Balwant Singh’s Eating House – A Century of Flavour and Tradition on Harish Mukherjee Road, Bhawanipur, Kolkata

An Unexpected Discovery: My Late-Night Encounter with Balwant Singh's Eating House

We often come across certain bits of information in our day-to-day lives but tend to ignore their validity or authenticity. They seem too good to be true—just another exaggeration or a marketing gimmick. I too had a similar experience, one that completely changed my perception.

While searching for the best restaurants in Bhawanipur, Kolkata, I stumbled upon Balwant Singh’s Eating House on Google. What caught my eye was its Google My Business listing, which claimed the restaurant was open 24 hours a day. Honestly, I found it hard to believe. A restaurant operating round the clock in a busy yet traditional neighborhood like Bhawanipur? It seemed unlikely.

But fate had other plans.

A few weeks later, I was traveling to Kolkata by train. My train, which was scheduled to arrive at Howrah Station around 8 PM, got delayed and finally rolled in at 2 AM. I was stuck deciding whether to head home immediately or wait until morning. Eventually, I booked a taxi and started my journey through the sleeping city.

The roads were deserted, lit only by scattered streetlights. The usual hustle and bustle of Kolkata had given way to silence. In fact, the city felt almost frozen in time, with barely a soul in sight.

But then came the surprise.

As we drove past Harish Mukherjee Road in Bhawanipur, I noticed a bright pocket of energy. A small crowd, chatter, clinking glasses, waiters moving briskly—it felt like a celebration. To my amazement, it was none other than Balwant Singh’s Eating House, alive and buzzing in the dead of night.

That very moment, I realized—the claim was true. Balwant Singh’s Eating House really does serve Kolkata 24/7.

And that unforgettable night forms the beginning of my present story—a deep dive into the legacy, flavour, and untold facts of this iconic eatery.

Let’s discover more about the century-old institution that never sleeps: Balwant Singh Dhaba.

The Beginning: Humble Roots of a Legend

For a hundred years, Balwant Singh’s Eating House—affectionately known as Balwant Singh Dhaba—has stood proudly on the bustling Harish Mukherjee Road in Bhawanipur, Kolkata, becoming an enduring and iconic part of the city’s rich culinary heritage. Established in 1926 by Balwant Singh, a visionary Sikh entrepreneur, this humble dhaba began its journey as a simple roadside tea stall. That same year, Calcutta was gripped by severe riots, making the dhaba’s foundation a symbol of resilience and hope amidst turmoil. In the heart of colonial-era Calcutta, where traditions and cultures mixed freely, Balwant Singh found his calling—serving freshly brewed tea to early morning labourers and late-night wanderers.

The dhaba started as a small establishment, no more than a wooden shack with a large kettle and a few stools. Yet, even in its earliest days, it was evident that this place was destined to be more than just another food stop. The love and authenticity infused into every dish, every cup of tea, and every smile made it a comfort zone for many.

Struggle Days: The Road Wasn’t Easy

The early years were anything but easy. When Balwant Singh’s Eating House was founded in 1926, Calcutta was already witnessing severe communal riots. The years that followed brought even more hardship—the Great Depression of the 1930s, the Second World War, the devastating Bengal Famine of 1943, and the Partition of 1947. The pre-independence period posed countless challenges for this now-legendary establishment – Balwant Singh’s Eating House.

Like any legacy business, the journey of Balwant Singh’s Eating House was far from smooth. Throughout India’s struggle for independence, through political upheavals and economic transitions, the dhaba kept its doors open—rain or shine. It remained a constant in a rapidly changing world.

The family-run eatery faced its share of obstacles—limited resources, growing competition, and evolving food trends. Yet, it stood firm, adapting without losing its soul.

Balwant Singh himself was deeply committed to the business. His family supported him at every step, transforming the eatery into more than just a business—it became a way of life.

What kept them going? A deep-rooted belief in service, hospitality, and authenticity. These values continue to define Balwant Singh’s Eating House, nearly a century later.

