Kolkata is a city that breathes art. From the fiery red clay of ancient terracotta traditions to the delicate threads of handloom saris, the “City of Joy” offers a shopping experience that is as much about heritage as it is about retail. What better way to remember the city than to pick up some beautiful artisan products from the streets of Kolkata? Team TS takes you shopping to find the most authentic treasures while navigating the city’s legendary markets.
Here are some of the wonderfully crafted souvenirs that scream Kolkata!
Bishnupuri Terracotta: Earthy Heritage
Kolkata is known for its exquisite terracotta art, which is perfect to add that homely, earthy touch to your aesthetic. Here you can find kitchenware, sculptures, pots, and jewelry – all made of the fiery red clay that makes the best souvenirs. Terracotta crafts bear the city’s rich artistic heritage, often including scenes from local culture and mythology.
Pro Tip: Look for the iconic “Bishnupur Horse”, or clay kitchenware that adds a smoky flavor to food, or miniature wall plaques depicting scenes from the Ramayana.
Here are some stores where you’ll get the best terracotta goods –
- Gopal Shilpalay: Barrackpore
- Purbashree Emporium: Dakshinapan market, Gariahat
- New Debalaya: Rabindra Sarani
- Srejonee Art & Creations: Debendra Chandra Dey Road, Tangra
Besides, there are several government-run handicraft emporiums, such as Tantuja, Manjusha, and Bangla Haat. These specialize in promoting traditional handicrafts, while also ensuring that you can buy only the authentic goods sourced directly from the artisans.
Handloom Saris: Woven Elegance
Ask a Bengali about saris, and they’ll proudly list out the different varieties of handloom saris that the region has been famous for. It’s no surprise, then, that these intricately woven and beautifully designed saris are wildly popular throughout Kolkata. Some of the most loved varieties are the transparent Jamdani, the silk-heavy Baluchari, the crisp, everyday Tangail… as we said, the list goes on!
Pro Tip: These are incredibly travel-friendly as they fold small and are very lightweight.
Here are some of the stores in the city where you can get the best nine-yard deals:
- Rangmilap: Sector 1, Bidhannagar
- Vyasdev Tolaram: Triangular Park
- Byloom: Gariahat
- Kanishka: Ballygunge
- Handloom Heritage: Ballygunge
If you’re a sari hoarder, an admirer of the exquisite craftsmanship, or just someone who has a thing for traditional Indian clothing, a trip to Kolkata would be incomplete without visiting a sari store. Oh, and the best part is these souvenirs are super affordable!
Kantha Embroidery: Artful Stitching
Kantha embroidery is treasured for the intricate designs and the rich cultural heritage it represents. It is a beautiful and meaningful art form that will definitely captivate you with its timeless appeal. You’ll be amazed by the variety of options available, from gorgeous saris and stoles to pretty bedsheets, trendy bags, and even stylish cushion covers and home decor items. Whether you’re looking to adorn yourself or spruce up your living space, Kantha embroidered items are the perfect choice as souvenirs.
Pro Tip: Hand-stitched silk stoles that serve as versatile travel accessories or unique home decor wall hangings. These also serve as excellent high-value gifts that are easy to ship.
These are some of the best boutiques to visit :
- Deshaj: Ballygunge
- The Kantha Store: Brahmachari Sarani
- Sundari Showrooms: Gariahat
- Kanishka: Ballygunge
Traditional Bengali Sweets (Mishti): A Taste of Heaven
Kolkata is heaven for someone with a sweet tooth, but what makes it even more special is that there’s a kind of sweetmeat for everyone. Love gooey, syrupy sweets that delight your palate? You could try chhanar jilipi, shorbhaja, kalojam, and pantua. Or are you one who believes ‘less is more’ when it comes to sweets? There’s shondesh, kalakand, and malai chomchom for you. No matter what your preference, the city’s got your back.
Pro Tip: Pick up a box of “Sandesh” including the heavenly korapaak ( hard- cooked) in various flavors like Nolen Gur (date palm jaggery) or chocolate. If you are traveling a long distance, ask for “Tinned Rossogolla” or vacuum-sealed “Darbesh” to ensure they stay fresh and leak-proof during your flight.
These are some of the heritage sweet shops in Kolkata you simply cannot miss!
