Traditional delicacies, straight out of grandmothers' kitchens, were served today at specialty restaurants in the city on the occasion of Naba Barsho (Bengali New Year) as many Kolkatans gave staple home food a miss to dig into nostalgia with the entire family.

At 6 Ballygunge Place, the menu included veg items that have almost disappeared from the platter in Bengali households - 'Lal Shaag Bhaja', 'Aam Ada Diye Moong Dal', Kumro Phul Bhaja'.

"The main course, too, consisted of a blend of East and West Bengal cuisines. 'Dhakai Pora Mangsho' 'Chittagong Kasha Mangsho', 'Navaratan Paturi', 'Pur bhara Doi Potol' and 'Bhuna Chingri' were the highlights of our menu today," Sushanta Sengupta, a chef and owner of the fine dining restaurant chain, said.

For those with a sweet tooth, there will be an array of desserts, including 'Misti doi' and 'Sandesh', he added.

At Saptapadi, named after Bengali matinee idol Uttam Kumar's blockbuster film, the special 'Baishaki Thali' came with an unconventional twist.

The restaurant rolled out fusion dishes such as like 'Bhetki Chingri popcorn' and 'Tulsi Murgi Nuggets', apart from usual favourites like 'Morich Bhuna Mutton' and 'Methi Lonka Chicken'.

"Bengalis savour continental and Chinese food throughout the year, but on 'Poila Baisakh' (first day of Bengali New Year) people usually take a walk down the nostalgia lane. Our menu is a blend of traditional and contemporary items."

Giving a different spin to its offer, Floatel, on the river Hooghly, laid out a lavish spread of Bengali and Punjabi food to toast 'Poila Baisakh' and Baisakhi in Punjab at the same time, a spokesman said.

From 'Jalandhari Mitha Lassi', to 'Pora Aamer sherbet', 'Chingri Malai Chomotkar' to 'Gurdaspuri Murgh Bharta', 'Anaroser Chutney' and 'Sada Dahi, 'the buffet will be a cross between Bengali and Punjabi cuisine, he said.

Rupsa Banerjee, an advertising professional who visited Floatel with her family today, said Naba Barsho is the perfect time to indulge in authentic Bengali gourmet.

"We crave for Bengali items that our mothers and grandmother lovingly prepared for us on this day. Even if we try making these items in our kitchens, it does not turn out to be that great," she added.