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Welcome to the colourful city of Sambalpur! This city in Odisha state has so much to see and do. Sambalpur sits next to the Mahanadi River. It has a long, rich history and the city is famous for its handmade fabrics, especially pretty Sambalpuri saris. And quite like these saris, the food from Sambalpur is also excellent in all its forms.
Come enjoy the history, fabrics, cuisine and warm hospitality of Sambalpur! This city in Odisha's heart has something for every traveler.
Dalma
Dalma is a staple dish of Sambalpur. It's made with split lentils called toor dal. Veg like potatoes, pumpkin, tomatoes, and eggplant are cooked with the dal. What makes it extra delicious is a spice mix called panch phoron. This has 5 seeds - fennel, nigella, cumin, fenugreek, and mustard. When you quickly fry them in hot oil and add to the dal, wow! The flavours explode. It's amazing. Do not miss this local recipe whenever you visit Sambalpur. You'll see why it's so popular.
Restaurant Recommendations: The Vega, NH6, Bareipali, Sambalpur
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹100–200 approx.
Pakhala Bhata
Pakhala Bhat is a traditional dish from Sambalpur. It's made with rice that's been left to ferment, mixed with cool yoghurt. Pakhala Bhat has crunchy cucumbers, fried veggies, mashed veggies, and sometimes a squirt of tangy lemon juice. It makes your mouth water just thinking about it! The people of Sambalpur eat Pakhala Bhat to help stop getting too hot. The old rice and cold yoghurt cools you down. The veggies and lemon give you good energy to stay active even when it's hot out. Pakhala Bhat is the perfect summer food to beat the heat!
Image credit: Freepik
Restaurant Recommendations: Hotel Chutkuchuta, Ainthapali, Sambalpur
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200–400 approx.
Chenna Poda
Chenna poda, the delicious sweet treat that will make you say "yum!" The balls are made with soft cheese, sugar, and flour. The balls get fried in hot oil until they turn golden brown. Then they take a bath in sweet syrup. After a nice long syrup bath, they are ready to eat. Put one in your mouth and enjoy how it melts on your tongue. These tasty bites are so good they will make you smile!
Image credit: Freepik
Restaurant Recommendations: Nirmal Halwai, Nandapada, Sambalpur
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹100–200 approx.
Rasabali
For those who have the sweet tooth, Rasabali is the one. The crispy brown cakes are deep fried, and then dunked into a sweet, thick milk sauce. The outside is crispy, and the inside is soft and spongy. Dipped in creamy, sugary milk, it tastes so yummy! The milk comes from local cows and buffaloes. Eating rasabali lets you try some of India's great food and culture. It's a special treat!
Image credit: Freepik
Restaurant Recommendations: Pooja Sweets, Ainthapali, Sambalpur
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹100–200 approx.
Panasa Tarkari
Panasa Tarkari is a mouthwatering curry, made with unripe jackfruit. This is a simple dish that people in Sambalpur love to eat. They cut up the raw jackfruit with potatoes and onions to make tasty veggie curry. The locals eat Panasa Tarkari with rice, bread, or even just by themselves. When you visit Sambalpur, you must try the real Panasa Tarkari. It will make your tastebuds very happy, and you will want more!
Image credit: Freepik
Restaurant Recommendations: Dhaba by Kedia's, Panchgochia, Sambalpur
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200–400 approx.
Jhuri Bhaja
Jhuri Bhaja is a fish curry you got to try when you visit Sambalpur. This famous Odia dish makes non-veg peeps super happy as it tastes awesome. Jhuri Bhaja is usually served burning hot with rice, but you can also eat it with roti. The gravy has an amazing spicy and aromatic flavour that goes great with the tender fish pieces. The dish shows off the cooking traditions of the area. It uses local flavours and ingredients from there. Food lovers go to Sambalpur just to try the real Jhuri Bhaja.
Restaurant Recommendations: Hotel Sangram, Modipada, Sambalpur
Type: Non-Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200–400 approx.
