Odisha is a state in India renowned for its culture, art, heritage, and cuisine. The Odia cuisine is an integral part of the state’s identity and has evolved over centuries. The influences of the various rulers who have reigned this region have left their mark on the food here.
The cuisine is mainly based on rice and fish as primary ingredients. This is because of its coastal location, which makes it rich in seafood.
The famous delicacy of Odisha is ‘Dalma’, a dish made with dal (lentils) and vegetables cooked together with spices like cumin powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. It is usually served with steamed rice.
Another popular dish from Odisha is ‘Pakhala’, which is made from cooked rice soaked in water overnight or for several hours. This gives it an acidic taste and makes it more digestible. It can be served with different side dishes such as fried vegetables or boiled eggs and accompanied by pickle or papadum.
The famous street food of the state includes ‘Chhena Poda’, a dessert made from ricotta cheese that has been sweetened with sugar, cashews, raisins, cardamom powder and ghee (clarified butter). It is then baked until golden brown to give it its unique flavor.
One cannot talk about Odisha’s cuisine without mentioning its famous seafood dishes such as ‘Machha Besara’, a spicy fish curry made with mustard paste; ‘Pathar Jhola’, a spicy freshwater fish stew; and ‘Khada Masala’, a spicy prawn curry cooked in coconut milk gravy. These dishes are usually served with steamed rice or kulcha (flatbread).
Other popular dishes include ‘Santula’, a vegetable dish made with potatoes, carrots and onions; ‘Chenna Jhilli’, which are fried dumplings made from cottage cheese; and ‘Chhena Gaja’, deep-fried cottage cheese balls coated with sugar syrup.
Overall, Odisha’s cuisine is distinctively delicious due to its use of local spices like green chilies, ginger garlic paste, tamarind pulp etc., giving it an unmistakable flavor that cannot be found anywhere else!
Conclusion: What Is Odisha Most Famous Food? The answer would be Dalma – a dish made with lentils and vegetables cooked together with spices – as well as Pakhala – cooked rice soaked in water overnight – both being staple delicacies of the state that have become synonymous to its identity!