Mitra Cafe - Sovabazar

📍 Mitra Café – Sovabazar Branch (MahaSasthi, 28th Sept 2025) Today, I had one of the worst and most unhygienic dining experiences at the so-called heritage brand Mitra Café during Durga Puja. Google shows their opening time as 3 PM, but when I enquired at 1:40 PM, their security assured me it would open at 2 PM, gave me a coupon, and promised AC seating. After keeping customers waiting for more than 1 hour, the café actually opened around 2:50–3 PM. To top it off, I was denied AC seating, forced into the non-AC section, and even asked to share a table with strangers despite the earlier assurance. The biggest shock: In my Chicken Kabiraji, I found HAIR inside the stuffing. This wasn’t just on the surface—it was embedded, meaning I may have already consumed some unknowingly. When I raised this, the staff’s response was outright rude and dismissive: “ইচ্ছা করে কেউ চুল খাবার দেবে না” (“No one puts hair in food intentionally”). Instead of apologizing, they brushed it off. Adding insult to injury, they refused to remove the dish from the bill and shamelessly charged me for eating unhygienic food with hair in it. This is absolutely unacceptable from any restaurant—let alone a name as old as Mitra Café. Serving contaminated food and then charging for it is not only unethical but also a serious public health violation. 👉 I have attached photos and videos as proof. 👉 Tagging here for attention: @FoodSafetyAndStandardsAuthorityofIndia (FSSAI), @Kolkata Municipal Corporation, @WestBengalTourism. ⚠️ I strongly urge everyone to think twice before visiting Mitra Café Sovabazar. If this is how they treat customers during Puja, both in terms of hygiene and basic courtesy, then the brand is failing its own legacy. #MitraCafe #DurgaPuja #FoodSafety #UnhygienicFood #CustomerRights #Sovabazar

This is a vintage place with some great snacks to offer. We tried the famous fish kobiraji, mutton kobiraji and their caramel custard which was delicious. But the place is too small for dining in. Wish they can solve the sitting area for a larger customer base.

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.

A must-visit café in Kolkata! The staff are very warm and friendly, and the aesthetics of the place are beautiful. The highlight for me was the mutton kobiraji—a unique dish I had never tried before and absolutely worth it. The café is a bit small, so during rush hours you might have to wait, but it’s definitely worth the experience.

Food is too good. Loved the fish and prawn cutlets. Must try

I believe the atmosphere of this place is overhyped. People come here for the old cafe style vibe but you won't feel it here. On top of that the food is too expensive too. Only fish items are worth it, not the other items.