Salt Lake, Swimming Pool

Suman.Chakraborti@timesofindia.com

If any locality in Salt Lake stands out as the most recognisable or popular in terms of vibrancy amid the ‘not-so-happening’ residential blocks around, it would be the Swimming Pool para. Consisting of two blocks — BF and CF — in Sector 1, the neighbourhood is popularly known as the mini Park Street or food street of Salt Lake due to its hangout zone, street food scene and colourful evening atmosphere.

Fitness rituals & vegetarian staples

The transformation of the Swimming Pool neighbourhood into Salt Lake’s premier street-food destination evolved over four decades. Centred around the landmark Bidhannagar Swimming Association (established in 1978), its evolution has been driven by its strategic location, a growing residential community, and a shift from traditional morning-walker snacks to a bustling cosmopolitan food hub. Every evening, this bustling neighbourhood transforms into a massive open-air culinary hotspot.

Much before City Centre I came up in 2003, the stretch between BF and CF blocks was the only so-called hangout zone in Salt Lake with several eateries and commercial stores, which earned it the nickname Swimming Pool Para.

In the initial decades of Salt Lake’s development, the Swimming Pool neighbourhood primarily served the local residential community and morning fitness enthusiasts. The pool complex served as a geographic landmark, bringing regular foot traffic of parents, students, and others to the BF-CF block intersection.

Old-timers recollect that it was only from the mid 90’s that the characteristics of this neighbourhood started to change. “When we started to live here in 1982, the area was just like the other blocks of Salt Lake, with vacant plots in every corner and no commercial store whatsoever. Till the early 90’s, the neighbourhood had the same residential features like the other localities of Salt Lake with very few shops and stores. It was only from the mid 90’s that the neighbourhood started to grow commercially as popular eateries and other stores opened doors here,” said Srirup Sarkar, a dentist who lives in BF Block.

The street food explosion, student culture & evening addas

The food scene of the neighbourhood began with iconic north Indian and Marwari-style snack outlets. Establishments like Sharma Tea and Gupta Brothers established the area’s reputation for early morning club kachoris, sabzi, and chai. Other popular outlets, like Fillers and Scoop, offered affordable, pure-vegetarian fast food to the evening and late-night crowds.

Over the years, the Swimming Pool Para further developed as a bustling hangout zone. The pavements opposite the pool grew packed with tiny stalls under huge umbrellas, and food vans. The area became synonymous with pocket-friendly evening snacks. Various stalls began serving iconic Kolkata rolls, vada pav, pav bhaji, and chaat.

“Like Park Street, the Swimming Pool Para serves as a central social hub of Salt Lake. On any given evening, you will find families, college students, and professionals hanging out, hopping from stall to stall, and enjoying the lively urban energy. Much before City Centre mall came up, this was the only neighbourhood in Salt Lake where people could be seen hanging out with friends and neighbours, especially after evening,” said Sankhadip Roy Chowdhury, a local.

The cosmopolitan diversification

At present, the neighbourhood seamlessly balances the old-school para feeling with modern commercial growth, making it a competitive food capital alongside City Centre 1.

“As evening sets in, a small ground in the centre of the two blocks turns into a food hub with 10-12 open-air budget friendly stalls offering different types of delicacies, from dosa to chowmein and from vada pav to momo. One can also enjoy dining at the adjacent Bengali speciality and multi-cuisine restaurants. It is quite a happening place to spend time with friends or family,” said Sayantan Mitra, a resident of CE Block.

Hidden Gems

• “In Salt Lake, Mintella Cafe is a unique and cosy place for family and friends” — Abhishek Karnawat | Businessman
• “Banabitan Biodiversity Park is a wonderful park to be in” — Abhinanda Chakraborty | Businesswoman
• “Central Park offers a perfect place to escape city life, relax, and enjoy nature” — Tutun Banerjee | Social worker

Tell us about the hidden gems of your para. Scan the QR code or visit www.amarpara.in

Pics: Subhojyoti Kanjilal