Odia cuisine, or the food of Odisha, is a jumble of ingredients and techniques from all throughout the state. Odisha’s food is heavily inspired by the cuisines of its northern neighbors, Bengal and Assam, and its southern neighbors, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Odishans eat a lot of rice, and many of them boil it with mustard oil. Many Odia meals feature yoghurt, and many of the region’s desserts are made with chhena (a type of cheese). There is less oil and spice in Odia food, but the flavors really pop. Odisha, also known as “the Goa of Eastern India,” is a veritable mecca for foodies. Thus, we present this curated collection of Odisha’s finest dishes:

1. Khichdi

Khichdi, as it is known in other Indian states, is a simple yet nutritious dish. One of the most revered foods in Odisha, khicede is the primary bhog served to Lord Jagannath at the Puri Temple. Rice and lentils cooked in ghee together creates a unique and delicious flavor.This hearty dish is not only delicious, but also very healthy. The mild spices in this dish, together with the complementary curd and papad, will have your mouth watering.

2. Chungdi Malai

Well, as one could guess from the name, the star of this meal is the creamy prawn curry, which gets its velvety texture from coconut milk. Light and mild spices enhance the dish’s richness and silkiness, giving it its own distinct flavor. Absolutely delicious, tantalizing, and full of flavor! This meal is a must-try if you’re in or around Odisha, and it pairs especially well with steaming basmati rice.

3. Macha Ghanta

Popular Dishes from Odisha Macha Ghanta, the favorite of every odiya, is a delicious example of the state’s penchant for fish dishes. This delicious curry is a traditional Dussehra offering, and it consists of the fish’s fried head, together with steaming rice and salad. Onions, potatoes, garlic, and the standard spices go hand in hand to create a delicious curry. The ‘Ghanta’ can be made without fish for vegetarians. You won’t find a better version of this meal anywhere else, and you’ll be tempted to indulge in it as often as possible while you’re in Odisha.

4. Dalma Aah Dalma

It seems like dal is all you ever want to eat. In Odisha, however, this basic food is prepared in a very special way. Roasted moong dal is used in its place of onion and garlic in this recipe. It’s made more delicious by the addition of common spices and a cup of vegetables. Pumpkin, plantain, yam, and papaya are common vegetables that do wonders for your health. This dish is best enjoyed with rice and will leave you feeling completely satisfied.

5. Pakhala Bhata

During the hot summer months, practically every family in Odisha eats Pakhala Bhata for lunch every day. To make this dish, cooked rice is soaked in water with sour curd. Common accompaniments include potatoes, fried fish, papad, and Badi choora, which resembles a nut and is made from dried urad and black gram. To fight the heat and refresh yourself from the inside out, try this fermented rice meal. On March 20th, Odias all over the world celebrate Pakhala Dibasa (Universal Pakhala Day) by breaking out the state’s signature dish to ring in the arrival of summer. Try your hand at cooking this delicious dish.

6. Gupchup

Across the country, it goes by a variety of names: Panipuri in the west, Puchka in Bengal, Golgappa up north, and Gupchup in Odisha. This fast food staple, now ubiquitous across the country, needs no introduction. Served with chana masala and khatta Jal jeera, these little, crisp puris are created with a dough of suji, maida, and atta. Probably the one dish that appeals to people of all ages and can be eaten at any time of day. Because it is so inexpensive and healthy, gupchup eating contests are common on your streets. Everyone agrees that this is their favorite.

7. Dahi vada-Aloo dum

After gupchup, Dahi vada and Aloo dum are the next most common street foods found in Odisha. Even at 5 in the morning, thela walas will be out and about with their large pots of dahi vada and smaller pots of aloo dum. While dahi vada and aloo dum are typically served as different dishes outside of Odisha, the state is known for its unique fusion of the two. Dahi vadas’ scrumptious flavor expertly tempers the heat of aloo dum, creating a dish that every Oriya wants. In the same way that the ‘Vada Pav’ of Cuttack has made its way into the hearts and daily lives of its many fans, so too has this meal.

8. Chhena Poda

Odisha’s Regional Specialties Cheesecake created right here in Odisha! Odisha’s signature sweet, Chhena Poda, is a temple staple in Puri because it is believed to be Lord Jagannath’s personal favorite. Cottage cheese, semolina, and sugar syrup that has been burned are truly mind-blowing. Caramelized sugar brings out the unique flavor of Chhena Poda in this uncommon dish, which is baked for several hours until it becomes red. This dish, which can be found just about anywhere, is simple, easy, and tasty.

9. Rasabali

The sweet dessert is flavored with cardamom and steeped in a rich milk sauce. Originating in the Kendrapara district of Odisha, this treat is a staple of the chappana bhogas served at the Lord Jagannath temple.

10. Kanika

One of the 56 offerings to Lord Jagannath is a delicious pulao meal, produced in the traditional style of Orissa. Before biriyani became popular, the favorite Odiya cuisine was kanika, which is similar to fried rice. Instead of the raw rice used in traditional preparations of Kanika, aromatic basmati rice can be used instead. Kanika rice is a staple food in Orissa and is typically prepared as an offering in temples. Chicken or mutton curry is recommended as a side dish.