Bhubaneswar is the capital city of state of the Orissa in eastern India and is famous for its temples and is thus popularly called as ‘Temple City of India.’ The Bhubaneswar has many things to offer to the visitors in terms of history, culture, and cuisine. Most of the dishes in Bhubaneswar comprise of rice as it is the main crop of this region. Most of the people of this area are non-vegetarian and dishes made from fish, crabs, lambs and chicken are popular. The cooking style of cuisine in Orissa is very distinctive. A typical meal in Bhubaneswar includes chapattis, Dal, Bhaji, and desserts.

Here is the list of some very popular dishes that are loved by people of Bhubaneswar;

Maccha Ghanta –

Maccha Ghanta is a dish of Odiya origin and is the main dish for the occasion of Durga Ashtmi. It is mainly prepared from fish pieces, Bengal gram, onion, eggplant, potato and spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, Bay leaves, Garam masala, etc.

Crab Kalia –

Crab Kalia is a popular seafood dish in Bhubaneswar and is made from fresh crabs cooked along with potatoes, onions, gingers and a variety of spices.

Bhendi Bhaja –

Bhendi Bhaja is silted Ladyfinger stuffed with fillings of mixture of spices, ginger and garlic paste and is shallow fried until it is crispy enough and is served hot.

Chuda or Poha –

A major food item served in the breakfast is chuda or poha, which is flattened rice, puffed rice and is eaten fried or with curd.

Khichdi –

Khichdi is prepared with rice cooked with lentils together with a lot of ghee and is offered as bhog to Lord Jagannathji at Puri temple. It is also very popular among people of Bhubaneswar.

Chungdi Malai –

This is a major seafood dish that is popular in Orissa and Bengal prepared with prawn and cream. The word ‘Malai’ refers to milk cream, but the creaminess in this dish is given from coconut milk. It is tasted along with steamed and fried rice.

Murg Saagwala –

Murg saagwala is a dish that was introduced to Orissa during Mughal period. This is a chicken dish made with chicken pieces that are cooked in spinach gravy that is spiced mildly. This dish is considered o be very nutritious and healthy.

Maccher Kalia with Aloo –

Maccher Kalia is a traditional fish dish that is cooked with Murrel fish along with green mango. It is, usually, served with boiled and spicy potato. No special occasions in Bengal and Orissa are complete without Maccher Kalia.

Chhena Jalebi –

Chhena Jalebi is a popular dish that has its origins in coastal areas of Orissa. Chhena jalebi in Bhubaneswar is made from fresh cottage cheese, which is properly kneaded, and then, small pretzels are made from it. Then these pretzels are deep fried in coconut oil and soaked in sugar syrup for several hours. Chhena Jalebi is served either chilled or hot.

Malpua –

Malpua is an Indian version of pancakes that is very popular in Bhubaneswar and nearby areas. Malpua is made from sweetened wheat flour batter, and then deep fried and served hot. Malpua is also offered as a main ingredient in prashad to Lord Jagannath at Puri in Orissa.

Rasmalai –

Rasmalai is a famous dessert that was originated in Bengal and then became popular in other parts of the country. Ras means juicy and malai means milk cream. Rasmali is white, cream or yellow balls of cottage cheese soaked in Rabri or clotted cream, garnished with dry fruits and has cardamom for flavouring.

Bhubaneswar has a lot to offer in terms of delicious foods and recipes, and hence, it is nothing less than paradise for people who love food. On your next visit to Bhubaneswar, you must try these exotic delicacies for the best eating experience.