Olypub (Kolkata)

The Fallen Angel

Among the oldest watering holes in Kolkata, Olypub on Park Street continues to enjoy a cult following among old and young even in the age of the modern restro-bar. Alcohol served in quantities measured using measuring cups by red-liveried stewards continues to be the biggest attraction at Oly. The food, unfortunately, has deteriorated over the years, with absolutely no change in the menu and the existing fare having largely reduced in quality. The two primary gastronomic attractions remain Chicken-a-la-Kiev and Chicken-a-la-Olypub. The former is a cutlet of minced chicken with a potato filling and traditionally a lot of molten butter that would drip out after the first bite (unfortunately, that does not happen any more) – edible, but not extraordinary. The latter, Oly’s flagship dish at least as far as the name goes, is supposedly fried chicken served with mashed potatoes laced with peas. Here, too, the presentation is extremely shoddy, with the potatoes, having reduced significantly in quantity over the years, appearing only on one side of the fried chicken pieces. In terms of taste, it is good in parts but is largely bland; and the delight of having consumed the overall dish is far from there. The chicken liver with fried onions is an option that may be tried out, but it is not guaranteed to delight the eater only with perfectly fried onions – the meat has much more to achieve in terms of taste. To add to all the gastronomic agony, what can often make the experience worse is stewards who have not even served you asking for a tip. Overall, Olypub is where you go if you want to enjoy a drink with friends without being interrupted by blaring music; but where you definitely do not if you want to have a hearty meal.


Ambience                ★★★
Service                    ★★
Presentation            ★★
Taste                      ★★★


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