বাংলায় পড়ুন
There is famous saying which goes by, ‘Legacy and Legends cannot be purchased, you have to earn it’.
Year 1933, Radha Krishore Datta a firebrand and ardent revolutionary devoted to the cause of India’s freedom migrated to Kolkata from Purulia to set-up a small tea stall, that came up to be known as ‘Radu Babu r chayer Dokan’. Speaking about us kolkatans, we are a lover of sweets and ‘chaa’. The word “Cha” is the second most favourite word for any Bengali after “Maa”. There is no Bengali as per my knowledge, who doesn’t like tea. In a Bengalis timeline, starting from Boardroom meeting to PNPC in a ‘Para-r-adda’, tea is the most preferable choice. Though I am not much of a tea-lover, but one thing I have understood, that growing up in a Bengali family is that, earthen cups and tea goes hand-in-hand.
Radhubabu passed away leaving behind his famous tea stall in the year 1987, but not before the shop had been visited by ace actors like Uttam Kumar, Raj Kapoor, Russi Mody and many other eminent personalities of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. It is true that ‘Chaa’ has changed over the years, but a Bengali’s love for them will always be the same.
The small and simple shop was a witness to the burning days of the Naxal period. It is commonly believed that Datta used to mix doses of opium that created a heavenly splendour and earned the shop popularity of being ahead of Panchu’s tea and Shovabazzar’s Mitra café. Dutta never married and handed over his prized possession to his brother Bijon Behari Dutta and his sons and nephews Somnath (Somu) and Satyasundar (Satya). Today Radhu Babu Chayer Dhokan sells 22 items each day and over 700 cups of Tea.
If you compare the location, this small tea stall combats CCD and Food court of Lake Mall, which is right in front of them and still holds its head high. From 6:30 am until 8:30 pm this tiny shop gets crowded like crazy. 85 years down the line and the shop still holds its old charm. Of late, the legendary shop came under a mild threat from promoters. Little did they know that ‘Legacy and Legends cannot be purchased, you have to earn it.’
Best Food item’s to look out for:
- Mutton Stew
- Mutton Korma
- Chicken Roast
- Chicken cutlet
- Mutton Cutlet
- Special Fish Fry
- Fish Finger
-And obviously the ‘Chaa’.
