Best Local Food of Bhubaneswar: 15 Must-Try Dishes

Do you know about the versatile Odia cuisine? This simple yet very comforting dishes from Odia cuisine has something very heartily and delicious. If you want to know more about this cuisine from Eastern part of India that includes dishes like traditional Pakhala to sacred Dalma, you are at the right place. Here, you will get detailed description about the Local food of Bhubaneswar which consists mainly the dishes from the Odia cuisine. 

Bhubaneswar, Odisha’s capital city, is a culinary delights’ treasure apart from being one of the most popular ancient places in India. From traditional dishes to mouth-watering street food, the local food of Bhubaneswar is a blend of rich flavors and unique preparations. 

In this Bhubaneswar food guide, we will have a look into the best local food in Bhubaneswar, the must-try street food, and the top local restaurants that serve these authentic Bhubaneswar delicacies. 

As you explore Bhubaneshwar – one of the best places to visit in Odisha, don’t forget to energise yourself with the delicious local cuisine and some must-try dishes. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or a curious traveler, this guide will help you navigate through the local cuisine of Bhubaneswar.

Top 15 Local Food of Bhubaneswar You Must Try

1. Dalma

Dalma is not just a dish but a part of the Mahaprasad (sacred food) offered at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, signifying its religious importance and purity. 

This traditional dish is made with lentils and a variety of vegetables, Dalma is a staple in Odia cuisine. It’s often seasoned with a blend of spices and served with rice. Interesting fact: Dalma is also considered a part of the Mahaprasad (sacred food) offered at the Jagannath Temple in Puri and as all know it is also one of the places to visit in Bhubaneswar. The Local restaurants in Bhubaneswar also serve this dish. 

• Where to find: Odisha Hotel, Trupti Restaurant 
• Price: ₹80 – ₹150

2. Pakhala Bhat

If you want to know and taste the local food of Bhubaneswar, you need to taste Pakhala once. This fermented rice dish is a summer favorite in Bhubaneswar. Pakhala Bhata is served with an assortment of sides like badi chura, saga bhaja, and mashed potatoes. It’s refreshing and perfect for the hot climate. This is one of the Traditional dishes of Bhubaneswar and Pakhala Bhata is celebrated on March 20th as “Pakhala Dibasa” (Pakhala Day) in Odisha, marking the arrival of the summer season with this cooling and refreshing dish.

• Where to find: Dalma Restaurant, Nandan Restaurant
• Price: ₹60 – ₹120

Suggested Read : Top 12 Places To Visit In Monsoon In Odisha | Best Attractions

3. Chhena Poda

If you want to taste the Traditional dishes of Bhubaneswar, this food can take your heart. It is a delectable dessert made from fresh cottage cheese, sugar, and cardamom, baked until it achieves a caramelized crust. Chhena Poda is often enjoyed during festivals and special occasions. Do you know one interesting fact that Chhena Poda was accidentally created when a chef left sweetened cottage cheese in a hot oven overnight? The resulting caramelized dessert is now a beloved sweet in Odisha.

• Where to find: Brundaban Sweets, Pahala Sweets
• Price: ₹20 – ₹50 per piece

Also Read: 14 Best Restaurants In Kolkata: A Culinary Delight

4. Gupchup

Are you in search of the Best local food in Bhubaneswar? Then, you need to try this locally-versed Gupchup. Gupchup has different names across India, such as Pani Puri in Maharashtra, Golgappa in North India, and Phuchka in Bengal, each with its unique regional twist. Known as Pani Puri in other parts of India, Gupchup is a popular street food in Bhubaneswar. 

Crisp puris filled with spicy tamarind water, mashed potatoes, and chickpeas. This is also the Must-try street food in Bhubaneswar. This is one of the popular snacks of Bhubaneswar, in every street corner. 

• Where to find: A1 Gupchup Stall, Pani Puri Junction
• Price: ₹20 – ₹50 per plate

5. Chungdi Malai

This is one of the famous Traditional dishes of Bhubaneswar, for seafood lovers. It is a creamy prawn curry made with coconut milk and aromatic spices. This dish is a testament to the coastal influences on Bhubaneswar’s cuisine. 

The creamy prawn curry, Chungdi Malai, is influenced by both Odia and Bengali cuisines and this is the best local food in Bhubaneswar, showcasing the coastal culinary traditions of both regions. This dish actually decors the Authentic Bhubaneswar delicacies. 

