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₹40 Meals in Arijit Singh’s Hometown: A Family Restaurant That Stays Rooted


In a time when celebrity entrepreneurs often make headlines for luxury cafés and high-end restaurant chains, a quieter and more grounded story is unfolding in Jiaganj, in the Murshidabad district of West Bengal. Here, the family of celebrated playback singer Arijit Singh runs a modest restaurant that serves vegetarian thalis for ₹40 and offers a special student price of ₹30.

The eatery is not positioned as a celebrity attraction. It is a longstanding family business reportedly managed by his father and has been functioning well before recent social media attention brought it into wider focus. Reports since 2023 and again in May 2025 have highlighted how the restaurant continues to maintain affordable pricing despite inflation and rising food costs.

Open every day from 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., the restaurant serves straightforward, home-style meals. The menu includes mix veg, shahi paneer, chicken korma and biryanis, along with the budget-friendly vegetarian thali that has drawn admiration. The emphasis remains on nourishment rather than presentation, practicality rather than prestige.

In an economy where dining out has become increasingly expensive, a ₹40 thali feels almost symbolic. For students in particular, the ₹30 option makes a tangible difference. Affordable eateries like this play an important social role in smaller towns, offering dependable meals to daily wage earners, families and young people managing tight budgets.

The contrast with celebrity-owned premium cafés — where a single beverage can cost several hundred rupees — has not gone unnoticed by fans. Many see the restaurant as reflective of Arijit Singh’s public persona: understated, grounded and connected to his roots. Known for avoiding excessive limelight despite his massive success, the singer has consistently maintained a low-profile lifestyle, and the family’s continued involvement in a simple local business aligns with that image.

For the people of Jiaganj, however, the restaurant is less about celebrity association and more about daily life. It is a place to sit, eat and share a meal without financial strain. It is part of the town’s rhythm, serving food steadily from morning until night.

Sometimes, impact does not come through scale or luxury. Sometimes, it comes through consistency. In a small town in West Bengal, a ₹40 thali continues to be served every day — quietly, reliably and without fanfare — proving that staying rooted can be just as powerful as rising to fame.

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Deck 88 at the The Astor Goa celebrates Poila Boishakh with an exquisite food festival featuring a unique Bengali menu curated by Chef Divyanshi Patel


An Unforgettable Culinary Experience to Ring in the Bengali New Year

To mark the joyous occasion of Poila Boishakh, The Astor Goa, a renowned five-star hotel in Candolim, is set to host a gastronomical affair that brings the rich and diverse cultural recipes a of Bengal to life. With a creative twist, this festival will feature an exceptional set menu that combines traditional Bengali flavours with influences from Anglo-Indian, Nawabi, Mughal, and European cuisines.

Poila Boishakh, the Bengali New Year, is a time for families and friends to come together to celebrate life, prosperity, and the joy of good food. The Astor Goa takes this festive spirit to the next level by offering a curated dining experience that blends the elegance of Bengal’s culinary heritage with the grandeur of Mughal and Nawabi kitchens, the refined tastes of Anglo-Indian cuisine, and the finesse of European techniques.

The specially designed set menu showcases both vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies, each prepared with the finest ingredients and executed with precision to elevate the rich history and complexity of Bengali cuisine

The menu features Hasher Mangsho kosha (slow-cooked duck) and Shorshe Ilish (Hilsa in mustard sauce), representing the grandeur of Nawabi Bengal and Murg Rezala (a creamy chicken stew) and Sheermal (a soft, sweet flatbread), which showcase the Mughal art of combining delicate spices and flavours for an unforgettable taste. Guests can also experience Anglo-Bengali fusion with dishes like Prawn Cutlets and Deviled Eggs, combining the best of British culinary influences with Bengali ingredients and spices.

The Poila Boishakh Food Festival will run from 11th April – 16th April, inviting guests to enjoy a meticulously crafted culinary journey that celebrates the best of Bengali cuisine while embracing global influences. To complement the food, the restaurant’s ambience will be transformed into a celebration of Bengali culture, featuring traditional decorations, soft Bengali music, and a welcoming atmosphere to create a memorable dining experience.

What: Poila Boishakh
When: 11th -16th April 2025, Lunch and Dinner
Where: Deck88, The Astor Goa
Price: 10 courses veg menu– ₹1500++ | – 10 courses Non veg menu ₹1999++
Contact: +91 9028059382, 9028059414