Growth: Word of Mouth to Citywide Fame

Over time, Balwant Singh’s Eating House has built a strong reputation for its steaming tea, iconic doodh cola, and a variety of delicious snack items. Under the leadership of Lakhvinder Singh and Manish Singh, of Balwant Singh’s Eating House, the establishment has successfully diversified its menu to meet the evolving tastes and demands of the times.

Offering round-the-clock service and actively participating in community welfare programs, the eatery has further strengthened its roots in the local community. These efforts have not only upheld its legacy but also ensured its continued relevance in a rapidly changing culinary landscape.

By the 1970s and 1980s, the Balwant Singh’s Eating House’s reputation began to spread across Kolkata. What started as a small tea stall now offered a wider menu, additional seating, and a constant flow of regular customers. Word of mouth became their most powerful marketing tool. Locals would say, “If you haven’t tried the steamed tea at Balwant Singh’s Eating House, you have not truly experienced Bhawanipur.”

The transition from a stall to a full-fledged restaurant happened naturally. Customers demanded more, and the Singh family delivered—without compromising quality or tradition.

Uniqueness: What Sets Balwant Singh's Eating House Apart

What makes Balwant Singh’s Eating House truly unique is not just its long history, but the signature offerings and around-the-clock service. It is one of the few eateries in Kolkata that is open 24/7, making it a haven for night owls, students, professionals, and travellers.

Some signature innovations have made Balwant Singh’s Eating House a culinary landmark:

Steamed Tea: Unlike regular tea, this is prepared using a special steaming process, resulting in a richer, creamier flavour and a lingering aroma. Served in traditional kulhads (clay cups), this tea is often considered the best in Kolkata. They use a unique process to prepare their tea. A large container filled with boiling water serves as the base, in which smaller, tightly sealed containers float—each containing a different variety of tea: with sugar, without sugar, with milk, or without milk. These containers are taken out as needed to serve customers, ensuring fresh and perfectly brewed tea every time.
Doodh Cola: A quirky but wildly popular invention, this drink blends chilled milk with cola, creating a fizzy, frothy, and delightfully refreshing beverage. Tourists and locals alike flock to try it.
Traditional Vibes: Despite modern influences, the dhaba retains its old-world charm—with steel tables, bustling waiters, and handwritten menus. This authenticity adds to its popularity.

Achievements: Recognition Beyond the Neighbourhood

Over the decades, Balwant Singh’s Eating House has been featured in numerous food blogs, YouTube food vlogs, and television features. From national newspapers to Instagram reels, this dhaba has earned widespread recognition for maintaining its identity in a rapidly changing city.

In 2025, the restaurant is going to complete its 100-year anniversary, a proud milestone to touch.

Today, it is not just a food joint—it’s a heritage eatery, loved by three generations of Kolkatans.

Best-Selling Items: The Flavours That Keep People Coming Back

While everything on the menu at Balwant Singh Dhaba is worth trying, some items stand out and have earned a cult following:

Steamed Tea: Creamy, aromatic, and deeply satisfying; A must-try and a favourite for decades; Best enjoyed in the early morning or post-midnight.
Doodh Cola: A fizzy mix of cold milk and cola; Refreshing and unique; A hit among young crowds and first-time visitors.
Lassi: Thick and chilled, served sweet or salted; Perfect for Kolkata’s humid weather.
Kachori with Sabzi: Fluffy, golden kachoris paired with spicy potato curry; Ideal for a quick, filling breakfast.
Chole Bhature: Soft, fluffy bhature with rich, tangy chickpea curry; A North Indian classic served with a Bengali twist.
Paneer Paratha: Stuffed with freshly grated paneer and herbs; Served with yogurt and tangy pickle.

