Before relocating to Bengaluru, where Mohona Kanjilal spent most part of her childhood, she lived in Alexandra Court— a block of apartments on Chowringhee in central Kolkata, which dates back to the early part of the 20th century. The author also lived in another house, built during the British period, on Rowland Road in south Kolkata. “Needless to say, both  [houses] were reminiscent of the European architectural style with wooden staircases, high ceilings, long tower bolts for doors and external spiral staircases for the domestics,” she tells us, adding, “While the house on Rowland Road had wooden floors, Alexandra Court had an old-fashioned elevator with collapsible grill door—typical features seen even today in Kolkata houses that were built in the British era and style. Out of the two, Alexandra Court still exists.” And so does the food influence Britishers left in the city.

A Bengali meal at Young Bengal Hotel