Following the Food Trail in the Capital City

Bhubaneswar is trying its best to be a "food junction." Labeling it a "food paradise" will be wrong since Cuttack already has that tag and rightfully so. With multiplex culture becoming a reality in the once sleep town, food brands and numerous food joints have opened multiple outlets in several parts of the city, each in a bid to outdo the other. And, people are not complaining.

But, there is a downside. A lot of foodies complain of repetitive formulas, lack of professionalism among the service staff and enormous price range for most of these cafes and restaurants mushrooming in and around the capital city. The same boring menus, the same hookahs, the same "live music", interior decor, ambiance and taste. The worst of all are the drinks, especially mojitos. My mother has her taste fixed on that one kind of Green Apple Mojito she had at The Chocolate House, Saheed Nagar, and she keeps searching for the same in other places too. Maybe, that is something which needs more time or fixing.

I am yet to visit Barbeque Nation or Wow Momo. But, I found Barbeque Odisha good too. I wish I had taken my family there instead of that horrible restaurant next to it! 

If you have noticed, almost all of the cafes and the resto-bars start out at Patia or somewhere close by and then, moves to Saheed Nagar. A couple of years ago, it was the other way round. Thanks to KIIT, XIMB, real estate boom, shopping malls and high-rise offices, everything is now concentrated at Patia. It is kinda troubling to go all the way there for people who live in this part of the city. 

However, I had an advantage of working in an office situated near KIIT Square; I could treat my colleagues for lunch in the comparatively cheaper restaurants there. If you are taking 10-15 people out for lunch, I'd recommend Chinese food since it fills stomach easily and is lower on the price. However, if your colleagues want Indian, opt for the restaurants at Infocity Square. I treated my colleagues to Indian food at Dakhin 9. The food was so good that the next time I took them out for lunch, they asked me if I was taking them to the same place. It has everything except sweets. But, they can get it for you if you request. 

Now, do not mistake this new-found interest in westernized cafes of Bhubaneswarites for their arrogance or sophistication. People are still loyal to some of those road-side cafes near railway colony and Chandrasekharpur. I remember how I and a friend roamed around the area looking for Cafe Italiano. It's burgers were a delight and I remember enjoying those with a couple of my school buddies. Too bad, I couldn't locate the cafe anymore. 

But, there is a good substitute. Check out Biggies Burnger 'N' More, Saheed Nagar. The combo is to die for and the burgers can really give you foodgasm. Its that good! Plus, since they are new, the prices are reasonable. For me and my food raid partner, that's our new favourite place!

There is much more out there even if you are broke. Jugaad Junction is pocket-friendly and so are all eateries in Ekamra Haat. Silver Streak is always a good option and Chinese food can save you money. But, above all of it, are the food trucks near Ram Mandir. My mother still swears by the pasta she had  there. If you aspire for a slightly better ambiance and hookah, Smog Resto-Cafe, Sachivalaya Marg, is a viable option too.

A word of caution - Regardless of price or hunger pangs you get while shopping, avoid mall food. The food joints are exorbitantly pricey and quality isn't good at all. 

We will discover more in the upcoming blogs.