India is a land of extraordinary contrasts, where ancient traditions meet modern innovation, and natural wonders coexist with vibrant cities.
Cuttack, known as the “Silver City of India”, is a paradise for food lovers and shoppers. From its famous street food delicacies to traditional silver filigree jewelry, the city offers an authentic Odia cultural experience. Let’s explore the best food & shopping destinations in Cuttack!
Best Food & Street Food in Cuttack
Cuttack’s food scene is a delightful mix of Odia cuisine, spicy street food, and sweet delicacies.
1️ Must-Try Local Dishes
✅ Dahibara Aloo Dum – Soft lentil dumplings soaked in curd, served with spicy potato curry.
Best Place: Raghu Dahibara (Bidanasi), Buxi Bazaar
✅ Chhena Poda – Odisha’s signature baked cottage cheese dessert (like a burnt cheesecake).
Best Place: Pahala Sweet Shops, Naya Sarak
✅ Mutton Kassa – Slow-cooked spicy mutton curry, best paired with paratha.
Best Place: Odisha Hotel, Buxi Bazaar
✅ Barfi & Rabdi – Thickened milk sweets, perfect for dessert lovers.
Best Place: Naya Sarak Street Stalls
✅ Gupchup (Pani Puri) – Odisha’s version of spicy, tangy golgappas.
Best Place: Near Choudhury Bazaar & Dolamundai
✅ Chicken & Mutton Rolls – Crispy and spicy kathi rolls filled with mutton or chicken.
Best Place: Rolls Corner, Choudhury Bazaar
✅ Prawn Malai Curry & Fish Fry – Coastal Odisha’s seafood delight.
Best Place: Odisha Hotel, Choudhury Bazaar
✅ Bali Jatra Special Delicacies – Local snacks, sweets, and seafood during the Bali Jatra Festival (November).
Tip: Visit Buxi Bazaar & Choudhury Bazaar in the evening for the best street food experience!
Best Shopping in Cuttack
Cuttack is famous for its handicrafts, silver filigree work, textiles, and traditional markets.
2️ Silver Filigree Shopping (Tarakasi Work)
Cuttack is the hub of India’s finest silver filigree jewelry.
Get beautifully handcrafted silver ornaments, showpieces, and Puja items.
Best Markets for Silver Jewelry:
✔ Naya Sarak Market – The biggest silver filigree market in Odisha.
✔ Balu Bazaar – Specializes in custom-made silver filigree designs.
✔ Choudhury Bazaar – Best for silver anklets, earrings & bridal jewelry.
Tip: Look for intricate designs like peacock motifs, temple jewelry, and handcrafted silver idols!
3️ Handloom & Textile Shopping
Cuttack is famous for Sambalpuri sarees, Bomkai handlooms, and Ikat fabrics.
Buy authentic Odisha handloom sarees, dupattas, and dress materials.
Best Places to Buy Handlooms:
✔ Boyanika (Govt. Handloom Store) – Authentic handloom sarees.
✔ Utkalika (Handicrafts Emporium) – Best for Pattachitra paintings & textiles.
✔ Market Building, Badambadi – Affordable fabrics & dress materials.
Tip: Bargain while shopping in local street markets, but expect fixed prices at government emporiums.
4 Famous Markets & Shopping Areas
Choudhury Bazaar – Best for silver jewelry, sarees & handloom fabrics.
Naya Sarak – Famous for silver filigree, jewelry & traditional Odia crafts.
Balu Bazaar – Best for buying sweets, food products & silver showpieces.
Badambadi Market – Good for affordable clothes & accessories.
Bali Jatra Fair (November) – A paradise for handicrafts, home decor, and handmade items.
Tip: If visiting during Bali Jatra, shop for unique handmade toys, terracotta items & ethnic wear.
5️ Best shopping malls & Modern Markets
Nexus Esplanade Mall – Luxury brands, fashion stores & food court.
Reliance Mall, Cuttack – Best for everyday shopping needs.
V2 Mall – Affordable fashion & accessories.
Tip: For branded clothes & accessories, visit Esplanade Mall, Bhubaneswar (30 km from Cuttack).
Final Tips for Food & Shopping in Cuttack
✔ Try local street food at Buxi Bazaar, Choudhury Bazaar & Bidanasi.
✔ For authentic silver filigree, visit Naya Sarak & Balu Bazaar.
✔ For handloom sarees, shop at Boyanika & Utkalika.
✔ For budget shopping, explore Badambadi & Market Building.
✔ Visit during Durga Puja or Bali Jatra for the best cultural experience.
Cuttack is a paradise for foodies and shoppers! Which dish or shopping item excites you the most?