Odisha’s Must-Try Unique And Healthy Dishes: Dahibara Aloo Dum, Pakhala, Besara, Chhena Poda And More

Odisha has rich religious culture which reflects in their food as well. Odia cuisine is simple yet delicious, which not only enhances the taste but also makes them very healthy. Have a look at these healthy and variety of unique authentic delicacies which can be only found in Odisha.

Kanika

Kanika is an aromatic sweet rice prepared during festivals and pujas in Odisha. It is one of the cooked items of the 56 dishes which is prepared as part of Mahaprasada or Chappan Bhoga in Jagannath Temple, Puri.

Besara

Besara is a traditional Odia dish featuring mustard seed paste and various vegetables. Sometimes, the mustard paste is also used in non-vegetarian food including fish and the dish name is known as ‘Macha Besara’. It’s a staple food in many Odia households.

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Pakhala

Pakhala is fermented rice soaked in water, resulting in mildly sour, tangy flavour. It is served with ‘Aloo Chakata’, ‘Badi (sun dried lentil dumplings) Chura’, ‘Baigana(brinjal) Bhaja’ and ‘Macha (fish) Bhaja’ among others. Pakhala is consumed during summer due to cooling properties.

Dahibara Aloo Dum

Dahibara Aloo Dum is a popular street food in Cuttack, Odisha. It is basically dahi vada soaked in yogurt water and is topped with aloo dum and ghugni (chickpea curry).

Dalma

Dalma is a combination of mixed vegetables and lentils mixed with panch phoran masala followed by garnishing of coconut and coriander leaves.

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Ou Khatta

Ou Khatta is a sweet and sour chutney made of ou in jaggery. It is mostly prepared post-monsoon season.Ou fruit commonly known as Elephant apple.

Chhena Poda

Chhena Poda is a cheese dessert which is made of well-kneaded homemade fresh cheese, sugar, semolina and is baked for several hours until it is brown in colour. 

Chhena Poda means baked cheese in Odia. It is one of the most popular sweet dishes in Odisha.

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