Namaste Local Guides around the globe 
Last Sunday was a day for the books! After an inspiring and productive Local Guides meetup at the magnificent Victoria Memorial [RECAP here], a group of us were craving a culinary adventure. Our quest for the perfect post-meetup meal led us to “Chowman” on Russell Street, near the bustling Ho Chi Minh Sarani, and what a fantastic find it was! This wasn’t just a meal; it was an experience that combined delicious food, cultural immersion, and a classic Local Guide moment.
A Culinary Journey to China
From the moment we stepped inside, it felt like we had been transported from the streets of Kolkata to a cozy eatery in China. The ambiance was absolutely spot-on. The walls were adorned with beautiful Chinese proverbs written in elegant calligraphy, and soft light emanated from traditional Chinese lamps, casting a warm and inviting glow. A serene Buddha statue greeted us at the entrance, adding to the tranquil and authentic atmosphere. The only reminder that we were still in India were the friendly Indian waiters, who provided excellent service with a smile.
In the photograph - Local Guides - @ReshamDas , @TPattanaik ji, @Preachytrooper , @AmitabhDey , @AmarjitD , @Debroop , @SayanKumarRay , @Rkmahajan and myself @NandKK
One of the most unique features I’ve ever encountered in a restaurant was a small, round gadget on our table. At first, I was curious, but I soon realized it was a high-tech call bell! With separate buttons to call a waiter, request the bill, or ask for water, it was an incredibly convenient and efficient system. No more craning your neck or awkwardly trying to catch a waiter’s eye. A definite win for customer service!
My First Ramen Adventure & Friends’ Feasts
As a foodie, I’m always eager to try new things, and Chowman offered me the perfect opportunity: my first-ever bowl of Ramen! I opted for the Seafood Ramen, and it was a revelation. A large, comforting bowl arrived, filled with a rich, flavorful broth, perfectly cooked noodles, and a generous assortment of fresh seafood. The taste was simply awesome – a delightful symphony of savory and umami flavors. Full disclosure: my chopstick skills are non-existent, so I happily used a spoon to savor every last drop without missing out on the deliciousness.
My fellow Local Guide friends decided to explore other classic Chinese dishes. They ordered the Meifoon and Chop Suey, and the verdict was unanimous – both were delicious and thoroughly satisfying. The portions were generous, the ingredients were fresh, and the taste was authentic. We were all incredibly pleased with our choices.
A Local Guide’s Contribution and a Sweet Surprise
Being Local Guides, we couldn’t resist checking out the restaurant’s presence on Google Maps. That’s when I noticed something amiss – there were two listings for the same Russell Street location! I flagged this to the manager, who confirmed that one was a duplicate. I immediately took on the Local Guide duty and reported the incorrect listing, and to my delight, the edit was accepted instantly by the Maps team!
We then settled down to write our honest reviews, sharing our wonderful dining experience with the world. We introduced ourselves to the manager as Local Guides and showed him our freshly posted reviews. He was so appreciative of our detailed and honest feedback and our effort to improve their digital presence that, as a warm gesture of gratitude, he offered us all complimentary desserts! It was a heartwarming moment that truly highlighted the positive connection between local businesses and the Local Guide community.
How to Reach Here
Chowman is conveniently located on Russell Street, near Ho Chi Minh Sarani, Kolkata. It’s easily accessible by:
- Metro: The nearest metro station is Maidan Metro Station, from which it’s a short 10-15 minute walk.
- Bus: Several bus routes pass through the Park Street and Russell Street area.
A Note on Sustainability
While enjoying our meal, I also kept an eye out for sustainable practices. While not overtly advertised, there are a few areas where restaurants like Chowman can contribute to a greener planet:
- Waste Management: Proper segregation of wet and dry waste can make a significant difference.
- Reducing Single-Use Plastics: While we were served water in glasses, minimizing other single-use plastics like straws and takeaway containers is always a positive step. Many restaurants are now offering eco-friendly packaging options.
- Local Sourcing: Sourcing ingredients from local suppliers not only ensures freshness but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation.
As Local Guides, we can encourage and appreciate these efforts in our reviews, motivating more businesses to adopt sustainable practices.
Our visit to Chowman was more than just a LUNCH; it was a perfect blend of food, friendship, and the Local Guide spirit. It’s a place I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone looking for an authentic Chinese dining experience in Kolkata. There are 22 outlets of Chowman in Kolkata alone. And all over india, there are more than 34 outlets.
Have you ever had a similar experience where you were able to help a local business while enjoying a great meal? Share your stories in the comments below!
The free dessert was the cherry on top.
