Share
Bhubaneswar, the city of Temples, has a lot to offer. Apart from beautiful temples, one of the biggest zoos of India and a vibrant street market, the food scene of the city is pretty remarkable as well. While there are many high-end restaurants and cafes to serve you any kind of food that you prefer, the local dishes of the city are found on the streets and are a must try if you are visiting the capital of Odisha. From dahi bara aloo dum to chhena poda, every dish is unique and tasty!
Here are 7 dishes that you should definitely try when visiting Bhubaneswar.
Dahi Bara-Aloo Dum:
Recipe - Indian Food Explorer
If you are visiting the city of Bhubaneswar, you absolutely cannot come without tasting this amazing street food. Baras, made with a lentil batter, are dipped in a light yoghurt- based mixture. Are then served with some tangy and spicy aloo dum along with chopped onions, green chillies and more dahi. After you are done eating the dish, a generous portion of the dahi pani is served to cool your stomach.
Pahala Rasagulla:
Pahala, a small town on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, is renowned for its contribution to the world of sweets. The epic rasgulla battle between West Bengal and Odisha cannot be solved, but we sure can enjoy both varieties. The Pahala Rasagulla, a mildly sweet, hot and spongy version, is an absolute must-try.
Chhena Poda:
Recipe - Chef Ranveer Brar
If accidents lead to chhena poda – they are good. A dessert that was accidentally invented, chhena poda is made by roasting fresh chhena cottage cheese with sugar, creating a caramelized outer layer and a moist, creamy inside. This burnt dessert is called the cheesecake of India due to its taste and texture. It should be your must-try dessert when visiting the city.
Dalma:
Dalma is a traditional Odia dish that is both nutritious and delicious. This lentil-based dish combines dal with many seasonal vegetables, simmered in a delicate blend of spices. Often cooked with a hint of ghee, it's a soul-soothing meal that can be paired with rice and roti both. This plain and simple dish is truly reflective of the cuisine.
Lingaraj Lassi:
Credits - Veggie Paaji
While the lassi of Bhubaneswar is famous in itself for being thick, creamy and filling, the ones sold right outside Lingraj Temple have a legacy of their own. Served in various flavours like badam, rose and even bournvita, a tall glass of lassi will cool you down and keep you fresh for a really long time, especially in the humid weather of the city.
Piyaji and Ghughni:
Piyaji and Ghughni are classic snacks often enjoyed during tea time in the evening. Piyaji, deep-fried fritters made from onions and chillies, mixed with a spicy besan batter, are paired with ghughni, a spicy and tangy curry made from dried yellow peas. This combination is a street-food special that you will find in every locality in Bhubaneswar.
Chhena Jhili:
Chhena Jhili is a sweet that captures the heart of anyone with a sweet tooth. Very similar to but not the same as Bengali dessert chhenar jilipi, these deep-fried chhena or khoya-based sweets are soaked in sugar syrup. This hard to resist dessert is traditionally served in leaf made bowls and a nice hint of elaichi or cardamom makes it a deliciously unique dessert.
