Durga Puja food guide in Guwahati is as much about devotion as it is about deliciousness. When pandals light up across the city, kitchens from community halls to street stalls come alive too. Bhog plates of khichuri and labra mingle with Assamese thalis of tenga and pitika, while Bengali eateries serve steaming anna khana with kosha mangsho and sweets. Whether you’re pandal-hopping or dining out, Guwahati transforms into a food paradise during Puja.
Why Food is Integral to Durga Puja in Guwahati
In Guwahati, Durga Puja is celebrated with a unique blend of Assamese and Bengali traditions. Food is central to this celebration for three reasons:
- Bhog as devotion: A symbolic offering to Maa Durga that’s shared with devotees. In Guwahati, bhog often merges Assamese flavors (mustard fish curry, pitika) with the Bengali classic (khichuri, labra, payas).
- Community bonding: Families, neighbors, and even strangers sit side by side on benches or mats to enjoy bhog together.
- City’s food diversity: Assamese thalis, Bengali anna khana, street snacks, and sweets showcase the city’s cultural mix.
Durga Puja in Guwahati isn’t complete without eating your way through its pandals, markets, and eateries.
Traditional Bhog During Durga Puja
Bhog in Guwahati is a sacred, nostalgic experience. Served on banana leaves or steel plates, it carries flavors of both Bengal and Assam.
What to expect in a bhog plate:
- Khichuri (rice and lentils cooked with spices).
- Labra (mixed vegetable curry).
- Tomato chutney.
- Papad and pickles.
- Payas (rice pudding).
- Seasonal fruits.
Guwahati twist: Many bhogs also feature Assamese additions like aloo pitika (mashed potato with mustard oil), tenga curry (light, sour fish curry), or lai xaak stir fry.
Pandal bhogs are usually served around 1–2:30 PM. Famous bhog spots in Guwahati include:
- Latasil Puja Mandap.
- Silpukhuri Puja Committee.
- Uzan Bazar Puja.
For many, enjoying bhog together marks the soul of Durga Puja in Guwahati.
Best Street Food to Try During Durga Puja in Guwahati
When pandal-hopping, you’re never far from a food stall. Street food in Guwahati during Puja is vibrant, affordable, and bursting with flavor.
Ganeshguri & Fancy Bazar
- Rolls (egg, chicken, paneer).
- Ghugni with chop (curried chickpeas with fried cutlets).
- Jalebis and samosas.
- Momos with fiery chutney.
These markets stay open late into the night, buzzing with students, families, and pandal-hoppers.
Silpukhuri & Uzan Bazar
- Puchkas (pani puri) and chaat.
- Fried pakoras and aloo chops.
- Mishti doi and rasgulla from local vendors.
Perfect for an evening stop between pandals.
Near Major Pandals (Latasil, Beltola, Pandu)
- Temporary food stalls sell bhog-style plates, tea, and quick snacks.
- The festive aroma of fries, jalebis, and sweets adds to the pandal experience.
Street food here is not just about taste; it’s about being part of the crowd, standing under lights, and sharing bites with friends.
Iconic Restaurants & Sweet Shops to Visit During Puja
If you’re planning proper sit-down meals or sweet cravings, Guwahati has plenty of iconic eateries that become busier during Puja.
Assamese Thali Restaurants
- Paradise, Silpukhuri: Famous for Assamese fish tenga, aloo pitika, and pork curry.
- Jolpaan, Six Mile: Authentic Assamese thali with khar, tenga, pitika, and pithas.
- Gam’s Delicacy, Christian Basti: Known for duck curry, pork with lai xaak, and ethnic thalis.
Bengali Eateries
- Bhajohori Manna (GS Road): Kosha mangsho (spicy mutton curry), luchi, shorshe ilish (mustard hilsa).
- Kolkata Roll outlets: Quick bites for pandal hoppers.
Sweet Shops
- Kalpataru (Panbazar): Sandesh, mihidana, and rosogolla.
- Mahabir Sweets (Fancy Bazar): Rasgulla and gulab jamun.
- Reboti: Famous for Bengali-style mishti.
These shops serve not just sweets but also nostalgia—generations of Guwahatians have Puja memories tied to them.
Best Cafés and Modern Eateries for a Puja Break
Sometimes you need a pause from the crowd. Cafés in Guwahati offer cozy corners during the festive rush.
- Café Hendrix (GS Road): Fusion food and live music.
- 11th Avenue Café Bistro (Uzan Bazar): Coffee, sandwiches, and cakes.
- Starbucks (GS Road): Quick caffeine recharge between pandals.