Why People Keep Coming Back

Affordable pricing
Quick service
Consistent taste for over a century
Perfect pit stop anytime, day or night
A nostalgic connection for generations

Nearby Attractions: What to Explore After a Delicious Meal

Located in the culturally rich area of Bhawanipur, Balwant Singh’s Eating House is ideally situated for visitors to explore several famous attractions after a hearty meal:

Kalighat Temple: One of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India, it’s a major spiritual site and only 10 minutes away.
Victoria Memorial: A majestic monument of colonial architecture and a favorite for tourists, is 5 minutes away from this spot.
Birla Planetarium: For astronomy lovers and curious minds – just 5 minutes away from this spot.
St. Paul’s Cathedral: An architectural gem is 5 minutes walking distance from the dhaba.
Netaji Bhawan, located just a five-minute walk from here, is a historic site worth visiting. It was once the residence of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose – a great soul of India.
Besides these notable landmarks, the dhaba is also conveniently located near Gurdwara Sant Kutiya, S.S.K.M. Hospital (commonly known as P.G. Hospital), and the Bangur Institute of Neurosciences.

Balwant Singh's Eating House in the Digital Era

While rooted in tradition, the dhaba has not shied away from the digital revolution. It has embraced platforms like Google Maps (with 31,327 reviews as on 7 April 2025), Zomato, Instagram, (with 112K followers) and Facebook (with 39K followers as on 7 April 2025), where it enjoys glowing reviews and thousands of check-ins.

Food bloggers frequently showcase their experiences here, while reels featuring “steamed tea pouring” and “doodh cola fizzing” have garnered thousands of views. Despite the noise of new-age cafes, Balwant Singh Dhaba continues to trend—thanks to its authenticity and consistent quality.

Public Perceptions and Review Tale’s Insight

A glance through customer reviews reveals that most speak highly of the restaurant and its proud legacy. While it’s true that no establishment can meet every customer’s expectations perfectly, it’s essential for a restaurant to go the extra mile in pursuing customer satisfaction. Consistently aiming to deliver the best possible experience not only builds trust but also strengthens the reputation that has been earned over time.

At Review Tale, we take pride in offering unbiased insights and authentic narratives about iconic eateries. This article is purely an independent initiative by Review Tale. It is neither sponsored by Balwant Singh’s Eating House nor intended as a promotional or defamatory piece. Our goal is to bring forward lesser-known stories and unique facts about restaurants to connect them with food lovers across the globe.

In this feature, we have included select customer reviews—not to criticize or glorify the restaurant, but to present a transparent glimpse of real experiences. When Balwant Singh’s Eating House first opened its doors, India was a very different place. Over time, the Indian subcontinent was divided into India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Yet, the legendary Balwant Singh’s Eating House remains united in spirit and legacy—serving generations with the same authenticity and charm. Yet, the unwavering mission of the Balwant Singh family has remained united through generations, continuing to serve people with dedication and warmth.

Before forming an opinion about this legendary dhaba, it’s important to acknowledge that running a 24/7 restaurant is no easy task. Maintaining consistency around the clock is a challenge, and those working tirelessly behind the scenes are human—not machines. Naturally, occasional lapses may occur, but that doesn’t overshadow the heart and soul they pour into the service.

If you visit in the early morning, you will experience the freshness and calm that defines their breakfast rush. On the other hand, a midnight visit will reveal a vibrant, energetic atmosphere that reflects how active and bustling this place remains even at odd hours.

At the end of the day, the customer is truly king. But equally, restaurants deserve a fair chance to serve and improve. Constructive feedback and genuine appreciation go a long way in helping establishments grow while continuing to offer memorable dining experiences.

Conclusion: A Legacy Still Brewing Strong

Balwant Singh’s Eating House is not just a restaurant—it is a living piece of Kolkata’s soul. It is a story of resilience, innovation, community, and above all, love for good food. From a humble tea stall to a 24-hour culinary landmark, it has earned its place in the hearts of millions.

Whether you are a first-time tourist or a lifelong Kolkatan, one visit to Balwant Singh’s Eating House will leave you with more than just a full stomach—it will give you a story, a memory, and a taste you will never forget.

Every restaurant has a story—of passion, perseverance, and flavor. At Review Tale, we bring those stories to life through powerful storytelling marketing that connects emotionally with your audience. Let us help you turn your journey into a compelling narrative that builds trust, loyalty, and visibility.