- Bhim Chandra Nag: Barabazar
- Makhan Lal Das: Vivekananda Road
- Nalin Chandra Das & Sons: Jorabagan
- Mithai: Ballygunge
- Chittaranjan Mistanna Bhandar: Shyam Bazar
Books From Boi Para, College Street: A Bibliophile’s Paradise
Books are not the only reason you should visit College Street, but they definitely top the list. If you’re a lover of literature, don’t miss out on exploring the numerous quaint bookstores scattered across College Street. This place is also known as Boi Para (literally, the locality of books) and is the largest book market in Asia.
Here you’ll find a copy of Wuthering Heights casually lying on display in a roadside book stall across the sidewalk, while stacks of more such old classics lie bundled right next to it. If you have the time and the love for books, there’s no place in the city you’d rather want to be in. Stores like Chuckervertty Chatterjee & Co, Rupa Bookstores, National Bookstore, Dasgupta and Company, and many more are a storehouse of new and second-hand books offered at heavily discounted prices.
Pro Tip: Hunt for vintage copies of Satyajit Ray’s mysteries or Rabindranath Tagore’s poetry.
Dokra Artifacts: The Ancient “Lost Wax” Craft
Dokra is a traditional form of metal casting practiced by tribal artisans in West Bengal. You will surely fall in love with its rustic charm and classy finish. Dokra art is made on a range of subjects, including deities, animals, birds, and human figurines.
Pro Tip: Look for intricate brass owls (symbolizing luck) and distinctive tribal sun-god wall hangings.
Here are some shops where you will find authentic and the best quality Dokra artifacts-
- Biswa Bangla stores
- Tantuja
- Pick Your Craft
- Craft2Art
- Indoor
Keep an eye out for crafts, fairs, and art exhibitions taking place in Kolkata. Often, these events feature artisans from different regions of the state, including those who specialize in Dokra art.
Eco-Friendly Jute Handicrafts: The Golden Fibre
Did you know the city is also renowned for its jute industry? Artisans in Kolkata extensively use jute to create a wide range of handicrafts, shoes, bags, jewelry, and home decor items. These products make your souvenir super special as they are eco-friendly and biodegradable too.
You will find a wide range of jute products like bags, rugs, wall hangings, and accessories at a very reasonable price in various stores. Most of these goods come directly from the farms to the cities.
Pro Tip: Look for “Jute-Silk” fusion stoles or sturdy, hand-woven floor mats and colorful braided rugs that are completely biodegradable.
If you want to buy authentic jute goods, head to these shops-
- Biswa Bangla: Park Street
- The Jute Shop: Middleton Street
- West Bengal State Handicraft Store: Dharmatala
- Refugee Handicrafts: Ballygunge
Conch Shell Bangles (Shakha & Pola)
These are the bangles you may have noticed married Bengali women wear. Bengalis consider these bangles as a symbol of a healthy and happy marriage. Although it is typically married women in Bengal who wear these bangles, nothing is stopping you from getting conch shell bangles for yourself! Their beauty is irresistible, and they make for excellent souvenirs. You’ll find these bangles in any jewelry shop. Don’t forget to channel your inner negotiator to get the best deals!
New Market (Hogg Market): Head to the jewelry section of this Victorian-era market for the widest variety and the best “negotiation” opportunities.
Highlights: Look for bangles with gold-plated “Meenakari” work for a more festive look.
The Insider’s Playbook: Kolkata’s Shopping Logistics
Best Time to Shop
Head to New Market or Gariahat between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to avoid the evening rush and get the “first sale” (bohani) luck from vendors.
Bargaining 101
In street markets like Gariahat or Hatibagan, aim for 40-50% off the initial quoted price. In fixed-price government emporiums (Biswa Bangla), do not bargain.
Packing Fragiles
If buying Terracotta or Dokra, most high-end shops will offer professional bubble wrapping. If buying from street stalls, carry your own bubble wrap.
Shipping
For heavy items like large Dokra statues or bulk books from College Street, use local courier services (like DTDC) located right in the market areas.
If you’re falling in love with the city and all that it has to offer, read here what a Calcuttan had to say about the city she calls home.
Research: Sanhati Saha
Edited by: Ronjinee Chattopadhyay
