Bhubaneswar Famous Food: Guide to the Best Street Food in Bhubaneswar

It has its own places of historical value, ancient temples, and delectable foods. The rich flavor of dishes in the Odia cuisine attracts tourists from across the world and makes Bhubaneswar an absolute must for foodies, who are here to taste each and every cuisine of the food items. In this regard, traditional Odia dishes, local street food items, and renowned foods of the city will entice you in no time.

In this article, we will take you on a culinary journey through Bhubaneswar famous food and highlight the best street food in Bhubaneswar that every traveler should try during their visit.

1. Pakhala Bhata – A Traditional Odia Delicacy

Pakhala Bhata, this dish has become one of the most iconic dishes that the region of Bhubaneswar and Odia cuisine has to offer. This indigenous, fermented rice soaked in water, spiced upon any occasion it is served with; with fried vegetables, dal (a type of lentil), sautéed fish, or even papad, this dish is usually enjoyed during hot summer months since it is light, cooling, and refreshing.

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The accompaniment with tangy sago (sabudana) salad or green chilies has made it one of the comfort foods of Odisha people. It’s very much an essential part of the Odia culture, and you can easily relish this anywhere in any restaurant or street food vendors, as they specialise in this preparation.

Try it at: Dalma- The popular restaurant at Bhubaneswar for great Pakhala Bhata.

2. Dalma – A Luscious Lentil Recipe

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Dalma is a popular vegetarian dish in Bhubaneswar. It consists of lentils, vegetables, and a wide range of spices used for flavoring. This recipe is cooked with pumpkin, potato, carrot, and raw papaya. This makes the dish both healthy and hearty. Dalma is commonly served with rice and forms an integral part of Odia homes.

Dalma is simple with a balance of flavors, as the mix of spices creates a deliciously aromatic curry. It is often served with pakhala bhata for a complete meal.

Where to try it: You can enjoy Dalma at Anandam, which is a restaurant famous for authentic Odia food.

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3. Chhena Poda – The Sweet Taste of Odisha

This dessert, Chhena Poda, is one of the Bhubaneswar’s most famous desserts you surely ought not to miss if you are a sweet-toothed individual. The dish, made up of chhena (cottage cheese), sugar, cardamom, and cashews, is baked to perfection. This gives way to a rich soft dessert with a little caramel on it, awaiting any celebration.

Chhena Poda is the pride sweet of Odisha that is famously known as the “Odia cheesecake” because of its texture and sweetness. It’s an awesome thing to relish at the end after enjoying all the local delicacies.

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Where to have it: Bapuji Hotel of Bhubaneswar is a good place to taste authentic Chhena Poda.

4. Dahi Bara Aloo Dum – A Street Food Breeze

Dahi Bara Aloo Dum is one of the most loved street foods in Bhubaneswar. This dish is a combination of fried lentil dumplings, served with sweet and tangy yogurt that has been soaked in it, along with spicy potato curry. The flavors perfectly mix and create a satisfying street food experience in terms of refreshment and filling.

Dahi Bara Aloo Dum is widely available from street vendors, mostly in the evenings. The crispy dahi bara is a perfect match for the spicy and flavorful aloo dum together, creating a delightful contrast in texture.

Where to try it: Head to Lingaraj Market or Khandagiri Market for the best versions of Dahi Bara Aloo Dum.

5. Macha Tarkari – Fish Curry for Seafood Lovers

The sea food lovers have a must try Macha Tarkari here in Bhubaneswar. This is an old fish curry dish prepared using the fresh river fish, cooking it in tangy and spicy gravy with ginger, garlic, tomatoes, and many other spices found locally. The curry usually comes with rice, and its preparation is meant for those people who love having strong and spicy flavor.

It is a very traditional Odia dish, in which the fish is slow-cooked to absorb all the flavors of the spices and is, therefore, rich and flavorful. This dish is quite common in most homes and street food shops. It is surely a treat for any non-vegetarian food lover.

Try it at: Sankalp Restaurant, Bhubaneswar offers excellent Macha Tarkari that is loved by locals and tourists alike.

6. Ghugni – A Street Food Snack

If you’re looking for a quick, savory snack while exploring Bhubaneswar, Ghugni is the perfect choice. It’s made from yellow peas cooked in a spicy gravy with onions, tomatoes, and a mixture of aromatic spices. The dish is often served with a sprinkle of coriander leaves and green chilies for an extra kick.

Ghugni is served as a snack or as a side dish. It can be relished with sliced bread or pav. The street vendors sell it especially in the market areas, and so it can be consumed as a convenient, on-the-go, tasty delight.

Where to try it: Street food stalls near Rajmahal Square or Vani Vihar have the best Ghugni in Bhubaneswar.

7. Prawn Malai Curry – A Seafood Delight

For those who enjoy seafood, Prawn Malai Curry is another dish worth trying in Bhubaneswar. Made with succulent prawns, this curry is prepared in a rich coconut milk-based gravy with a blend of spices that make the dish incredibly flavorful. The sweetness of the coconut milk and the heat of the spices come together perfectly to create a mouthwatering curry.

This dish is often served with steamed rice and is perfect for lunch or dinner.

Where to try it: Savor a yummy plate of Prawn Malai Curry at Hotel Grand Baliyatra in Bhubaneswar.

8. Jhal Mudi – Healthy Street Snack

The most common street food available at Bhubaneswar is the Jhal Mudi. These are puffed rice and prepared with a host of ingredients that include chopped vegetables, peanuts, mustard oil, and several varieties of spices used for garnish like green chilies, coriander, and lemon. It’s ideal for someone craving something light to eat but quite savory during travel through the city.

Jhal Mundi is healthy, easy for stomach and very filling. It can easily be found at every street food stall in the city.

Where to try it: Jhal Mundi is available at almost all market places like Khandagiri and Unit 1 Market.

9. Sweets and Snacks: Khaja and Rasgulla

No discussion of Bhubaneswar’s food scene would be complete without trying Khaja and Rasgulla. These two sweets are made quite differently. Khaja consists of layers of dough deep-fried and served as a crunchy, syrupy snack. Rasgulla is a famous Bengali sweet prepared using chhena (cottage cheese) which is soaked in sugar syrup. Rasgulla and khaja are the most sought-after sweets for any sweet-toothed soul.

Where to try it: You will find Khaja and Rasgulla in most sweet shops in Bhubaneswar, but try Pahala, where a famous variety of these is available for sampling.

Conclusion

Bhubaneswar is the paradise of all foodies as it serves the ever-vast variety of dishes and street foods. Starting from its pride dish Pakhala Bhata to the ever-juicy delicacy Chhena Poda, and the sour-tasting Dahi Bara Aloo Dum made an implosive single bundle in terms of salivation. Whether you indulge in spicy fish curries, enjoy a quick snack of Jhal Mudi, or experience the sweetness of Khaja, Bhubaneswar’s food scene will keep you craving more. So the next time you are in Bhubaneswar, do make sure to check out the best street food in Bhubaneswar and taste the culinary delights that the city has to offer.

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