In Kolkata, adda isn’t just about fancy cafes or viral photo spots. For the city’s youth, the real fun happens at tea stalls, lakesides, college campuses, food trucks and quiet park corners that cost little but mean a lot. CT spoke to people across age groups and neighbourhoods to find out why these places matter. 
Offbeat adda trails
Some adda zones offer more than space – they spark ideas & friendships. For corporate employee Debarati Ghosh, the Indian Museum is a go-to spot. “It’s a conversation starter. I’ve even made new friends there.” Her college catch-ups happened over momos near Rabindra Sadan, still a student hotspot. Model Udita Sarkar, meanwhile, prefers quieter hangouts. “Cafés feel overrated. I love New Town stretches with fewer crowds and food trucks.”
Para vibes over posh cafés
For many, hangout spots aren’t about fancy setups. Theatre practitioner Anisha Roy loves Uttorer Adda near Shyambazar, “A hand-painted para corner with chaa stalls, and endless adda options,” she says. Nandan and Dakshinapan remain faves for creative groups, with theatre artiste Uttam Sadhya saying, “We always find a way to meet at Dakshinapan.” Student Tisha Dutta agrees, “Adda is our favourite thing to do after classes.” For Kavya Panigrahi, a student, it’s Vivekananda Park that hits the sweet spot.
Chat & chill
The Maidan’s green sprawl remains a favourite. “Just some chaa, friends, & adda – that’s all,” says student Tuhin Samaddar. At Rabindra Sarobar, marketing specialist Karan Mirik Sircar and his friends come for some running & catching up. Riverfronts like Ahiritola & Babughat offer quiet corners and tea. “We hang where we don’t need to spend much,” says student Mitali Mondal. Happy Street in New Town is perfect for walking, talking, and not spending too much,” says designer Rakshika Jaisingh. 
Hangout hotspots
- Roadside tea stalls n
- Addas at parks, lakesides, and river ghats
- Walks at Eco Park, Maidan, or Happy Street n Morning runs at Rabindra Sarobar
- Browsing places like Indian Museum or boi para (College Street)
- Chilling with street food near Golf Green, New Town and Vivekananda Park
- Cultural hubs like Nandan and Dakshinapan
What’s on the adda menu?
- Bhaar er chaa
- Momos n Kolkata-style chowmein
- Rolls
- Jhalmuri
- Fast food from food trucks
