In Guwahati, as soon as you leave home, the intoxicating aroma of freshly brewed tea envelops you, while the symphony of a freshly rolled-out dough hitting sizzling oil serenades your ears. It's a sensory explosion that transcends the ordinary. Even after a long day, the tantalising scent of momo beckons, teasing your nostrils and sending electric shivers down your taste buds, rendering resistance futile. Succumbing to the irresistible allure of a plate of these delectable dumplings becomes an adventure in itself.
Even within the cacophony of urban life in the streets of Guwahati, street vendors emerge as heroes, catering to the hurried masses on the bustling streets.
These intrepid entrepreneurs are the life and blood of our cities, embodying the spirit of resilience and adaptability as they carve out their niche amidst the concrete jungles. Beyond mere purveyors of goods, street vendors are the architects of convenience, artfully crafting an experience that harmonises with the rhythm of modern existence.
Guwahati's culinary scene has hit an all-time high, bringing a feast to the streets like never before. From the sizzling delights of Chinese Fried Rice to the aromatic Indian Kulchas, and the cheesy goodness of Italian Pizzas to the trendy Korean corndogs – the streets of Guwahati are a gastronomic paradise.
But it's not just about the delectable spread; it's also about the vibrant stories pulsating through the veins of the city's food vendors.
GPlus hit the lively streets of Guwahati to unravel the tales of these culinary wizards who transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Meet Ravi Kishore, the Puri king of Arya Nagar (or as he would like to believe it), whose eyes light up with joy and contentment when discussing his life as a street food vendor.
He has been catering to hundreds of people every day for the last 15 years from the same spot near the Arya Nagar flyover.
“I only sell three items from 6 AM to 12 PM. I have chai, puri and sabji that I sell. My customers are mostly office goers who work nearby. They mostly live alone and making breakfast is not possible for them. So I like to think that I am making their lives a little easier by giving them a good breakfast at a price with which they can also sustain themselves,” Kishore said with a big smile on his face.
At Kishore’s stall, you can get two generously sized puris paired with a bowl overflowing with flavorful sabji, all yours for just Rs 20! But the excitement doesn't end there – throw in a piping hot cup of tea for an additional Rs 10, and you've got a gastronomic adventure for a mere Rs 30!
There are many more stalls like Kishore’s where one can relish an umami-filled plate for just under Rs 50 all around the city.
We have also seen the prevalence of many stretches of roads across Guwahati dedicated to the gastronomic experience.
It's unbelievable how you can dive into the heart of the city's food culture and treat yourself to a plate of mouthwatering momos and an exquisite serving of chowmein, all for just Rs 40. The streets aren't just paved with asphalt; they're paved with the promise of an exciting, affordable, and downright delicious adventure!
While speaking to GPlus, Bidyut Gogoi, a momo stall owner in Zoo Road said, “Momos are a simple snack, if you think about it. There are not many ingredients you need to make them. But somehow I feel really wonderful serving them to students as well as working people who come to my stall, especially during the evenings, for a hot plate of momos.”
Bidyut also described how momos, a seemingly modest snack that has conquered hearts across all ages. These delectable dumplings aren't just a quick bite; they're a beloved indulgence that sparks joy and delight in everyone fortunate enough to savour them.
While food is undeniably a necessity for survival, it transcends its basic purpose and is rather an amalgamation of love, laughter, joy, and countless emotions.
Guwahati's street food scene is a thrilling adventure for the taste buds—affordable and absolutely mouthwatering. It's a culinary haven not only for those on a budget but also for the hustlers racing against the clock, such as delivery executives and journalists.
In a city where time is of the essence, the availability of delicious and pocket-friendly street food becomes a lifeline for those who can't afford to spare more than a few precious minutes or a handful of rupees for a quick and satisfying meal.
The streets of Guwahati are bustling with vendors offering a variety of delectable options, making it a paradise for anyone looking to refuel on the go.
Raktim Baruah, a delivery executive by profession shared with GPlus how his day would have been without the availability of the street food stalls across the city.
“We don’t have time to have a proper lunch ever, sometimes we don’t even have time for breakfast or dinner if our shifts are at odd times. We can survive only because of these street stalls. The cost is cheap and the food is also really good. Going to a restaurant every day is not possible as it becomes an expensive affair,” Baruah said.
Guwahati, a city whose very air is redolent with the enticing aromas of diverse cuisines, owes much of its culinary charm to the unsung heroes adorning its bustling streets – the street vendors.
These culinary maestros transform the mundane into the extraordinary, offering an unparalleled breakfast adventure at unbelievably affordable prices and enchanting taste buds with their momo stalls.
These streetside virtuosos go beyond the realm of mere sustenance; they are purveyors of happiness and joy. Every plate of food they serve becomes a source of delight. Guwahati's street food scene is not just about sustenance; it's a testimony to the resilience and adaptability of its people. These vendors, like wizards of gastronomy, turn ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences.
Walking through the streets, one is confronted with an array of choices that mirror the city's diversity. Each vendor, a beacon of culinary innovation, contributes to the vibrant mosaic of flavours that defines the city's street food culture.
So, as you navigate this culinary wonderland, what special street food will you choose today?