Mitra Cafe - Sovabazar

Walking into the iconic Mitra Café, Sovabazar is like stepping into a time machine of Kolkata’s culinary history. Established in 1920, this legendary eatery has been serving up crispy, juicy, and flavor-packed delights for over a century. But let’s be honest — while the soul of the place remains intact, the standards have taken a bit of a tumble. Their iconic Mutton Kabiraji still comes wrapped in its golden, crispy egg net, but the crunch isn’t as magical as it once was. The famous Fish Diamond Fry remains a cult favorite, but discerning old-timers will tell you that the seasoning isn’t as spot-on as it used to be. Yet, nostalgia has a funny way of making food taste better, and Mitra Café still delivers on that front. Interesting Facts: 1. A "Friendly" Beginning: The name "Mitra" means friend, and true to its name, this café has been a beloved gathering spot for food lovers for generations. 2. Freedom Fighters’ Favorite: Back in the day, revolutionaries like Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and others were said to be regular patrons. 3. Over 100 years strong: Despite changing times, the café’s no-frills, old-school vibe still keeps people coming back. Verdict: Mitra Café may have lost a bit of its golden touch, but it still holds a special place in Kolkata’s food scene. Not quite the legend it once was, but definitely still worth a visit for a taste of history.

Food is very tasty and the ambience is small and cozy. Walls depicting bengali babu culture with vibrant colours. We ordered fish kabiraji and my friends order parotha and chicken kosha. Both dishes were very tasty and actually make you order more. This is a really budget friendly place for your friends family or office meetup.

Mitra Cafe in Kolkata is a beloved century‑old eatery (since 1910) nestled in Shobhabazar, famous for its nostalgic “cabin” vibe, wooden chairs, cozy décor, and that irresistible aroma of fried snacks. Its standout specialties include deep‑fried Kabirajis (fish, mutton, chicken), crunchy fish fry, and the iconic goat Brain Chop—coated in spices and breadcrumbs, a one‑of‑a‑kind delight, Prices are pocket‑friendly (₹300–₹500 for two), making it a popular choice for locals, students, and families alike. The service is prompt and courteous; though seating is limited, the ambiance feels warm and welcoming. Some branches receive praise for consistency, while a few diners note occasional dips dry kabirajis or modest portion sizes. Whether you’re after traditional Bengali snacks or a nostalgic experience, Mitra Cafe delivers a tasty slice of Kolkata’s culinary heritage. A must‑visit for its heritage charm and flavorful, affordable fare.

Mitra Cafe is one among Kolkata's eatery places , with signature dishes ''Fish Kabiraji', ''Chicken Cutlet'' and 'Mutton Kosha''. Mitra cafe has its multiple branches over Kolkata like Shyambazar, Dum Dum , Ballygunge and oldest one,Near Sobhabazar Metro Station! The ambience of the cafe is simple and full of nostalgia. This cafe already won the customer's trust by their loyalty and food quality. Kolkata's authentic street food with a rich history, must - visit!!!

I have ordered s fish fry and baby diamond fry and got the thing nicely packed with ten minutes. Salad and kasundi pack were also supplied in the parcel. It tasted nice with authentic aroma. Thanks Mitra care!

Mitra Cafe at Shobha Bazaar is a gem for anyone who loves classic Bengali delicacies! Tried the diamond fish fry and fish kabiraji, and both were absolutely delicious. The diamond fish fry was crispy on the outside with perfectly cooked, flavorful fish inside, while the fish kabiraji had a rich, flaky egg coating that made every bite indulgent. The place has an old-world charm and a no-frills, authentic vibe. A must-visit for anyone looking to experience Kolkata’s legendary street food!

This is one of the oldest cafes in Kolkata this cafe have its own vibe. I feel the food is great price great, but kind of the sitting and is not that great, but we can manage by the beautiful drawings on the wall.

Recent feedback indicates a decline in quality at some branches. A discussion pointed out that the chicken in the kabiraji was too dry, and the mughlai was undercooked at the Salt Lake branch. Another patron shared that the café did not live up to its hype, suggesting that the quality may have declined over the decades. Despite these mixed reviews, many still consider the Sovabazar branch a must-visit for its signature dishes and old-world charm. It's worth noting that experiences can vary, and while some patrons have observed a decline in quality, others continue to enjoy the offerings at this historic establishment.