bhojohori manna: bengali home style cuisine

Introduction

Pratham Kadam Phool is a 1969 Bengali film, written and directed by Inder Sen. One of the most memorable songs from the movie is Ami Sri Sri Bhojohori Manna, sung by the legendary Manna Dey, with lyrics by Pulak Banerjee. Both Manna Dey and Pulak Banerjee hold an esteemed reputation in the world of Bengali music. The rhythm of the song remains as vibrant in Bengali hearts today as it was back then. Though the film was in black and white, the song continues to leave a colourful imprint on the Bengali cultural landscape.

But my story begins with the name Bhojohori Manna, which, in a different context, started its journey in 2003 from a humble rented garage in the Ekdalia area near Gariahat, Kolkata. Interestingly, neither the character dancing to the song in the movie was named Bhojohori Manna, nor does the brand Bhojohori Manna refer to any real person. Instead, the name evokes the image of a skilled native cook, an expert in traditional home-style Bengali cuisine.

Now, let’s talk about the renowned Bengali restaurant Bhojohori Manna, which quickly found its place in the hearts of Bengalis. Join me as we dive into its fascinating story.

Honestly, I am passionate about creating stories about restaurants and cafes. Although I have tried to contact them, I have not been successful in reaching them. Personally, I have never been to Bhojohori, but my knowledge of it comes entirely from word of mouth—friends and acquaintances who have spoken highly of it. This alone attests to its popularity and authenticity in Bengali cuisine.

The Humble Beginning

The story of Bhojohori Manna began in March 2003, in a small garage space at Ekdalia, Kolkata. It was the brainchild of five friends from diverse backgrounds who shared a common passion for food and culture.

Rajeev Neogi, a Commerce graduate from St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, had a background in Marketing Management.
Siddhartha Sankar Bose, also a graduate of St. Xavier’s College, came from a managerial and administrative background.
Siddhartha Chatterjee, a Chartered Accountant and Company Secretary by profession, was deeply passionate about food, films, and creative ventures.
Goutam Ghose, a filmmaker by profession and a well-known Bengali actor, had a deep love for food and people.
Yet to get info about fifth person.

Drawing from their own experiences, they recognized a gap in Kolkata’s food scene—there was no place offering simple, home-style Bengali food. Determined to fill this void, they pooled together an initial investment of ₹25,000 each to start Bhojohori Manna.

The restaurant quickly gained popularity for its authentic Bengali cuisine, offering a wide variety of traditional, home-style dishes. It aimed to recreate the experience of enjoying meals prepared by Bengali grandparents—comforting, nostalgic, and full of flavour. With its dedication to preserving the essence of Bengali home cooking, Bhojohori Manna has since become a beloved name in Kolkata’s culinary landscape.

The Growth Phase

Bhojohori’s journey stands out from other restaurants, which often struggle with attracting customers in their early days. However, Bhojohori identified a key market gap and addressed it with a well-thought-out solution, leading to remarkable success. Within just a month of its launch, it resonated with the masses. A combination of factors—including filling a market void, offering quality food, leveraging a strong brand name, maintaining affordability, providing a simple yet welcoming environment, and gaining media attention—all contributed to drawing in the crowds.

Over time, the story of Bhojohori Manna took a remarkable turn. By May 2003, the demand had grown significantly, with large crowds waiting outside the small outlet on weekends. This overwhelming response signaled the need for strategic expansion. In the following years, market-driven demand fueled Bhojohori Manna’s growth across Kolkata. The team evolved into a well-structured organization, strengthening its marketing, operations, and customer relationship management.

Food enthusiasts from across India and around the world, including renowned celebrities, played a crucial role in establishing Bhojohori Manna as a beloved brand. Additionally, media coverage significantly contributed to the restaurant’s growing popularity. What is truly fascinating—and a testament to the brand’s impact—is that Bhojohori Manna received funding from its own loyal customers, a rare and inspiring occurrence in the restaurant industry.

Branches & uniqueness

According to available data, Bhojohori Manna currently operates a total of 10 branches in Kolkata. Between 2009 and 2012, the brand expanded beyond Kolkata, establishing outlets in Bengaluru, Siliguri, and Puri. Further expansion plans remain underway.

Another aspect that resonated with me was a statement made by one of Bhojohori Manna’s directors in response to a question. He mentioned that while Delhi and Gurgaon are key expansion targets, the high costs of manpower and rentals in these areas could significantly increase menu prices, potentially making them less accessible to a wider audience.

Despite using top-quality ingredients, the brand remains committed to offering a value-for-money dining experience. Pricing is determined based on actual costs rather than leveraging the brand name, ensuring affordability without compromising on quality.

Nearby Attraction

In its early days, the restaurant used to handwrite its menu on a blackboard daily. However, over time, the menu has expanded to include an extensive selection of traditional Bengali household favorites. To enhance convenience for guests, the menu is now available in both Bengali and English (translated). This is particularly helpful for visitors from outside Bengal who may not be familiar with Bengali cuisine.

