From Heritage to Hollywood: The 120-Year Legacy of Kolkata’s Iconic Phuchka Stall

New Delhi, january 27, 2026: In a city where street food is a religion, one humble stall near Vivekananda Park has achieved legendary status, bridging a century of tradition with modern-day stardom. Meet Shankar Pandit, the man behind the Durga Pandit Phuchka Stall, an establishment that has not only stood the test of time for 120 years but has also been crowned as Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone’s favorite.

A Century-Old Lineage

The stall’s history is as rich as the spicy tamarind water it serves. Founded over a century ago, the business was originally spearheaded by the late Durga Pandit, the daughter of the famous phuchka seller Thakur Pandit. Durga was a pioneer—one of the first women to break into the male-dominated world of Kolkata street food.

After her tragic passing in 2014, her husband, Shankar Pandit, took up the mantle. Today, he continues to preserve her secret recipes, ensuring that every crispy shell and spiced potato filling carries the authentic soul of old Calcutta.

The Deepika Connection

While locals have queued at this spot for generations, the stall shot to national fame when Deepika Padukone revealed her obsession with it. During an appearance on The Kapil Sharma Show, the actress—known for her deep roots in the city while filming Piku—named Shankar Pandit’s stall as her go-to spot.

“In Kolkata, phuchka isn’t just a snack; it’s an emotion. To have someone like Deepika recognize our hard work is a blessing for the legacy my wife built,” says Shankar Pandit, as he expertly fills a shell for a waiting customer.

What Makes It Special?

Shankar Pandit doesn’t just serve the classic phuchka; he is a master of “fusion” street food that stays true to its roots. The menu highlights include:

• Aloo Dum Phuchka: A signature creation that stuffs a spicy, gravy-laden aloo dum inside the crunchy phuchka shell—a marriage of two Kolkata staples.
• Dahi Phuchka: A refreshing, yogurt-filled variant topped with sweet chutney and sev, perfect for those who want a break from the heat.
• Gondhoraj Twist: His tamarind water often features a hint of the fragrant Gondhoraj lemon, a uniquely Bengali touch that elevates the flavor profile.

A Living Landmark

Even in 2026, as the city modernizes around it, the stall remains a “food pilgrimage” site. Located near Lake Kalibari, it attracts a diverse crowd—from college students and office-goers to tourists hoping to catch a glimpse of the “celebrity stall.”

For Shankar, the fame is secondary to the quality. He still uses purified water and hand-picked spices, maintaining the high standards that Durga Pandit was known for. In a world of fast food, Shankar Pandit’s stall is a reminder that some things—like a perfectly balanced, spicy, tangy phuchka—are timeless.