Odisha, located on the eastern coast of India, boasts a rich culinary heritage with a diverse array of flavors and dishes. The cuisine of Odisha is known for its simplicity, use of local ingredients, and a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors. Here are some of the best foods that you must try when visiting Odisha:
Dalma: Dalma is a traditional Odia dish that features lentils cooked with an assortment of vegetables like pumpkin, raw banana, and papaya. The dish is flavored with aromatic spices and tempered with ghee. It is often served with steamed rice and adds a delightful balance of flavors to the meal.
Pakhala: Pakhala is a quintessential Odia dish and a summertime favorite. It consists of cooked rice soaked in water and fermented overnight. It is typically served with accompaniments like Badi (sun-dried lentil dumplings), pickles, and curries. Pakhala is not only delicious but also helps in keeping the body cool during hot weather.
Chhena Poda: Chhena Poda is a delectable dessert that is often called the “cheese cake of Odisha.” It is made from fresh cottage cheese (chhena), sugar, cardamom, and ghee. The mixture is baked until it acquires a beautiful caramelized crust, resulting in a sweet, spongy, and aromatic treat.
Macha Besara: Odisha’s coastal location makes seafood a prominent part of its cuisine. Macha Besara is a popular fish curry made with mustard paste, garlic, turmeric, and green chilies. The pungent and spicy flavors of this dish are truly memorable.
Rasgulla: While Rasgulla is popular all over India, it holds a special place in Odisha, where it is believed to have originated. These soft and spongy cottage cheese balls are soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup, making them a delightful and iconic dessert.
Khaja: Khaja is a crispy, flaky sweet that is loved by locals and tourists alike. It is made from layers of dough that are deep-fried and then soaked in sugar syrup. Khaja comes in various shapes and sizes and is a favorite during festivals and special occasions.
Bara-Ghuguni: Bara-Ghuguni is a delicious street food snack in Odisha. Bara refers to deep-fried lentil patties made from black gram dal, and Ghuguni is a spicy curry made from dried yellow peas. This combination is both hearty and satisfying.
Dahi Macha: Dahi Macha is another seafood delicacy from Odisha. It consists of fish cooked in a spiced yogurt gravy, which gives it a creamy texture and a tangy taste.
Kanika: Kanika is a fragrant sweet rice dish made with aromatic spices like cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom, along with cashews and raisins. It’s often served during festivals and special occasions.
Chhenagaja: Chhenagaja is a sweet made from cottage cheese and semolina dough, deep-fried and then soaked in sugar syrup. It has a crispy exterior and a soft, sweet interior.
