7 Hidden Cabin Restaurants in North Kolkata You Missed (2026 Updated List)
If you think eating out in Kolkata is only about fine dining on Park Street or trendy cafes in Salt Lake, you are missing what truly defines the city. In the narrow lanes of North Kolkata, time seems to stand still. Here, food is not just a meal; it’s a feeling steeped in history, served on white plates with a side of Kasundi and nostalgia.
Welcome to the world of Cabin Restaurants in Kolkata, the original "private dining" spots of the city.
Long before the modern cafe scene took off, these cabins were safe havens for middle-class Bengali couples, college students skipping classes, and revolutionaries planning for India's independence. With their wooden partitions and curtained entrances, they provided privacy during a conservative time.
In 2026, while many have closed, a few legendary spots still exist, serving North Kolkata's heritage dishes that taste just as they did 100 years ago. Whether you are a true food lover or simply searching for budget-friendly restaurants for couples in Kolkata, this list is your ultimate guide.
Here are 7 hidden cabin restaurants in North Kolkata you definitely shouldn’t miss this year.
1. Allen Kitchen: The Scotch-Bengali Fusion
- Location: Jatindra Mohan Avenue (Near Shobhabazar Metro)
- Allen Kitchen is the name that sets the "Cabin" gold standard. Founded over 130 years ago by a Scotsman named Mr. Allen, this place is a legend. Unlike other cabins that rely on strong spices, Allen Kitchen is known for its use of pure ghee (clarified butter). This gives their cutlets a unique, rich aroma you won’t find anywhere else.
- What Makes it Hidden?
- Despite its fame among food lovers, many new-age diners overlook it because of its simple entrance. It closes early, around 8:30 PM, so if you arrive late, you’ll miss out.
- Must-Try Menu:
Prawn Cutlet: This is the main attraction. A large prawn butterfly-fried in pure ghee. It’s crispy, golden, and melts in your mouth.
Chicken Steak: Unlike the continental version, this is a fried delight coated in breadcrumbs. - Petuk Tip: There is no air conditioning, and the seating is basic. Go here strictly for the food. It’s one of the oldest cabins in Kolkata that has kept its recipe unchanged.
- Pocket Pinch: ₹300 - ₹400 for two.
2. Dilkhusha Cabin: The Heart of College Street
- Location: College Street (Near Bata More)
- College Street is the intellectual hub of the city, and Dilkhusha Cabin is its heart. For over a century, this spot has fueled intense political debates and college romances. While the private wooden cabins are gone, the spirit remains strong.
- The Vibe: You’ll sit shoulder-to-shoulder with students from Presidency and Calcutta University. The lively energy of the Boi Para (Book Colony) outside contrasts well with the old-world charm inside.
- Must-Try Menu:
Dimer Devil (Egg Devil): A spicy minced meat coating wrapped around a hard-boiled egg. It’s a perfect evening snack.
Kabiraji Cutlet: The "Coverage" cutlet (which became Kabiraji) here is famous. The egg-laced net covering the cutlet is crispy and non-greasy. - If you search for Dilkhusha Cabin on Google, you likely seek authentic taste. This place embodies North Kolkata heritage food.
- Pocket Pinch: ₹200 - ₹300 for two.
3. Niranjan Agar: The King of "Dimer Devil"
- Location: Girish Park (Chittaranjan Avenue)
- Niranjan Agar is often called a "hidden gem" because it sits quietly on the busy Chittaranjan Avenue, easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. Established in 1922, it was once a favorite spot of the legendary actor Uttam Kumar.
- The Heritage Factor:
This is one of the few places that truly masters the Duck Egg Devil. Most places use hen eggs, but Niranjan Agar sticks to the traditional duck egg, which has a richer and creamier yolk. - Must-Try Menu:
Mutton Kofta: A spicy, rich gravy dish best enjoyed with soft handmade rotis.
Fried Fish: Pure Bhetki fish, perfectly seasoned. - Local Insight:
This is a classic example of a budget couple's restaurant in Kolkata, focusing on heavy snacks rather than full-course dinners. - Pocket Pinch: ₹250 for two.
