Planning a trip to Kolkata? Indulge in street food delights at this restaurant converted from a tram

Experience Kolkata’s rich heritage and indulge in delectable street food at the tram-converted restaurant located near the popular tourist destination, Eco Park in New Town.

Once considered Kolkata’s lifeline, trams have gradually lost their relevance to more modern modes of transportation. However, this unique eatery offers a nostalgic journey through the city’s heritage, accompanied by a menu featuring a variety of mouthwatering street food delights, from crispy ‘khasta kachori’ to the irresistible ‘papri chat.’

Situated across from the Mother’s Wax Museum, the tram restaurant accommodates 20 patrons, utilizing the traditional wooden seats as tables and chairs. The interior retains its original charm with hanging fans, wooden log floors, and passenger notices adorning the walls.

Adjacent to the tram café, a pillar showcases illustrations of Kolkata’s iconic ambassador taxis and hand-pulled rickshaws, evoking memories of the 60s-80s when black-yellow taxis dominated the streets before being succeeded by yellow taxis.

Despite the disappearance of trams from Kolkata’s streets, this café serves as a poignant reminder of the heritage and culture associated with this antique mode of transportation.

Environmental advocate SM Ghosh emphasized the eco-friendly nature of trams, their nostalgic value, and the need to introduce younger generations to these disappearing forms of transport, especially in an era dominated by app cabs.

Café manager Tarashankar Chatterjee mentioned that the eatery operates from noon to 9 pm, experiencing a surge in visitors during evening hours on weekdays and consistent foot traffic throughout the day in the winter season when tourists flock to the area.

Debashis Sen, managing director of the West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (HIDCO), revealed that the initiative is managed by Café Ekante under HIDCO.

Café Ekante, established by HIDCO, not only oversees the tram café but also operates a spacious dining area in Eco Park and several small coffee outlets in New Town.

In the early 2000s, as part of the architectural plan by legendary architect Charles Correa, a tram-shaped tea shop was set up in front of City Centre-1 mall at Salt Lake. The spokesperson of the Ambuja Neotia group, which runs the mall, highlighted that the tea shop offers premium brands of Makaibari tea.

This tram-converted restaurant stands as a testament to Kolkata’s enduring cultural legacy, blending nostalgia with contemporary culinary delights, creating an experience that transcends time and transports visitors to a bygone era.