Unaltered by modernization, in operation since 1942, this historical Café is located in the busy College Square area of central Kolkata.

Its past speaks of its history of catering to famous patrons such as Rabindranath Tagore, freedom fighter Subash Chandra Bose and was frequented by a number of notable writers, painters, musicians, scholars, historians like Satyajit Ray, Manna Dey, Amartya Sen, Mrinal Sen, and Aparna Sen to name a few with many more names included in the list.

It’s now one of the favorite hangouts for youngsters, college students with many old-timers still flocking to the place on a regular basis to continue their old tradition of their  ‘Adda – Golpo’ session over a cup of coffee.

Décor and ambiance still linger in a bygone era with a winding staircase which takes you to the huge high-ceilinged hall where dark brown table and chairs are placed. The huge portrait of Rabindranath Tagore immediately catches your eye as you step into the café. Various old paintings grace the walls of the coffee shop.

Coffee house stewards dressed in signature white uniform and turban take orders, and food and beverages are served at the guest tables. My pick from the menu was cold coffee with cream and a popular local fish fry.

The place has an abundance of old world charm. It is a perfect place to re-live the moments of the past and get acquainted with the thoughts of the younger generation and absorb the evolving culture of the city in its modern times.

Address: Indian Coffee House, Albert Hall, 15, Bankim Chatterjee Street, Kolkata – 700073