- Local bakeries: Truffles, Sugar Rush, and Bread Basket are popular for cakes and pastries.
These are great for catching up with friends or taking a breather from pandal-hopping.
Late-Night Food Spots During Durga Puja in Guwahati
Durga Puja nights in Guwahati mean midnight hunger pangs. Luckily, several food hubs stay open late:
- GS Road dhabas: North Indian curries, naan, and tandoor snacks.
- Ganeshguri momo stalls: Hot dumplings served till past midnight.
- Beltola tea stalls: Famous for hot tea, samosas, and pakoras.
During Puja, it’s common to see families and groups eating together at 1 AM, a sight unique to this festive season.
Durga Puja Food Trails – What to Eat Each Day
Durga Puja in Guwahati is not just a festival of lights and pandals—it’s a five-day food journey. Each day carries its own culinary vibe, shaped by tradition, mood, and timing. Here’s how you can eat your way through Puja in the city:
Saptami – The Gentle Start
The festival kicks off with Saptami, and so do the food cravings. Families usually start the morning with Assamese jolpan a light spread of pitha, chira doi gur (flattened rice with curd and jaggery), and black tea. By afternoon, bhog distribution begins at pandals, so many devotees head to Latasil or Uzan Bazar for their first taste of khichuri and labra. Evenings are for street food warm-ups egg rolls, pakoras, and a sweet jalebi to set the festive mood.
Ashtami – The Bhog Feast Day
Ashtami is considered the heart of Durga Puja, and bhog takes center stage. Long queues form at pandals to receive anna khana khichuri, labra, chutney, papad, and payas—served hot and fresh. For many, it’s the most sacred meal of the year. After bhog, people snack on chaat, puchkas, and chops near Silpukhuri and Fancy Bazar. Evening pandal-hopping is fueled by momos and rolls, making Ashtami a mix of devotion and indulgence.
Navami – The Grand Dining Day
Navami is when families and groups often plan sit-down meals. Assamese restaurants like Paradise or Jolpaan stay packed, serving fish tenga, duck curry, and pork with lai xaak. Bengali families lean toward kosha mangsho, luchi, and shorshe ilish at Bhajohori Manna or Kolkata Roll joints. Sweets are an unmissable part of the day Kalpataru’s sandesh or Mahabir’s rosogolla boxes are carried home for guests. It’s a day to treat yourself with full meals beyond street food.
Dashami – Sweet Endings and Farewell Feasts
Dashami is emotional it marks Maa Durga’s departure. Food on this day carries a tone of closure. Morning rituals may be simple, but by afternoon and evening, families gather for farewell feasts. Bengali homes cook pulao, mutton curry, and sweets, while Assamese families prepare special thalis with tenga fish curry and pitha. Outside, sweet shops see their biggest rush payas, rosogolla, gulab jamun, and pitha fly off the shelves. It’s about ending Puja on a sweet, comforting note.
Tips for Enjoying Food During Durga Puja in Guwahati
- Bhog timing: Best enjoyed between 1–2:30 PM at pandals.
- Carry cash: Small vendors may not accept UPI during rush hours.
- Stay hydrated: Street food is spicy and nights are long.
- Balance meals: Mix bhog, street food, and proper thalis to avoid overindulgence.
- Don’t skip sweets: From Assamese pithas to Bengali rosogolla, sweets are central to the festive vibe.
Conclusion
Durga Puja in Guwahati is a festival where devotion meets indulgence. Bhog unites communities, Assamese thalis celebrate local pride, Bengali anna khana keeps traditions alive, and street food fuels pandal-hopping adventures. From sweet shops like Kalpataru to late-night momo stalls in Ganeshguri, the city ensures no one goes hungry during Puja.
This year, make your celebrations complete by following this Durga Puja food guide in Guwahati eat bhog, savor Assamese and Bengali flavors, explore street snacks, and share sweets. After all, Puja here is not just about prayers it’s about plates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the traditional bhog served in Guwahati during Durga Puja?
Khichuri, labra, chutney, papad, and payas, often with Assamese touches like aloo pitika or tenga curry.
Where can I find the best sweets during Puja?
Kalpataru in Panbazar, Mahabir in Fancy Bazar, and Reboti are the most popular sweet shops.
What are the must-try street foods in Guwahati during Durga Puja?
Egg rolls, momos, ghugni, puchkas, jalebis, and chops.
Do pandals in Guwahati serve bhog for visitors?
Yes, most major pandals distribute bhog free of cost to devotees during afternoon hours.
Which restaurants are open late at night during Puja?
GS Road dhabas, Ganeshguri momo stalls, and Beltola tea shops are open till late.