Peter Cat is one of the most famous and culturally significant restaurants in Kolkata, located on the historic Park Street. Founded in 1975 by Nitin Kothari (who also owns the adjacent iconic restaurant Mocambo), it has attained legendary status among food enthusiasts, tourists, and locals alike. The restaurant is internationally renowned for its trademarked dish, the Chelo Kebab, which attracts massive queues of diners daily.
Culinary Style and Philosophy
Peter Cat specializes in a unique blend of cuisines that reflect the cosmopolitan history of Kolkata:
- Mughlai & North Indian: Tandoori specialties, rich gravies, and succulent kebabs.
- Continental: Classic European grill dishes, stroganoff, and baked items reminiscent of British Calcutta.
- Colonial Heritage: Service staff dressed in traditional Indian sherwanis and turbans, maintaining formal colonial-style hospitality.
The Legendary Chelo Kebab
The defining feature of Peter Cat’s legacy is the Chelo Kebab. While Chelou Kababi is the national dish of Iran, Peter Cat customized and popularized its own proprietary version:
“A plate of Chelo Kebab consists of a generous bed of saffron-flavored basmati rice, topped with a melting cube of salted butter, one skewered chicken seekh kebab, two pieces of tender chicken reshmi kebab, a grilled whole tomato, and a perfectly fried sunny-side-up egg.”
This signature plate is protected under copyright law and is widely regarded as a must-have culinary experience in Eastern India.
Ambiance & Architecture
The restaurant boasts a distinct, dimly lit, cozy interior styled with dark wood columns, cozy booths, and glowing crimson/red glass pendant lanterns. The ambiance has remained virtually unchanged since 1975, preserving a sense of nostalgia that bridges the gap between old-world Calcutta charm and modern Kolkata.