Kolkata’s winter affair turns cafes into cosy hotspots

Kolkata’s cafes are having a moment, and the winter chills deserve full credit. As the city shivers through its coldest winter in 13 years, coffee shops are buzzing with people chasing warmth, caffeine and long adda sessions. Hot brews and comfort plates are in high demand, with customers lingering longer than usual. For cafe owners, the dip in temperature has translated into packed tables, happy regulars and a season that’s quietly turning into a business bonanza. Here’s what Kolkata is digging into on the cold evenings. Hot chocolate rules above allThe unusual winter chill is giving cafes a clear business boost, drawing larger crowds, longer waits and fuller tables. Seasonal favourites include kesar chai, rich hot chocolate, torched marshmallows and sizzlers. “This has been my best winter in five years. People queue up to sit outdoors, and our live terrace barbecue has been a hit,” said Nikhil Chawla of Poach Kitchen and Marbella’s, adding, “We even stayed open till 2am on weekends, and business is up by 20–25 per cent.”Hot selling bitesGuests have been loving the chance to sit outdoors and soak in the winter sun. They are waiting to get a seat there to enjoy the cold– Grant Walsh Cold weather, hot brewsCity eateries are seeing a clear tilt towards comfort-led orders. At Kaldi Bean, partner Amit Sharma said cappuccinos and Vietnamese coffee are leading the beverage charts, while dishes like Mushroom on toast, Grilled pork sausages, Hot honey chicken pizza, the Kosha mansho burger and Champaran mutton are emerging as winter favourites. Echoing the trend, Sudarshana Dutt Chakladar, owner of Café Courtyard, noted a strong preference for warming drinks: think Kahwa, hot cocoa and mochas, all driving repeat orders.Winter adda? Yes pleaseThanks to a chilly change from Kolkata’s sultry weather, people are indulging in long comfy outings. “There’s a special nip in the air that people are celebrating,” said Nishant Sinha, founder of Roastery Coffee House. Abhishek Dutt of Soul Atrium also observed customers lingering longer over conversations. “People are chatting over hot cuppas and warm plates,” he said. Grant Walsh of 8th Day Café & Bakery added that the temperature dip has kept cafes full round the clock, with most opting for outdoor seating which has kept his Vivekananda Park patio buzzing. This weather has brought a cosy, unhurried energy to the space, and it’s lovely to see people linger and simply enjoy the chill– Abhishek Dutt Bestselling cosy sipsPix: Anindya Saha