Food & Shopping
Food in Ambikapur – What & Where to Eat
Ambikapur offers a warm taste of Chhattisgarhi and tribal cuisine, with a focus on simplicity, health, and local ingredients.
1. Traditional Chhattisgarhi Dishes
- Must-Try Items:
- Faraa – Steamed rice dumplings, soft and savory.
- Chana Samosa – Spiced chickpeas inside crispy samosa shells.
- Aamat – Bamboo shoot curry cooked with tribal spices.
- Bore Baasi – Fermented rice eaten with curd or buttermilk.
- Chousela Roti – Rice flour flatbread, usually served with green chutney or curry.
- Where to Eat:
- Local eateries near Gandhi Chowk
- Small dhabas along highways or tribal village stays
- Try homemade food in local guesthouses for the most authentic taste
2. Street Food Delights
- Popular Snacks:
- Poha-Jalebi combo for breakfast
- Pakoras, Chana Chaat, and Pani Puri in the evening
- Aloo Tikki and Kachori Sabzi from roadside vendors
- Best Areas:
- Bus Stand Road
- Gole Bazar
- Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar) area
3. Tribal Beverages (Tasted Responsibly)
- Mahua liquor and Salfi (rice palm drink) are locally brewed in tribal areas.
- Can be sampled (with guidance) during village visits or cultural programs.
Shopping in Ambikapur – What to Buy & Where
Ambikapur is surrounded by tribal villages known for craftsmanship, sustainable living, and natural materials.
1. Bamboo & Cane Crafts
- What to Buy:
- Handwoven baskets
- Bamboo lamps
- Traditional fishing tools (decorative)
- Where: Local haat bazaars or roadside artisan stalls
2. Tribal Handicrafts
- Includes:
- Terracotta figurines
- Wooden toys
- Metalwork from nearby areas like Korea and Jashpur
3. Traditional Textiles & Natural Dyes
- What to Look For:
- Naturally dyed sarees and stoles
- Tribal embroidery patterns
- Eco-printed fabrics
- Where: Tribal fairs, craft exhibitions, and emporiums (seasonal)
Top Shopping Spots in Ambikapur:
- Gandhi Chowk Market – Local produce, snacks, garments
- Gole Bazar – Street shopping, handicrafts, and everyday goods
- Weekly Village Haat Bazaars – Great for authentic handmade items and tribal interaction
