Bhubaneswar, the temple city of Odisha, is a paradise for food lovers with its mix of traditional Odia flavors, coastal seafood, and hearty Indian staples. Here’s a list of must-try local foods and the best places to savor them in town.
1. Dalma at Dalma Restaurant
Why visit: A signature Odia dish made from lentils and seasonal vegetables, lightly spiced and wholesome.
Highlights: – Served with rice and papad – Healthy and comforting – Best enjoyed with ghee
Timing: 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM
Entry: Meals from ₹250 per person
2. Mutton Kassa at Kanika, Mayfair Lagoon
Why visit: Rich, spicy Odia-style slow-cooked mutton curry bursting with traditional flavors.
Highlights: – Thick, fiery gravy – Pairs perfectly with steamed rice or rotis – Served in a heritage-style setting
Timing: 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Entry: Meals from ₹800 per person
3. Chhena Poda at Nandighosha Sweets
Why visit: Odisha’s most iconic dessert, a baked cottage cheese cake caramelized to perfection.
Highlights: – Slightly smoky, sweet flavor – Made fresh daily – Great with evening tea
Timing: 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM
Entry: ₹50 per piece
4. Pakhala Bhata at Odisha Hotel
Why visit: A classic Odia summer meal of fermented rice water, curd, and fried accompaniments.
Highlights: – Refreshing and probiotic – Served with fried fish or badi chura – Authentic regional experience
Timing: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Entry: Meals from ₹300 per person
5. Dahi Bara Aloo Dum at Lingaraj Lassi Stall
Why visit: Bhubaneswar’s beloved street snack of lentil vadas soaked in curd, topped with spicy potato curry.
Highlights: – Famous city-wide – Tangy, spicy, and cool – Popular evening street food
Timing: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Entry: ₹40 per plate
6. Crab Curry at Zaika
Why visit: Fresh, flavorful crab cooked in aromatic spices — a seafood lover’s favorite.
Highlights: – Local seafood delicacy – Spicy and rich – Served with steamed rice
Timing: 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Entry: Meals from ₹450 per person
7. Chhena Jhili at Pahala Sweet Shops
Why visit: A soft, syrup-soaked fried cheese sweet — a famous treat along the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack highway.
Highlights: – Served hot in syrup – Best enjoyed fresh – Sweet, soft, and slightly chewy
Timing: 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Entry: ₹20 per piece
8. Khicede at Temple Prasads (Lingaraj Temple)
Why visit: The holy khichdi-style rice and dal offered as temple prasadam — simple and soul-satisfying.
Highlights: – Lightly spiced – Offered daily to devotees – Served with ghee and pickles
Timing: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Entry: Donation-based
9. Tandoori Pomfret at Tangerine 9
Why visit: A grilled seafood specialty marinated in traditional spices and served sizzling hot.
Highlights: – Crispy outer, juicy inside – Served with mint chutney – Great as a starter
Timing: 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Entry: Meals from ₹400 per person
10. Rasabali at Priya Sweets
Why visit: A traditional Odia sweet made of deep-fried flattened cheese patties soaked in cardamom-scented milk.
Highlights: – Rich, creamy flavor – Festive delicacy – Perfect after-meal dessert
Timing: 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Entry: ₹30 per piece
Feature Image:- Image by Wikipedia
