Food & Shopping
Guwahati is a paradise for food lovers and shopaholics alike. From traditional Assamese cuisine to trendy malls and vibrant street markets, the city has something for everyone.
Food in Guwahati
1. Must-Try Assamese Dishes
Assamese cuisine is simple yet flavorful, with a balance of spices and fresh ingredients.
- Assamese Thali – A full meal with rice, dal, fish curry, meat, and vegetables.
- Masor Tenga – A light, tangy fish curry made with tomatoes and lemon.
- Aloo Pitika – Mashed potatoes with mustard oil and green chilies.
- Duck Meat Curry – A local delicacy, usually cooked with ash gourd.
- Bamboo Shoot Pork – A tribal specialty with a smoky flavor.
- Xaj Pani – A traditional Assamese rice beer.
- Pitha – A popular Assamese snack made from rice flour, jaggery, and coconut.
2. Best Places to Eat in Guwahati
Traditional Assamese Cuisine
- Paradise (Silpukhuri) – Best for an authentic Assamese thali.
- Khorikaa (GS Road) – Specializes in smoked meats and bamboo shoot dishes.
- Delicacy (Zoo Road) – Famous for Assamese non-veg dishes.
Street Food Hotspots
- Paltan Bazaar – Best for momos, chowmein, and rolls.
- GS Road – Try local snacks like jhal muri and tea from roadside stalls.
- Fancy Bazaar – Great for Assamese sweets like til pitha and narikol laru.
Fine Dining & Multi-Cuisine
- Naga Kitchen (Zoo Road) – Authentic Naga cuisine.
- The Great Kabab Factory (Radisson Blu) – Best for Mughlai and kebabs.
- The Woking Mama (Khanapara) – Famous for Asian fusion food.
Cafés & Bakeries
- The Bean Journal (GS Road) – Cozy ambiance and great coffee.
- 3rd Wave Coffee (GS Road) – Best for cold brews and quick bites.
- Kalita Café (Uzan Bazaar) – Traditional Assamese tea and snacks.
Shopping in Guwahati
Guwahati is a great place for shopping, offering everything from Assamese silk to traditional handicrafts and trendy clothes.
1. Best Markets for Shopping
Fancy Bazaar (Best for Budget Shopping)
- The busiest market in Guwahati, perfect for buying clothes, accessories, and souvenirs.
- What to Buy?
- Traditional Assamese Mekhela Chador
- Bamboo and cane handicrafts
- Jute bags and handmade jewelry
- Affordable street fashion
Pan Bazaar (Best for Books & Silk Clothes)
- A great place to find bookshops, silk stores, and cultural souvenirs.
- What to Buy?
- Assam tea (freshly sourced from local plantations)
- Assamese handwoven gamocha (traditional towel)
- Handmade brass and bell metal items
GS Road (Best for Branded Shopping)
- Home to some of the best shopping malls and branded outlets.
- Best Malls to Visit:
- City Center Mall – For top fashion brands and food courts.
- Central Mall – Popular for fashion, electronics, and cosmetics.
- Roodraksh Mall – Good for luxury brands and fine dining.
Uzan Bazaar (Best for Unique Finds & Local Markets)
- A quieter market known for local handicrafts, pottery, and organic food.
- What to Buy?
- Traditional Assamese bell metal utensils
- Handmade bamboo home decor
- Organic honey and spices
Ganeshguri Market (Best for Traditional & Trendy Clothes)
- A mix of Assamese traditional clothing stores and modern fashion boutiques.
- What to Buy?
- Mekhela Chador with unique designs
- Assamese jewelry (Jaapi, Kharu, and Gamkharu bangles)
- Trendy handbags and accessories
2. Best Places to Buy Assam Tea
- Assam Tea House (Pan Bazaar) – Premium quality loose-leaf tea.
- Guwahati Tea Auction Centre – Buy fresh tea directly from tea estates.
- Hindustan Tea House (Fancy Bazaar) – Great for buying gifts and tea blends.
3. Best Places for Handicrafts & Souvenirs
- Assam Emporium (GNB Road) – Best for authentic Assamese handicrafts.
- Pragjyotika (Ambari) – A government-run shop with high-quality bamboo products.
- Jagaran (Uzan Bazaar) – Sells handwoven textiles, pottery, and traditional masks.
Shopping Tips for Guwahati
✅ Bargain at local markets – Fancy Bazaar and Pan Bazaar sellers expect negotiations.
✅ Buy authentic handloom products – Look for government-certified stores for Mekhela Chador.
✅ Try the local markets for unique finds – Uzan Bazaar and Ganeshguri have hidden gems.
✅ Check for fresh tea leaves – Assam tea is best when bought from specialty stores.
Guwahati is a foodie's delight and a shopper’s paradise. Whether you're savoring authentic Assamese dishes, enjoying street food, or shopping for silk and handicrafts, the city promises a memorable experience. Happy exploring!
