In the bustling commercial hub of Guwahati lies a haven where age-old tales unfold over the city's finest samosas and tea. It's a place where stories are as rich as the flavours they serve.
Nestled in the heart of the bustling city, where skyscrapers touch the sky and the pace of life never seems to slow down, lies a charming eatery with a rich legacy. Lakhi Cabin, an 80-year-old establishment located on Hem Baruah Road in the Kamarpatty area of Fancy Bazar, was founded by Shree Bhupen Chandra Mahanta, a freedom fighter who participated in the Quit India Movement, in 1942. Today, this eatery stands as a living testament to a bygone era.
After the demise of Bhupen Chandra Mahanta, his family took over the reins, determined to preserve the heritage and history associated with the eatery. Now in its third generation, this venerable sweet shop is currently run by Dikshita Mahanta and her younger brother, Arnab Mahanta.
A visit to this charming spot will transport you back in time, evoking a sense of nostalgia as the walls resonate with tales and laughter shared over a cup of tea. Amidst the hustle and bustle of city life, this quaint quick bite shop, nestled in the heart of the city, proudly preserves the authentic culture and heritage of Assam.
"During the freedom struggle, my grandfather was imprisoned. At the time, the Pan Bazar police station lacked sufficient cells to hold all the prisoners, so they were sent home and required to report to the station daily to mark their attendance. During his visits, my grandfather noticed that there wasn't a single tea shop in the area. With only 50 rupees in his pocket, he decided to start this shop," says Dikshita Mahanta in an exclusive conversation with GPlus.
The shop has witnessed many changes over the years, yet its interior remains untouched to provide customers with a comforting sense of relatability and nostalgia each time they visit. Situated near the bustling Fancy Bazar area, it holds a special place in the hearts of students from Srimanta Sankardev School, Cotton University, and Handique, who have created countless sweet memories within its walls.
Dikshita Mahanta fondly recalls her favorite childhood memories at the eatery, where visits with her grandfather meant unlimited sweets and chocolates. “As soon as we entered, my aata would urge us to pick whatever we wanted,” she reminisces. “Everything in the shop seemed so fascinating to me as a kid.” In an exclusive conversation with GPlus, she shares why those moments remain some of her most cherished.
The shop has also been a witness to numerous political discussions, with many notable dignitaries and politicians marking their visits to this historic establishment.
This delightful sweet shop offers a variety of confections, but its unique selling point remains its samosas and tea. Visitors can also savor traditional Assamese sweets such as pitha, coconut laddu, and Patishapta pitha at this charming establishment, which has been serving customers for over seven decades
Modernisation has become essential for every commercial establishment in today's world. Even Lakhi Cabin has embraced this trend by venturing into the e-commerce space. In a world where change is the only constant, this shop's enduring presence remains cherished in the heart of the city. Here, the past converges with the present, and history is savored with every cup of tea served.