New Visakhapatnam Restaurant, Amantran, Offers Authentic Bengali Delights

In Visakhapatnam, a city with a vibrant Bengali population, the dearth of authentic Bengali eateries has been noticeable. Amaresh Poddar recognized this gap and decided to introduce the culinary treasures of his hometown through his newly opened restaurant, Amantran, located at Daba Gardens.

Amantran, which aptly means “invitation,” welcomes diners with a warm, homely ambiance and simple décor. Beyond serving traditional Bengali cuisine, it acts as a gateway to the rich culinary heritage and hospitality of West Bengal. Upon entering, the tantalizing aroma of spices and the sizzle of curries greet patrons.

The restaurant boasts a straightforward setup with rows of tables and chairs. The staff is friendly, and the service is prompt. The menu provides a glimpse into the diversity of Bengali cuisine, offering dishes like sorshe rui (mustard fish), malai chingri (creamy prawn curry), and the sumptuous kosha mangsho, a slow-cooked mutton curry.

For an authentic Bengali experience, diners can opt for the thali (meal) with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Steaming rice with a generous drizzle of ghee, accompanied by moong dal, aloo posto (potato with poppy seeds), and potol and begun bhaja, is a delight. Not to be missed is the machher jhol, a Bengali fish curry made with locally sourced fresh catch, featuring flavors of mustard seeds, green chilies, and turmeric. No Bengali meal is complete without tomato chutney and a serving of rosogolla.

Amaresh, originally from Kolkata, moved to Visakhapatnam in 2016 and managed two restaurants, including another Bengali eatery. Despite a brief return to his hometown during the pandemic, his heart remained in Visakhapatnam. Upon his return last year, he noticed the decline of the Bengali restaurant where he had previously worked. This prompted him to open Amantran, which now employs a skilled team of eight, dedicated to preserving the authentic essence of Bengali cuisine.

Amantran, open since earlier this month, plans to introduce a special festive menu for Durga Puja and features Sunday specials like Bengali-style chicken biryani. Besides his culinary venture, Amaresh enjoys friendly arm-wrestling matches with his staff and friends, showcasing his passion and prowess outside the kitchen.

Re-reported from the article originally published in The Hindu