Nirmala Snacks

Nirmala Snacks is tucked away in Block B of Bangur Avenue in Kolkata. It’s the kind of place that really comes alive in the late afternoon when the sun starts to go down and everyone is looking for a little something to eat before dinner. We have been here for years, and most of the people who stop by are our neighbors from the surrounding blocks. We do a lot of different snacks, the kind you find on most streets in Kolkata. The stove is almost always going, and there is usually a queue of people waiting for their turn. We don't have a lot of seating, so you’ll see people leaning against their scooters or standing on the sidewalk chatting while they eat. It is a bit noisy with all the talk and the sound of the fryers, but that is what makes it feel like a community. We use simple ingredients and try to keep our prices low so that everyone can enjoy a treat. Sometimes we run out of things early if there is a big crowd, especially on Sundays. My hands are usually covered in flour or oil, and there isn't much time for sitting down until we close up for the night. We aren't trying to change the world, just making sure the snacks are hot and tasty for the local folks who have been supporting us all this time. It is hard work but we enjoy it.