24x7 push may drive Kolkata’s late-night joints from 300 to 3,000
Times of India | 24 June 2026
Kolkata: From around 300 restaurants, momo joints, cafes and ice-cream parlours that currently operate late into the night in Kolkata, the number could spiral to over 3,000 within a year if the state government implements its budget proposal to encourage shops, restaurants, offices, logistics services and hospitality establishments to function 24×7, restaurateurs and businessmen said on Tuesday.
National Restaurants Association of India president and Wow! Momo founder Sagar Daryani, who keeps nearly 30 of his 100 Kolkata outlets open till 3am, said if the West Bengal Shops and Establishments Act is amended and businesses are encouraged to operate round-the-clock, he would keep the remaining 70 outlets, which now shut at 11pm, open through the night as well.
“That will mean additional employment of around 300 people. And that is just Wow! Momo. For every outlet of Wow! China or any other restaurant, that would mean six to 10 heads per outlet. That will be a huge employment boost to the economy,” Daryani said.
Owners of dhabas that have served customers till 3am on weekdays and 4-5am on weekends for decades said the move would make the city more vibrant and safe, besides reducing red tape as many late-night establishments are sometimes arbitrarily asked by police to down shutters.
“The move will encourage people to step out at night. Once the roads aren’t deserted, law and order situation will automatically improve. If Mumbai can function 24×7, there is no reason why Kolkata cannot. There was a time when Kolkata used to go to bed at 10-10.30pm and Salt Lake used to appear deserted by 7.30-8pm. Not any longer. I am sure if shops and restaurants are open till late, there will be plenty of takers,” said Manjit Singh of Jai Hind Dhaba.
Several dhabas, including Balwant Singh Eating House on Harish Mukherjee Road, Azad Hind Dhaba and Sharma Dhaba on Ballygunge Circular Road, Gautam’s and other outlets on EM Bypass near the VIP Road flyover, besides establishments in Sector V, New Town and ice-cream parlours like Naturals, Pabrai’s and Gianis across Kolkata and Salt Lake, operate till 3-4am.
Binod Shaw of Pepper Chino on Sarat Bose Road, which has operated till 4am for over two decades, said night customer flow is steady. “We get all types of people, movie goers who have been to night shows, techies returning home from work, people returning from night clubs and even doctors from hospitals,” he said.
Daryani said the changes would be “big business” for quick-service restaurants. “Late night eating is as big as lunch. Gig workers will also get a boost,” he said.
Subhasish Ganguly, a multiplex industry veteran, said malls and plexes could also stay open late. “The rent businesses pay is for 24×7. So if there is an opportunity to utilise it, businesses will,” he said.