Tucked away on India’s eastern coast, the state of Odisha (formerly Orissa) boasts a culinary heritage as rich and diverse as its temples and beaches. From the simple yet satisfying comfort of Pakhala Bhata to the sweet indulgence of Chenna Poda, Orissan cuisine offers a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your tastebuds and leave you yearning for more.
In this blog post, I’ll embark on a virtual food tour of Odisha, showcasing some of its most iconic dishes. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure!
1. Pakhala Bhata (Fermented Rice and Water)
Description:
The soul food of Odisha, Pakhala Bhata is a simple dish of cooked rice soaked in water and left to ferment slightly overnight. This humble dish acquires a pleasantly sour tang and forms the basis for a refreshing and rejuvenating summer meal.
Recipe:
https://cookpad.com/in/recipes/10866688-pakhala-bhata
Key Ingredients:
Cooked rice, water, salt, and sometimes a dash of curd.
Popular Restaurant:
The Pakhala House (Bhubaneswar) – known for its authentic Pakhala Bhata variations.
2. Dalma (Odia-style Lentil Stew)
Description:
A thick and flavorful lentil stew, Dalma is a staple in every Odia household. A medley of lentils (usually arhar/toor dal) and vegetables, it has a unique flavor profile thanks to the aromatic ‘pancha phutana’ (a blend of five spices).
Recipe:
https://www.oneteaspoonoflife.com/2019/03/dalma.html
Key Ingredients:
Toor dal (lentils), vegetables (pumpkin, potato, eggplant, etc.), pancha phutana (cumin, mustard, fennel, fenugreek and nigella seeds), turmeric, garlic, ginger, green chilies.
Popular Restaurant:
Odisha Hotel (Puri) – Serves authentic, homestyle Dalma.
3. Santula (Vegetable Medley)
Description:
Odisha loves its vegetables, and Santula is the perfect example! It’s a light and nutritious mixed vegetable dish where the flavors of the vegetables shine through. Lightly seasoned, Santula is often served as a side dish.
Recipe:
https://food.ndtv.com/recipe-santula-233514
Key Ingredients:
A medley of seasonal vegetables (potato, brinjal, pumpkin, cauliflower, etc.), pancha phutana, turmeric, green chilies, and grated coconut for a touch of sweetness.
Popular Restaurant:
Mayfair Lagoon (Bhubaneswar) – Offers a delicious Santula on its traditional Odia menu.
4. Macha Besara (Fish in Mustard Sauce)
Description:
Odisha’s love affair with all things seafood finds delicious expression in Macha Besara. Fresh fish is cooked in a thick, fiery mustard paste with a delightful balance of tang and punchy heat.
Recipe:
https://cookpad.com/us/recipes/8905494-macha-besara
Key Ingredients:
Fish (Rohu or Katla preferred), mustard paste, turmeric, green chilies, garlic, onion, tomatoes (optional).
Popular Restaurant:
Dalma (Cuttack) – Famous for its flavorful fish dishes, including Macha Besara
5. Chingudi Tarakari (Prawn Curry)
Description:
Coastal Odisha’s bounty comes alive in Chingudi Tarakari. Succulent prawns are simmered in a rich coconut-based gravy, infused with fragrant spices. The perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and slightly tangy flavors.
Recipe:
https://cookpad.com/us/recipes/9484011-prawn-curry-odia-style
Key Ingredients:
Prawns, coconut milk, grated coconut, onion, tomato, ginger, garlic, turmeric, green chilies, a blend of whole spices.
Popular Restaurant:
Bhojohori Manna (multiple locations) – Known for authentic Bengali and Odia cuisine, including Chingudi Tarakari.
6. Chenna Poda (Baked Cottage Cheese Dessert)
Description:
Odisha’s answer to cheesecake, Chenna Poda is an irresistible baked dessert. Fresh chenna (cottage cheese) is kneaded with sugar, semolina, and flavored with cardamom. It’s baked till golden brown, developing a delightful caramelized crust.
Recipe:
https://www.vegrecipesofindia.com/chhena-poda-recipe/
Key Ingredients:
Chenna (cottage cheese), sugar, semolina, cardamom, cashews, raisins (optional)
Popular Restaurant:
Pahala Sweets (Bhubaneswar) – Legend has it Chenna Poda originated here!
7. Dahi Baigana (Eggplant in Yogurt Sauce)
Description:
This simple yet flavorful dish is a testament to Odia cuisine’s minimalist approach. Tender eggplant is lightly fried and then simmered in a tangy, spiced yogurt sauce. It’s light, refreshing, and oh-so-satisfying.
Recipe:
https://www.blissofcooking.com/2021/06/dahi-baigana/
Key Ingredients:
Eggplant, yogurt, pancha phutana, turmeric, ginger, garlic, green chilies
Popular Restaurant:
Trupti Restaurant (Puri) – Offers homestyle Odia food, including Dahi Baigana.
8. Saga Bhaja (Fried Leafy Greens)
Description:
Odias have a knack for transforming simple greens into delicious dishes. Saga Bhaja is one such example. Leafy greens are stir-fried with minimal spices, allowing their natural goodness to shine.
Recipe:
https://odishafooddelite.wordpress.com/tag/odia-saga-bhaja/
Key Ingredients:
Any type of leafy greens (spinach, mustard greens, amaranth, etc.), pancha phutana, garlic, green chilies, dry red chilies.
Popular Restaurant:
Most homestyle Odia restaurants offer Saga Bhaja variations.
9. Kakharu Phula Bhaja (Pumpkin Flower Fritters)
Description:
This dish showcases Odisha’s resourcefulness in making the most of seasonal ingredients. Pumpkin flowers are dipped in a light batter spiced with chilies and fennel and then fried till golden and crispy. A monsoon specialty!
Recipe:
https://www.archanaskitchen.com/oriya-kakharu-phula-bhaja-recipe-pumpkin-flower-fritters
Key Ingredients:
Pumpkin flowers, besan (gram flour), rice flour, turmeric powder, fennel seeds, green chilies, salt.
Popular Restaurant:
Odia Rasoi (Cuttack) – Offers seasonal, traditional Odia dishes including Kakharu Phula Bhaja.
10. Khira Gaintha (Sweet Rice Dumplings)
Description:
Khira Gaintha is pure comfort in a bowl. Rice dumplings are gently simmered in sweetened milk flavored with cardamom. This heartwarming dessert is perfect for special occasions and festivals.
Recipe:
https://www.archanaskitchen.com/khira-gaintha-recipe-rice-dumplings-in-sweetened-milk
Key Ingredients:
Rice (soaked and ground), milk, sugar, cardamom, ghee (clarified butter), nuts for garnish.
Popular Restaurant:
Maa Tara Tarini Hotel (Puri) – Offers an authentic Odia thali that sometimes includes Khira Gaintha.
Conclusion:
This culinary journey through Odisha has been nothing short of a flavorful revelation. From the comforting simplicity of Pakhala Bhata to the sweet indulgence of Chenna Poda, Odia cuisine reflects a deep connection with the land, its seasons, and a philosophy of balanced, wholesome flavors.
I hope this blog post has inspired you to explore the treasures of Odisha’s culinary landscape. If you ever get the chance, be sure to experience the authentic taste of Odisha – you won’t be disappointed!
