Meet Shankar Pandit: The Man Behind Kolkata’s Iconic 120-Year-Old Phuchka Stall Loved by Deepika Padukone

In Kolkata, phuchka is more than just street food — it’s tradition, nostalgia, and identity. Every neighbourhood has its favourite vendor, and every Kolkatan swears theirs is the best. So when Bollywood star Deepika Padukone publicly named one stall as her favourite, the city took notice.

That stall is none other than Durga Pandit Phuchka Stall, located near Vivekananda Park. For locals, this was not news but recognition of a legacy that has been cherished for over a century.

🌟 The Deepika Padukone Effect

The stall’s fame skyrocketed after Deepika mentioned it on The Kapil Sharma Show. Overnight, food bloggers, tourists, and Bollywood fans flocked to Vivekananda Park. For South Kolkata residents, however, it was simply validation of what they already knew — some flavours need no marketing.

👨‍🍳 Shankar Pandit and Durga’s Legacy

Today, the stall is run by Shankar Pandit, who continues the tradition started by his late wife, Durga Pandit. Durga was the daughter of Thakur Pandit, a respected phuchka seller near Dhakuria Lake. At a time when women rarely entered the street food business, she broke barriers, refined recipes, and built a name that became a landmark.

Her untimely death in 2014 left the community shocked, but Shankar carried forward her vision, preserving the flavours and authenticity that defined the stall.

🥔 What Makes It Special

Kolkata phuchka already stands apart from pani puri elsewhere — sharper, spicier, and mustard-forward. Durga Pandit’s version takes it further with bold fillings and tangy tamarind water.

• Aloo Dum Phuchka: A fusion of Kolkata’s beloved potato curry with crisp phuchkas, creating a messy yet irresistible treat.

• Dahi Phuchka: A cooling alternative with thick yoghurt balancing the spice, especially popular in summer.

🍴 More Than Celebrity Endorsement

While Deepika’s mention brought national fame, the stall’s true essence lies in its heritage. It represents courage, continuity, and authenticity — a woman who changed norms, a husband who preserved tradition, and a city that values flavour over glamour.

For food lovers, this stall near Vivekananda Park is not just a stop but a slice of Kolkata’s living culinary history.