Food & Shopping

Food & Shopping

Rourkela, the "Steel City of Odisha," is not just an industrial hub but also a paradise for food lovers and shoppers. The city offers a mix of traditional Odia cuisine, street food delights, tribal handicrafts, and modern shopping experiences. Let’s explore the best food and shopping spots in Rourkela!

 Best Food & Street Food in Rourkela

Rourkela’s food scene is a blend of Odia, tribal, and street food flavors.

1️⃣ Must-Try Local Dishes

✅ Chhena Poda – Odisha’s signature baked cottage cheese dessert (like a burnt cheesecake).
 Best Place: Pahala Sweet Shop, Udit Nagar

✅ Dahibara Aloo Dum – Soft lentil dumplings soaked in curd, served with spicy potato curry.
 Best Place: Daily Market Street Stalls

✅ Mutton Kassa – Spicy mutton curry slow-cooked with local spices.
 Best Place: Odisha Hotel, Sector 4

✅ Pakhala Bhata – Fermented rice served with fried vegetables & curd, a traditional Odia dish.
 Best Place: Jagannath Bhojanalaya, Udit Nagar

✅ Arisa Pitha & Kakara Pitha – Sweet deep-fried rice cakes, a must-try traditional snack.
 Best Place: Local sweet shops in Bisra Square

✅ Chicken & Mutton Rolls – Spicy and crispy kathi rolls, a local favorite.
 Best Place: Food Street, Sector 5

✅ Mahua Drink (Local Tribal Liquor) – A traditional tribal alcoholic beverage.
 Best Place: Tribal fairs & village markets (only for those interested in local experiences).

 Tip: Try Rourkela’s famous sweets & snacks at local markets in Udit Nagar & Daily Market.

 Best Street Food Spots in Rourkela

 Daily Market & Ambagan Street Food Stalls – Famous for Dahibara Aloo Dum, Gupchup & Chaat.
 Bisra Square Street Vendors – Best for samosas, vada, and tea stalls.
 Sector 5 Food Street – Perfect for rolls, burgers, momos & Indo-Chinese snacks.
 Ring Road Night Food Market – Great for grilled chicken, kebabs & non-veg delicacies.

 Tip: Visit Food Street in Sector 5 at night for the best variety of fast food & local snacks.

 Best Shopping in Rourkela

Rourkela offers a mix of traditional tribal handicrafts, modern shopping malls, and bustling local markets.

2️ Famous Local Markets & Shopping Streets

 Daily Market (Udit Nagar) – The largest market in Rourkela, selling clothes, electronics, and fresh produce.
 Ambagan Market – Best for Odia handloom sarees, handicrafts & budget shopping.
 Bisra Square Market – Popular for tribal crafts, handmade jewelry & bamboo products.
 Power House Road Market – A great place for footwear, fashion accessories & budget-friendly clothes.

 Tip: Bargain in local markets but expect fixed prices in government emporiums.

3️⃣ Best Places to Buy Handicrafts & Tribal Art

 Sambalpuri & Kotpad Handloom Sarees – Traditional Odia sarees with intricate weaving.
 Best Place: Boyanika & Utkalika Handloom Stores

 Dhokra Brass Handicrafts – Tribal brass figurines & home décor items.
 Best Place: Tribal Fairs & Handicraft Shops near Vedavyas Temple

 Pattachitra Paintings – Traditional hand-painted cloth scrolls with mythological themes.
 Best Place: Tribal Handicrafts Emporium, Bisra Square

 Bamboo & Cane Products – Handmade furniture, baskets & home décor from local artisans.
 Best Place: Handicraft stalls at Udit Nagar & local tribal fairs

 Tip: The best time for handicraft shopping is during festivals & tribal fairs like Sarhul & Basant Mela.

4️⃣ Modern Shopping Malls & Stores in Rourkela

 The Forum Galleria Mall – Rourkela’s biggest mall with branded fashion, electronics & a multiplex.
 Location: Sector 19, Rourkela

 Platinum Mall – Great for mid-range clothing brands & food court.