Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Bhubaneshwar, India

1. Bhuna Khichdi

A hearty rice and lentil dish cooked with spices, vegetables, and meat (optional), popular for its comforting taste.

Authentic Taste: Offers a traditional Odisha flavor, distinct from other regional Khichdi variations.
Versatile Ingredients: The dish can be customized according to individual taste preferences.
Nutritious Meal: A balanced meal with proteins, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals.

A sweet, spongy cheese cake-like dessert made from cottage cheese and sugar.

Unique Texture: Unlike traditional cheesecakes, Chhena Poda has a crustless, crispy exterior.
Regional Delicacy: Originated in Odisha and is now popular across India.
Sweet Ending: Ideal for satisfying a sweet tooth after a spicy meal.

Eggplant (brinjal) in a yogurt-based sauce, seasoned with spices and herbs.

Cooling Effect: The dish helps balance the heat from spicy dishes.
Vegetarian Option: A tasty vegetarian side dish that complements various main courses.
Unique Taste: The tangy yogurt and smoky eggplant combination creates a unique flavor profile.

Cottage cheese dumplings cooked in a sweet syrup made from sugar and water.

Traditional Snack: Originates from the temples of Bhubaneswar, traditionally offered as prasad.
Soft and Sweet: The soft cottage cheese dumplings soak up the sweet syrup, creating a delightful texture.
Quick Bite: Perfect for those looking for a quick snack between meals.

Fried banana stem (raw plantain) seasoned with turmeric and spices.

Unique Ingredient: Unlike other dishes, it uses the often-wasteful banana stem.
Crispy Snack: The fried banana stem is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Healthy Option: High in dietary fiber, low in calories, and a good source of vitamins and minerals.

A type of whole wheat roti made from soaked and ground rice and wheat flour.

Gluten-Free Alternative: Offers a gluten-free option for those with dietary restrictions.
Soft and Tasty: Softer than traditional rotis, making it more appealing to many diners.
Versatile Side: Can be paired with a variety of curries, stews, and other dishes.

A sweet dish made from rice flour and jaggery (unrefined sugar), flavored with cardamom.

Traditional Dessert: Traditionally offered as prasad in Bhubaneswar temples.
Sweet and Sticky: The sticky texture, combined with the sweet flavor, creates a satisfying dessert experience.
Vegetarian Dessert: A delicious vegetarian option for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.

A sweet dish made from refined flour and cottage cheese, flavored with cardamom.

Regional Specialty: Originated in Odisha, offering a unique flavor profile.
Soft and Fluffy: The soft and fluffy texture of the cake makes it a popular choice among dessert lovers.
Quick Snack: Ideal for those looking for a quick snack between meals.

Deep-fried lentil fritters seasoned with spices and herbs.

Sweet plantain (banana) leaf-wrapped Hilsa fish steamed with coconut milk and spices.

Unique Presentation: The use of banana leaves adds an authentic touch to the dish.
Tender and Flavorful: The tender, flavorful Hilsa fish is perfectly complemented by the creamy coconut milk sauce.
Seafood Option: Offers a seafood option for those seeking variety in their meals.

Steamed and fried lentil dumplings served with yogurt and tamarind chutney.

Spicy and Tangy: The combination of spices, yogurt, and tangy tamarind chutney creates a complex flavor profile.
Gluten-Free Option: Offers a gluten-free option for those with dietary restrictions.
Hearty Meal: A filling and nutritious meal that can be enjoyed as a main dish or side.

A thick porridge made from rice and lentils, served with spicy potato curry.

Comfort Food: A popular comfort food in Bhubaneswar, offering a warm and filling meal.
Versatile Ingredients: The dish can be customized according to individual taste preferences.
Nutritious Meal: A balanced meal with proteins, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Fried cottage cheese balls coated with sugar syrup.

Unique Texture: The crispy exterior and soft, sweet interior create a unique texture.
Regional Delicacy: Originated in Odisha, offering a unique flavor profile.
Sweet Ending: Ideal for satisfying a sweet tooth after a spicy meal.

A vegetarian platter consisting of steamed rice, dal (lentil soup), vegetables, and fried papadum.

Balanced Meal: Offers a well-balanced meal with proteins, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Vegetarian Option: A tasty vegetarian option for those seeking variety in their meals.
Traditional Meal: Traditionally offered as prasad in Bhubaneswar temples.

A sweet dish made from rice flour and jaggery (unrefined sugar), flavored with cardamom.

Traditional Dessert: Traditionally offered as prasad in Bhubaneswar temples.
Sweet and Sticky: The sticky texture, combined with the sweet flavor, creates a satisfying dessert experience.
Vegetarian Dessert: A delicious vegetarian option for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.