghurt) or payesh (rice pudding with jaggery made from nectar from the date palm tree).

Traveler reviews

5.0 (7)
Bibi gave a wonderful primer on Bengali cooking in her home. We had great conversation as she wove in her knowledge of the dishes and provided great back story and context to each dish. The ones she chose for the class highlighted different elements of Bengali flavors and were quite satisfying and varied. I can't recommend the class highly enough for people looking to experience authentic home Bengali cooking.
- Paul_B May 05, 2024
What can I say “ the high light of my West Bengal holiday “ this was the cherry on the top of a 12 day trip traveling in this beautiful region of India. Bibi is so welcoming and is highly knowledgeable on every aspect of India / Asian cooking. The meal we cooked together was the best Indian / Bengali food I had tasted. The instructions are explained step by step and I’m still watching some videos I shot while the prep and cooking was going on ! Can’t wait to get in the kitchen. Big thanks to Bibi and her family for allowing me to learn something I’ll surely repeat !
- Mark_S February 09, 2024
The experience was amazing for us! Bibi was an amazing host and showed us how Bengali food is cooked. We not only had a great food, but also great "adda" to go with it, which really completes a Bengali meal. I would highly recommend this experience to others who want to taste Bengal as a local!
- Ahbiroo October 10, 2023
We were new to Bengali food so Bibi, our hostess asked us a few questions about our preferred level of spiciness, and our likes and dislikes. We arrived at her house at lunchtime and she welcomed us with a glass of Kingfisher beer. We settled into her cozy home as her helper prepped some items. After some chit-chat we gathered around for a demonstration as Bibi's helper prepared four dishes. Bibi provided commentary and answered our questions. We returned to our chairs as the gourd dish cooked and the chicken marinated and had some more beer. We shared 2 bottles of Kingfisher strong. Bibi loves literature and we had some good conversations as we admired her library. After a bit, we went back to the hotplate to see how her helper finished the gourd dish and cooked the chicken. We had developed quite an appetite and were ready to sit down an eat. Bibi and her helper had previously prepared rice and dal to go along with the dishes from the demonstration. Her helper also fried up some fresh puri (a fried dough) for us. Everything was delicious! You could taste the different flavors and each course blended into the next seamlessly. We finished with a sweet vermicelli pudding that had been previously prepared and chilled. Very yummy! I would recommend this experience not only for the food, but for the conversation, and recommendations that Bibi and her husband can provide. Thanks for everything!
- Brodie M March 01, 2022
We (three adults and 3 years old kid) had amazing half day experience with Bibi and her husband, that included guided tour in food and fish market, detailed meal preparation with explanation and storytelling, and eventually eating the meal!Everything was more than perfect, we learned a lot and had overall local expect that could never be achieved without local experts like Bibi and her family.Thanks for everything!Highly recommended!
- Boris S October 18, 2019
Bibi was a great host and knowledgeable about many matters. She was easy to speak with and interested in many aspects of our conversation. The food taste and texture was very pleasing. We would visit again if back in Kolkata
- GORDON WATTS June 26, 2018
Had a last minute dinner arrangement at Bibi’s house. Was rather difficult for me to find her home but Bibi and her husband really tried to help me and navigate through the city, they were extremely supportive.We pre- agreed in the main courses with Bibi prior the event. I was nicely welcomed in their home- felt like visiting a friend of mine. Besides the great dinner - I believe there were 8 or 9 courses- we chatted nicely through the evening as well. Enjoyed the food and hospitality big time,and I got exactly what I have expected . If you are interested how locals live, the wonderful Bengali food, I highly recommend traveling spoon and Bibi as a host to you.
- neratha November 22, 2017
Read More
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 $39 $35 $29
Cooking Experience + Meal
 $75 $65 $55
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
 $119 $109 $99
Alcohol
 $8 per person
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ people
In-Home Meal
 $39 $35 $29
Cooking Experience + Meal
 $75 $65 $55
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
 $119 $109 $99
Alcohol
 $8 per person
*Does not include 4% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
 Lunch Dinner
In-Home Meal
 1:30pm-4:30pm 8:30pm-11:30pm
Cooking Experience+ Meal
 11:00am-2:00pm 5:30pm-8:30pm
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
 11:00am-4:00pm 5:00pm-10:00pm
ABOUT TRAVELING SPOON

Traveling Spoon connects you with meaningful culinary experiences, from private cooking lessons to homecooked meals in people's homes. Enjoy an immersive cultural experience that gives you a glimpse into the local way of life.

FAQ

    You can cancel your reservation up until 48 hours before your experience for a full refund minus a 4% processing fee. Experiences within 48 hours are not refundable.

    If you have a question for your host, you can include a note in the field "Write a note to your host" during the booking process. Once your booking is confirmed, you will be emailed your host's direct contact information and you will also be able to message the host through your profile. You can always cancel your booking and receive a full refund 48 hours or more before your experience. If you have other questions you can also email us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Most of our hosts are able to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies, including vegetarian and gluten free options. For vegetarian travelers, we have an icon on each host profile to indicate whether that host can also offer a fully vegetarian menu. There is a section in the booking form to note any allergies or dietary restrictions which will be sent directly to your host.

    Some hosts offer alcohol as an optional add-on for travelers who are of legal drinking age. Pricing for alcohol is visible on the host profile page and includes one to two glasses of wine, beer or local alcohol.

    Have a flight or other tour planned and can't make the timing provided? If the timing listed on the host's profile doesn't work for you, our hosts can often accommodate timing changes. Because all of our experiences are private our hosts are happy to tailor experiences to meet your travel needs. Simply note your request in the booking process.

    Your card will not be charged until your host accepts your booking. Typically hosts respond to bookings within 72 hours. In the event your host is unavailable on your selected date and your host rejects your booking your credit card will not be charged.

    Your host's detailed contact information, including their phone number, address, and direction notes, will all be provided immediately upon successful confirmation of your experience (after your hosts accepts your booking and your credit card is successfully processed). This information will be emailed to you to the email address you used to sign up, and will also be visible on your Traveling Spoon profile.

    All prices are noted per person prices unless otherwise specified. Transportation is typically charged on a per car basis. Children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free. Hosts set their own prices and Traveling Spoon marks up the experiences; on average hosts receive over 70% of the price paid by the traveler.

    100% of Traveling Spoon experiences are private! Just you and your host and host's family.

    Hosts typically respond to booking inquiries within 72 hours. If for some reason you have not heard from your host or if you have any questions you can always contact us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Your safety and security are our top priority. To ensure this, Traveling Spoon personally vets 100% of all hosts, including an in-person host visit, to ensure each host and experience meets our strict quality requirements.

    Some hosts offer transportation as an optional add-on for travelers. Typically this is round trip transportation with pick up and drop off at your hotel. Pricing is quoted per car. Specific instructions for transportation will be provided in your confirmation details when your booking is confirmed.

    Many of our hosts accommodate solo travelers. You can see if a host accepts solo travelers by looking at the traveler range found next to the experience descriptions on the host profile (indicated by the numbers in parentheses next to "In-home meal", "Cooking experience" and "Market visit").

    Most of our Traveling Spoon experiences are incredibly family friendly and can accommodate infants and children. If a host is unable to accommodate children that will be noted in the "Notes" section of their profile. Our child pricing policy is children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free.