Odisha cuisine, also known as Odia cuisine, is a mash-up of many goods and activities. Odisha’s diet is heavily affected by the food of North India, Bengal, and Assam due to its proximity to both North and South Indian states. Rice is the state’s staple cuisine, and mustard oil is commonly utilised as a cooking medium in many homes. Many Odisha meals include yoghurt, and many desserts are made with chhena (a form of cheese). Odia food is less greasy and spicy, but packed with flavour. Odisha, dubbed “the Goa of Eastern India,” is a must-see gastronomic destination for every foodie. So, here’s our hand-picked selection of Odisha’s dishes:
Chungdi Malai
As the name says, this dish is all about the delectable creamy prawn curry, which gets its creamy texture from coconut milk. The richness and silkiness of this delicious dish are further enhanced with light and moderate spices that give it a distinct flavour. Absolutely delectable, mouth-watering, and flavorful! This delicacy, which is best served with steaming basmati rice, is a must-try if you are in or around Odisha.
Dalma
Oh, Dalma! You can’t seem to get enough of dal, can you? However, in Odisha, this staple food takes on a new twist. It’s cooked with roasted moong dal and contains no onion or garlic. A cup of vegetables and a few common spices are added to give it a mouthwatering flavour. flavour. Pumpkin, plantain, yam, and papaya are examples of common vegetables that work wonders for your general health. This finger-licking dinner, which is typically served with rice, will more than satisfy your appetite.
Pakhala
During the summer, Pakhala Bhata is practically every household’s daily lunch in Odisha. Cooked rice is soaked in water and sour curd to make it. Usually served with potatoes, fried fish, papad, and Badi choora, which is dried and nut-like urad and black gramme.
This fermented rice dish is ideal for beating the heat and refreshing you from within. All Odias celebrate Pakhala Dibasa (Universal Pakhala Day) on March 20th to welcome the summer season with Odisha’s traditional food. This delectable dinner is a must-try.
Aloo dum-Dahi vada
Dahi vada and Aloo dum are two more popular street foods in Odisha after gupchup. Even at 5 a.m.,
you may see thela walas with their enormous pots of dahi vada and smaller pots filled with aloo dum. Whereas dahi vada and aloo dum are considered separate cuisines elsewhere, Odisha offers a unique combination of the two. The delectable taste of dahi vadas delicately balances the spice of aloo dum, providing the flavour that every Odia craves.
This meal, also known as the ‘Vada Pav’ of Cuttack, has undoubtedly carved its way into people’s hearts and daily lives.
Odisha’s Traditional Food, Chhena Poda
Odisha’s signature cheesecake Odisha is famed for one sweet, Chhena Poda, which is also known as Lord Jagannath’s favourite sweet and is frequently offered to him at the Puri Temple. The lingering flavour of burnt home-made cottage cheese and semolina mixed with sugar syrup will simply blow your head.
This uncommon treat is baked for several hours until it turns red, and the caramelised sugar enhances the particular flavour of Chhena Poda. This cuisine is simple, easy, and very tasty, and can be found in practically every nook and cranny.
Rasabali
The delicious delicacy is topped with cardamoms and soaked in thick, flavorful milk. This delicacy originated in Odisha’s Kendrapara district and is served in Lord Jagannath temple as part of chappana bhogas.
Chakuli Pitha
Pitha is a well-known Odisha dish that is similar to but not the same as a Dosa. It is created with a batter comprised of equal parts lentils (Urad Dal) and rice (soaked, ground and fermented for at least 5 hours). At times, black lentils (skinless) are substituted for Urad Dal.
The batter is spread in a circular pattern on a griddle or skillet and fried on both sides with mustard oil. Chakuli Pitha is thicker and softer than Dosa. This gluten-free treat pairs great with Aloo Bhuja, Ghugni, or jaggery.
Mudhi Mansa
Puffed Rice Mudhi It is served with Mutton Curry
Mudhi refers to puffed rice, and Mansa refers to pork. Mudhi Mansa’s is a famous, traditional dish that the people of Odisha like. It’s goat meat marinated in oil and a variety of spices. The meat is then placed in a sauce comprised of tomatoes, onions, and spices. Hot with crunchy Mudhi or puffed rice and served with chopped onions, tomatoes, and fresh coriander leaves.
It is an intriguing mix that is popular, particularly among the people of Bhubaneswar.
Odisha Rasagolla
The Rasoaolla from Odisha is extremely famous for all of the right reasons, and then some! Given its origins in the Battle of Bengal, it has been a hot topic. This delectable delicacy is sure to win hearts all across the world with its mouth-melting texture and divine flavour! The One of the nicest sweets is white deliciousness dipped in sugar syrup.
The exquisite smoothness of the chhena, combined with the ideal mix of sweetness, makes it a delightful pleasure. This is a treat that cannot be missed! Khira Mohana, Odisha Rasogolla, has been served as bhog in Puri’s Jagannath Temple.
