The bustling capital of Odisha, Bhubaneswar, is witnessing a remarkable shift in dining habits as online food delivery becomes a lifeline for its busy residents. With packed schedules leaving little time for cooking, professionals, students, and travellers increasingly turn to online platforms to satisfy their hunger, especially late at night.
This growing trend is reshaping the city’s food culture and creating new opportunities and challenges for delivery workers and restaurants alike.
A City Too Busy to Cook
In Bhubaneswar, time is a scarce commodity. Working professionals burn the midnight oil at offices, students prepare for competitive exams, and travellers linger at railway stations or hotels. For these groups, cooking a meal is often a luxury they can’t afford. Online food delivery has emerged as a reliable solution, delivering everything from pizzas to rolls at the tap of a screen. The convenience of having favourite meals arrive within minutes, day or night, has captured the imagination of the city’s youth, professionals, and visitors.
Late-Night Orders on the Rise
As the clock ticks past 11 PM and most hotels and restaurants shutter their doors, a select few outlets remain open, catering exclusively to online orders. Areas like Jagamara, Khandagiri, Rasulgarh, Infocity, and Chandrasekharpur are buzzing with activity as popular outlets serve up popular items such as pizzas, burgers, rolls, etc. The streets, quiet and deserted at night, come alive with the whir of delivery bikes racing to fulfil orders.
This surge in demand is particularly evident among specific groups. Hostel students, hotel guests, railway travellers, and working women find online food delivery a convenient and safe option for late-night meals. The ability to order food at any hour has become a game-changer, offering comfort and accessibility to a diverse cross-section of Bhubaneswar’s population.
Delivery Boys Adapt to the Night Shift
The rise in late-night orders has spurred a parallel trend: delivery boys are gearing up mentally and physically to meet the demand. For many, this is an opportunity to earn extra income. However, the job isn’t without its challenges. Sumanta Pattnaik, a delivery boy, shares his experience: “More orders come in late at night. Sometimes, customers place an order and fall asleep, not answering calls. It’s frustrating. We used to keep cancelled orders, but now we return them to the source. Some restaurant owners let us keep the food, though.”
The sight of delivery boys crowding near Galleria Mall by the State Museum or zipping through key areas late at night has become common. Their dedication ensures that Bhubaneswar’s residents can enjoy a hot meal even in the early hours.
A Boost to the Nighttime Economy
Restaurants and fast-food chains are adapting to this trend by extending hours solely for online orders. This shift not only caters to customer needs but also fuels a growing nighttime economy. From Jagamara to Rasulgarh, the presence of delivery workers and open outlets is a testament to the city’s evolving lifestyle. Popular items like pizza, burgers, and chaomin dominate late-night menus, reflecting the preferences of a young, dynamic population.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the trend brings convenience, it also highlights challenges. Cancelled orders, unresponsive customers, and the physical demands of late-night deliveries test the resilience of delivery workers. Yet, the surge in demand is a boon for restaurants and delivery platforms, creating jobs and driving revenue. As Bhubaneswar’s residents embrace this new way of dining, the online food delivery ecosystem is poised for further growth.
A New Era for Bhubaneswar’s Food Scene
The rise of late-night online food delivery marks a significant shift in Bhubaneswar’s culinary landscape. With busy schedules and a demand for convenience, the city’s residents are redefining how and when they eat. As restaurants and delivery workers adapt, this trend is set to become a cornerstone of Bhubaneswar’s modern lifestyle, blending convenience, choice, and opportunity in the heart of Odisha’s capital.
