Kolkata/IBNS: As Kolkata gears up for Durga Puja, Garden Café, one of the city’s longstanding vegetarian eateries, is inviting visitors to experience festive flavours with a South Indian touch.

Founded in 1968 and later reimagined by Sandip Nowlakha in 1981, the café has built its reputation on combining tradition with subtle innovation.

Its menu features staples such as masala dosas, steamed idlis and vadas served with sambar and house-made chutneys, alongside variations like cheese mushroom garlic dosa, rava masala dosa and podi dosa. Diners looking for something unconventional can sample finger-fried idli, thatte idli or dahi idli fries.

Garden Café introduced the idea of offering 108 varieties of dosa in 1982 and is also credited with bringing pizza, prepared from a family recipe dating back to 1968, to Kolkata.

Another mainstay is the café’s filter coffee, brewed strong and aromatic, a preferred accompaniment for many regulars.

Beyond its food, the café emphasises accessibility and community. It highlights values of quality, affordability and hospitality, with five outlets across Kolkata and Jaipur.

The Alipore branch, where the Puja menu will be featured, maintains an open kitchen and regularly hosts rotating art exhibits.

The space is designed with simple interiors and facilities for families and solo visitors alike.

This Durga Puja, the café is positioning itself as a stop for those seeking festive flavours served with a mix of continuity and change — South Indian classics presented in a Kolkata setting.