Food & Shopping

Food & Shopping

Bilaspur offers a delightful mix of Chhattisgarhi flavors, classic Indian street food, and an authentic shopping experience rooted in handlooms, handicrafts, and daily culture. Whether you're hunting for Kosa silk sarees or craving spicy street snacks, this guide will lead you to the best of Bilaspur's food and shopping scenes.

 Must-Try Food in Bilaspur

 1. Chhattisgarhi Thali – Taste of the Region

A local meal usually includes:

• Faraa (steamed rice dumplings)
• Chana dal chutney
• Aamat (spicy tribal-style mixed veg curry)
• Chousela roti, rice, and sweet khurma

 Try at:
✔️ Rawat Restaurant, Vyapar Vihar
✔️ Manju Mamta Dhaba, Seepat Road
✔️ Hotel Heavens Park, Nehru Chowk

 2. Street Snacks & Evening Chaat

Popular local favorites:

• Chana Samosa – a Bilaspur specialty
• Kachori, Aloo Chaat, Dahi Puri, Poha-Jalebi combo for breakfast
• Bhel and Masala Papad for quick bites

 Best spots:
✔️ Sadar Bazaar Street Food Lane
✔️ Sahu Samosa, Agrasen Chowk
✔️ Gol Bazaar Snack Stalls

3. North & South Indian Meals

• For wholesome lunch or dinner, try:
  ✅ North Indian thalis with paneer curries, roti, and dal
  ✅ Dosa, Idli, and Uttapam for lighter meals

 Try at:
✔️ Madhuban Restaurant, Nehru Chowk
✔️ Sankalp, Link Road
✔️ Shiv Sagar, Vyapar Vihar

 4. Sweets & Desserts

• Famous for:
  ✅ Rabri Jalebi
  ✅ Khoya Barfi, Imarti, Ladoo
  ✅ Seasonal delights like Mahua sweets and Chenna Poda

 Visit:
✔️ Rathi Sweets, Gol Bazaar
✔️ Shyam Sweets, Old Bus Stand Road
✔️ Brijwasi Sweets, Sadar Bazaar

 What to Buy in Bilaspur

 1. Kosa Silk Sarees – The Pride of Bilaspur

• A must-buy item, known for its natural sheen, durability, and ethnic motifs
• Available in plain, embroidered, and designer patterns
• Widely produced in Champa, Janjgir, and Bilha areas

 Best places to shop:
✔️ Kosa Silk Emporium, near Agrasen Chowk
✔️ Chhattisgarh Handloom Center, Vyapar Vihar
✔️ Weekly haats for better bargains and artisan-direct sales

 2. Handicrafts & Tribal Artifacts

• Pick up:
  ✅ Terracotta figures
  ✅ Dhokra (bell metal) decor pieces
  ✅ Woven baskets, tribal jewelry, and cane products

 Find them at:
✔️ Chhattisgarh Haat, seasonal exhibitions
✔️ Local craft stalls near festivals like Bilasa Mahotsav

 3. Daily Wear & Fashion Shopping

• Affordable suits, kurtis, handbags, and accessories available across local markets
• Trendy finds and home goods at:
  ✔️ Gol Bazaar – largest & most popular market
  ✔️ Sadar Bazaar – good for street shopping
  ✔️ Vyapar Vihar Market – for branded and local stores

 4. Local Snacks to Carry Home

• Buy packaged:
  ✅ Chana mix, Bhujia, Baked Khurma
  ✅ Dry laddus, Chikki, and groundnut sweets

 Best at:
✔️ Bilaspur Namkeen House, Link Road
✔️ Bhatia Namkeen, Sadar Bazaar

 Top Shopping Areas in Bilaspur

✅ Tips for Food & Shopping in Bilaspur

✔️ Evenings (5–8 PM) are best for markets and chaat stalls
✔️ Bargain politely in local markets, but fixed price at emporiums
✔️ Prefer cash or UPI – many vendors now accept QR payments
✔️ Ask locals for authentic Kosa sellers or trusted dhabas
✔️ If visiting in festival season, look out for handicraft fairs and food fests