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Odisha’s capital, Bhubaneswar is not only famous for its remarkable architectural monuments and gorgeous temples but also for its mouth-watering and diverse food. Best food in Bhubaneswar has an amalgamation of Odia cuisine and multi-cuisine restaurants for all the food lovers. This mosaic of culinary culture includes street food sellers, small restaurants, and fine dining places. Starting from the basic Pakhala Bhata to the complex taste of the Mutton Curry which is unique to this place also echoes the prosperity of the tradition and culture of Bhubaneswar.
Best Food In Bhubaneswar- Top 10 Dishes
Below listed are the best foods in Bhubaneshwar that every visitor should consider tasting when in this lively city:
1. Pakhala Bhata
Photo: Subhransu / Wikimedia Commons
Pakhala Bhata is a traditional dish for summer in Odisha mainly due to the coolant effects it has. This type of rice dish is usually washed with water and left to ferment in order to acquire a slightly sour taste. It is taken cold and is accompanied with fried or roasted vegetables, fish and Badi chura which is ground lentil dumplings. Torani, the water used to soak the rice, is also used as a ‘cool’ drink.
Where To Find: Street food stalls and local restaurants like Dalma and Odisha Hotel.
Price: ₹50 – ₹100 per plate.
Suggested Read: Savor The Flavors Of Street Food In Bhubaneswar
2. Chhena Poda
Photo: Subhransuphotography / Wikimedia Commons
Chhena Poda, which literally translates to ‘burnt cheese,’ is the most popular dessert of Odisha. It is a dessert of fresh cottage cheese (chenna) mixed with sugar, semolina, and cardamom which is baked until the outside layer turns into a sweet, caramelised brown on the surface while the interior is tender and porous. Chhena Poda is traditionally prepared and consumed during festive times and is mostly prepared at home during occasions.
Where To Find: Local bakeries and sweet shops such as Pahala Sweets and Chhapan Bhog.
Price: ₹20 – ₹50 per piece.
3. Dahi Vada Aloo Dum
Photo: Prateek Pattanaik / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The amalgamation of Dahi Vada and Aloo Dum is a widely enjoyed street food in Bhubaneswar mainly because of its distinct flavours and textures. Dahi Vada is prepared from flattened lentil dumplings which are soaked in sour yoghurt and garnished with chutneys and spices, and sev. Aloo dum is a spicy dish made from potatoes which gives a good taste and richness to the dish on the other hand. It is one of the best veg foods in Bhubaneswar, highly recommended for anyone that wants to get a feel of the rich street food culture.
Where To Find: Street food stalls near Lingaraj Temple and CRP Square.
Price: ₹20 – ₹40 per plate.
Suggested Read: Best Food In Puri To Let Your Taste Buds Savour
4. Ghugni Chaat
Photo: Vikas Kumar Rai / Shutterstock
Ghugni Chaat is one of the best fast foods in Bhubaneswar which is made with dried yellow peas, spices, and cooked properly until it softens and is infused with the flavour of the spices. This mixture is then garnished with finely chopped onions, tomatoes, coriander leaves, green chillies and a dash of sweet and tangy tamarind chutney which makes it an enticing dish. Ghugni Chaat is one of the tastiest and healthiest snacks one can ever try because it contains quite a good amount of protein.
Where To Find: Street food vendors in Market Building and Unit 4.
Price: ₹30 – ₹60 per plate.
5. Rasabali
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Rasabali is one of the famous Oriya sweets originally prepared for the temple Prasadam of Baladevjew Temple situated in Kendrapara. It is prepared from flattened balls of chenna made from cottage cheese deep fried and served with thick sweetened milk. The chenna balls are deep fried golden brown and then added to the milk commonly garnished with cardamom and saffron. Rasabali is a sweet speciality of Odisha which is usually prepared during festivals and other auspicious occasions highlighting the glamour of Odia cuisine.
Where To Find: Sweet shops near temples, especially around Lingaraj Temple.
Price: ₹20 – ₹40 per piece.
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6. Chhena Gaja
Photo: Sanjaykhilar / Wikimedia Commons
Chhena Gaja is another sweet that is very relished in Odisha because of its unique texture and taste. It is prepared by kneading fresh chhena with semolina and then shaping it into rectangular pieces and frying them till they turn golden brown. These fried pieces are then dipped in a sugar syrup so that they soak the syrup but are still crunchy on the outside.
Where To Find: Sweet shops like Pahala Sweets and Jhilik Sweets.
Price: ₹20 – ₹50 per piece.
7. Mutton Curry
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Odia Mutton Curry is one of the royalties of Odisha cuisine which presents the state’s cooking skills at its best. Featuring finely chopped goat meat, the curry includes a range of spices and herbs, onions, tomatoes, and yoghurt to create a warm, flavorful meal. The mutton curry when prepared is usually taken with rice or roti and is famous during festive seasons and social events. This dish is served especially at Dalma, one of the best food restaurants in Bhubaneswar.
Where To Find: Restaurants like Dalma and Odisha Hotel.
Price: ₹150 – ₹300 per plate.
Suggested Read: Explore Offbeat Places In Odisha For A Peaceful Getaway
8. Fish Besara
Photo: hlphoto / Shutterstock / Image For Representation Only
Fish Besara is a popular Odia dish which clearly expresses the Odia’s preference for the use of mustard. This dish is prepared with fish accompanied by mustard paste and sautéed with garlic, green chilli, and turmeric to have a tangy and spicy taste. The mustard paste used in this food preparation helps to give it a specific kind of tangy flavour accompanied by a hint of aroma. Fish Besara is best enjoyed with warm steamed rice and it by itself can serve as a one dish meal.
Where To Find: Restaurants specialising in Odia cuisine, such as Dalma and Odisha Hotel.
Price: ₹100 – ₹200 per plate.
9. Gupchup
Photo: Hari Prasad Nadig / Wikimedia Commons
Also known as Pani Puri in many states of India, Gupchup is recognized as one of the best street foods in Bhubaneswar. It comprises deep-fried crispy puris, stuffed with mashed potatoes and chickpea filling and accompanied by spicy flavoured water and tamarind chutney. The use of spices in the tangy water, the crunchiness of the puris and the delicious stuffings makes for a perfect quick snack.
Where To Find: Street food stalls throughout the city, especially near parks and markets.
Price: ₹10 – ₹20 per plate.
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10. Chhena Jhili
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Chhena Jhili is one kind of sweet dish of Odisha which is prepared with fresh cottage cheese. The cheese is cooked with hands and given round forms, which are thereafter fried and coated with sugar syrup. This leads to the creation of a soft syrupy confection that is subtle in taste and very tender when swallowed. Chhena Jhili is mostly prepared during the festive seasons and occasions and is an example of Odisha’s cultural flavour.
Where To Find: Sweet shops in Pahala and Cuttack Road.
Price: ₹10 – ₹30 per piece.
Food lovers will be delighted to know that Bhubaneswar is a true melting pot of flavours that matches its hues of culture. Right from the traditional Pakhala Bhata to the exotic Chhena Jhili, one can savour the best of food in Bhubaneswar. The next time you visit Bhubaneswar, do not forget to experience this food trail to taste the spices of the city. Book your trip to Orissa with TripXL!
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