Once you try their food, it will surely not disappoint! Here are some of the must-try dishes:

Spicy Crab, Crab Butter Garlic Pepper, Boneless Steamed Mustard Hilsa, Chicken Tikka Butter Masala, Dhakai Chicken & Mutton Biryani, Posto Bora (poppy seed fritters), Rui Machher Dimer Bora (fried rohu fish roe fritters), Chingri Machher Bora (deep-fried shrimp dumplings), Potoler Dolma (stuffed pointed gourd with fish, minced mutton, or a vegetarian filling of grated coconut, mustard, and cottage cheese), Chingri Bati Chorchori (shrimp curry in mustard gravy), Lau Chingri (bottle gourd with shrimp), Mocha Chingri (banana blossom with shrimp), Bandhakopi Chingri (cabbage with shrimp), Pui Shaak Chingri (Malabar spinach with shrimp), Bhetki Kanta Chorchori (stir-fried bhetki fish with bones), and etc.

With such a diverse selection, Bhojohori Manna truly captures the essence of Bengali cuisine, ensuring an unforgettable culinary experience!

Hassle-Free Food Delivery & Exclusive Dekchi Supply Service

Bhojohori Manna offers seamless and FREE food delivery across multiple cities, ensuring that your favorite dishes reach your doorstep effortlessly. Simply place a minimum order with the nearest branch to your location—available in Kolkata, Siliguri, Puri, and Bengaluru.

A standout feature of their delivery service is Dekchi Supply, a premium catering solution perfect for hosting gatherings. Customers can pre-order meals in bulk to serve guests conveniently. With fixed pricing for service staff, you can enhance your event experience with minimal effort. This service is ideal for groups ranging from 30 to 75 guests, making it perfect for house parties, celebrations, and corporate events.

So, why wait? Plan your next party stress-free with Bhojohori Manna’s expert food delivery and catering services!

Awards

Bhojohori Manna has received several prestigious accolades, including the Times Food Awards in 2016 and 2017, the Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor in 2013, and the Foodies Award for Best Local Cuisine in East India in 2013.

Best Selling Items

It is challenging to choose the absolute best item from the menu. However, some of the best-selling dishes include Bhojohorir Thala, Bhetki Kabiraji Cutlet, Golden Fried Prawn, Chhachra, Muri Ghonto, Mochar Paturi, and Aam Doi.

Public Perceptions

It has a twofold meaning:

Customer’s Perspective – Customers seek delicious food in generous portions at a lower price, but this combination rarely comes as a package. In my assessment and in reality, quality and quantity are often inversely proportional—higher quality food usually comes at a higher price. This is an undeniable truth.
Restaurant’s Responsibility – Restaurants must handle their customers with care, treating them as valued guests. While professionalism should remain in the background, hospitality should be extended with the hope that the customer will return the next day. Service staff should be trained to build lasting customer relationships, ensuring that guests feel compelled to return—and even leave generous tips for excellent service.

Ultimately, quality and service are the two pillars of a successful restaurant. They must be upheld with honesty and sincerity to create a lasting impact.

Conclusion

Bhojohori Manna is a culinary gem, offering an extensive array of home-style Bengali cuisines that capture the authentic flavors of Bengal. Known for its hearty, traditional dishes, the restaurant has become a favorite among food enthusiasts. With the power of storytelling marketing, Review Tale enhances online visibility for standout eateries like Bhojohori Manna by sharing their unique gastronomic narratives. Join Review Tale to discover and promote the rich legacy of Bengali cuisine through innovative digital marketing and compelling content that truly resonates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to contact Bhojohori Manna?

Where is the Corporate Office of Bhojohori Manna?

Bhojohori Manna Restaurants India Limited

Address: Kasba Industrial Estate, Phase 1, P 33, Kolkata 700107

Phone: +91 92300 77139

Website: https://bhojohorimanna.com/

Email: customercare@bhojohorimanna.com

Who is the owner of Bhojohori Manna?

It has not any single owner who is managing Bhojohori Manna. The Board of Directors of Bhojohori Manna Restaurants India Limited consists of four esteemed members: Rajeev Neogi, Siddhartha Sankar Bose, Siddhartha Chatterjee, and Goutam Ghose.

Is there any outdoor catering service of Bhojohori Manna?

Yes, they offer a comprehensive outdoor catering service. For inquiries, they can be reached at their corporate office.

bhojohori manna : Bengali Home Style Cuisine

bhojohori manna: bengali home style cuisine

Introduction

The Humble Beginning

The Growth Phase

Branches & uniqueness

Nearby Attraction

Menu

Hassle-Free Food Delivery & Exclusive Dekchi Supply Service

Awards

Best Selling Items

Public Perceptions

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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bhojohori manna : Bengali Home Style Cuisine

bhojohori manna: bengali home style cuisine

Introduction

The Humble Beginning

The Growth Phase

Branches & uniqueness

Nearby Attraction

Menu

Hassle-Free Food Delivery & Exclusive Dekchi Supply Service

Awards

Best Selling Items

Public Perceptions

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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