176 JUNE - JULY 2019
Kolkata is home to India’s only Chinatown.
Unlike many other places of interest in this city,
Tangra (New Chinatown) doesn’t immediately
impress with its appearance. In fact, it is only
during certain occasions, like the Chinese
New Year, that the space announces itself in
a huge, public way. But political and economic
troubles chip away at the continuously
dwindling Chinese population in the city —
much has been published about this precious
neighbourhood getting smaller as a result.
All is not yet lost. Efforts are being made to
preserve its unique culture, from the churches
and clubs to the daily morning Chinese
newspaper that is published by a local press.
However, if you’re looking to sample a
traditional Chinese breakfast, it’s best to
head to Tiretti Bazaar (Old Chinatown) at
the break of dawn and experience an hour
or two of stillness, before the city descends
upon the streets and all is chaos.OLD AND NEW CHINATOWN