4. Mitra Cafe: The Legend (That You Think You Know)
- Location: Shobhabazar (Near Metro Station)
- You might say, "Mitra Cafe isn't hidden!" But have you explored the menu beyond the Kabiraji? Established in 1920, this place is a pillar of Bengali cuisine, but many visitors stick to the basics and miss out on the specialties.
- The Hidden Details:
Did you know they serve a Brain Chop? Yes, goat brain cooked with spices and deep-fried. It’s a delicacy that’s slowly disappearing from Kolkata's culinary scene. - Must-Try Menu:
Diamond Fry: A thick fillet of Bhetki fish that is surprisingly filling.
Mutton Stew: Light, flavorful, and served with toast. Perfect for a winter morning breakfast. - Pocket Pinch: ₹400 - ₹500 for two.
5. Dhiren Cabin: The Neighborhood Favorite
- Location: Shobhabazar (Ahiritola area)
- While Mitra Cafe attracts tourists, Dhiren Cabin is loved by locals. It’s a small spot that might be easy to miss but has a loyal fan base in North Kolkata. It’s a "para'r dokan" (neighborhood shop) elevated to legendary status.
- Why Go Here?
For the homely vibe. The staff treats you like family, and the food feels like it was cooked in a Bengali grandmother’s kitchen. - Must-Try Menu:
Fish Finger: Thin, crispy, and packed with fish, not just potato fillers.
Moghlai Paratha: Flaky, crispy, and filled generously with minced meat. - Petuk Tip:
This is a great spot after a day of pandal hopping during Pujo or a Sunday morning Bajar run. - Pocket Pinch: ₹150 - ₹200 for two.
6. Basanta Cabin: The Fading Glory
- Location: College Street (Opposite Medical College)
- Basanta Cabin evokes a sense of sadness. It is old, the paint is peeling, and the interiors are dimly lit. But that’s why you go there. It captures the essence of a Kolkata that is fading away. It was once a hub for freedom fighters who would exchange messages in the "cabins."
- The Experience:
It’s one of the oldest cabins in Kolkata still serving decent meals at very low prices. It is popular among medical students and office workers. - Must-Try Menu:
Fowl Cutlet: A classic dish that tastes best with their strong mustard sauce (Kasundi).
Mughlai Paratha: Best enjoyed with a cup of hot tea. - Pocket Pinch: ₹200 for two.
7. Favourite Cabin: The Freedom Fighter's Tea Room
- Location: Surya Sen Street (College Street area)
- Favourite Cabin is more of a tea room than a full restaurant, but it deserves a spot on this list for its historical significance. Founded in 1918, it was a secret meeting place for leaders of the Swadeshi movement, including Masterda Surya Sen.
- Why it’s Unique:
The owners have preserved the marble-top tables and the old cash counter just as they were. You don’t come here for a fancy dinner; you come here for the history. - Must-Try Menu:
Toast and Omlette: Simple, unpretentious, and comforting.
Special Tea: The perfect fuel for a long Adda session. - Pocket Pinch: ₹100 for two.
Explore all 7 Hidden Cabin Restaurants in North Kolkata on Google Maps
How to Plan Your "Cabin Food Walk"
- If you plan to visit these spots, here is a quick "Petuk Guide" for 2026:
- Start at Shobhabazar. Hit Allen Kitchen and Mitra Cafe first.
- Move to College Street. Take a tram, if you can find one, or a rickshaw to Dilkhusha and Basanta Cabin.
- Cash is King. While many now accept UPI, some of these old places still prefer cash. Keep some change handy.
- Timing Matters. Most cabins close for a few hours in the afternoon. The best time to visit is between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
Kolkata is changing. Malls are replacing markets, and cappuccinos are taking the place of tea in earthen cups. But these 7 hidden cabin restaurants in North Kolkata hold on to the city’s culinary soul.
So, this weekend, skip the burger and try a Kabiraji. Your taste buds and your wallet will thank you.
Have you visited any of these heritage cabins? Let us know your favorite dish in the comments below!
