New Kakatua Restaurant

You can find us in Swargadwar Bazar, not too far from the Bidhaba Ashram here in Puri. Being so close to the sea and the temple means we see a lot of tourists and pilgrims every single day. The air always smells a bit like salt and incense around here. Our restaurant is usually full of people who are tired from walking around all day. We keep the water jars filled and the fans spinning to help them cool off. It’s a busy street outside with people selling all sorts of things, so it can get pretty loud in the front part of the shop. We’ve been serving food here for years, and we’ve seen the seasons change many times. The monsoon is always a bit tricky because the rain can be quite heavy, but we stay open. Our kitchen team is used to the pressure of a crowded dining room. We don't have a big fancy menu, just the usual things people expect when they visit Puri. Sometimes the power goes out and we have to use candles or torches for a bit, but the cooking doesn't stop. It’s a simple, honest place to get a meal. We don't try to be something we're not. We just focus on making sure the plates are clean and the food is ready for whoever walks through the door next.