• Where to find: Swosti Grand, Trident Hotel
• Price: ₹250 – ₹400

Also Read: 28 Best Places To Eat In Kolkata | Local Recommendations

6. Mutton Kasa

A rich and spicy mutton curry, often slow-cooked to perfection with a blend of traditional spices. Mutton Kasa is best enjoyed with steamed rice or paratha. Mutton Kasa is often prepared during festive occasions and family gatherings, symbolizing celebration and togetherness in Odia culture. If you are a non-vegetarian, the Bhubaneswar food guide is incomplete, if you miss it. The Local restaurants in Bhubaneswar also serve this dish.

• Where to find: The Kanika Restaurant, Hotel Bari International
• Price: ₹200 – ₹350

7. Santula

A healthy and delicious vegetable stew, Santula is lightly spiced and typically includes potatoes, brinjal, and raw papaya. Santula is considered a healthy and nutritious dish, often recommended for patients recovering from illnesses due to its light and easily digestible nature. This is also the Must-try street food in Bhubaneswar. 

• Where to find: Nakli Dhaba, Hare Krishna Restaurant
• Price: ₹60 – ₹120

8. Dahi Bara Aloo Dum

This dish has its origins in the twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar and is a breakfast staple for locals, often enjoyed with a sprinkle of spicy chaat masala. A famous street food, Dahi Bara Aloo Dum consists of soft lentil fritters soaked in yogurt, served with a spicy potato curry. You can term this item as the best local food in Bhubaneswar. This is one of the popular snacks of Bhubaneswar, in every street side junction. 

• Where to find: Lingaraj Lassi & Dahibara, Cuttack Road Stalls
• Price: ₹30 – ₹50 per plate

9. Pitha

These traditional rice cakes are a festive delicacy, made in various forms like Chhena Poda Pitha, Enduri Pitha, and Kakara Pitha, each with unique flavors and fillings. Pitha is a versatile dish with various types like Chhena Poda Pitha, Enduri Pitha, and Kakara Pitha, each prepared during different festivals and seasons. This is also the Must-try street food in Bhubaneswar as well as you can find this in many local households. 

• Where to find: Pitha on Wheels, Pitha Ghar
• Price: ₹10 – ₹30 per piece

Also Read: Ambient Cafe, Thimphu: For Best Coffee And International Food

10. Besara

A mustard-based curry that can be made with various vegetables or fish, Besara is known for its tangy and pungent flavor. The mustard paste used in Besara is believed to have medicinal properties, aiding in digestion and providing anti-inflammatory benefits. This is also the Must-try street food in Bhubaneswar. 

• Where to find: Odisha Hotel, Dalma Restaurant
• Price: ₹100 – ₹200

11. Kanika

A sweet pulao made with fragrant rice, ghee, sugar, and spices. Kanika is often prepared during festivals and special occasions. Kanika is often a part of the Chappan Bhog (56 food items) offered to Lord Jagannath in the Puri Temple, highlighting its cultural and religious significance. The Local restaurants in Bhubaneswar also have placed this dish within their menus. 

• Where to find: Trupti Restaurant, Dalma Restaurant
• Price: ₹80 – ₹150

12. Khechudi

A comforting dish similar to khichdi, Khechudi is made with rice, lentils, and vegetables, often offered as bhog in temples. Khechudi is often offered as bhog in temples, and its simple yet flavorful preparation makes it a favorite comfort food for many Odia households. This dish actually decors the Authentic Bhubaneswar delicacies. 

• Where to find: Jagannath Temple Prasad, Odisha Hotel
• Price: ₹60 – ₹100

13. Mudhi Mansa

Puffed rice (mudhi) served with spicy mutton curry. This unique combination is a beloved snack in Bhubaneswar. This unique combination of puffed rice and mutton curry is a testament to the culinary creativity of Odisha, blending textures and flavors in an unusual yet delicious way.

• Where to find: Bari International, Dalma Restaurant
• Price: ₹150 – ₹300

14. Macha Ghanta

A fish curry made with a variety of vegetables and spices. Macha Ghanta is typically prepared during festive occasions and served with rice. Macha Ghanta is traditionally prepared during Durga Puja and other festive occasions, symbolizing prosperity and abundance. If you want to explore the famous local cuisine of Bhubaneswar, you need to try this.  

• Where to find: Swosti Grand, Trident Hotel
• Price: ₹200 – ₹350

15. Saru Besara

A dish made with colocasia (taro) cooked in a mustard paste, offering a distinct and flavorful experience. The use of colocasia (taro) in Saru Besara highlights the Odia practice of utilizing locally available ingredients in their traditional cuisine. This is one of the popular snacks of Bhubaneswar, in every household. 

• Where to find: Odisha Hotel, Dalma Restaurant
• Price: ₹80 – ₹150

Bhubaneswar culinary landscape is as vibrant and diverse as its culture. From traditional dishes to popular street foods, the city offers a delightful gastronomic experience. Whether you’re exploring the famous local cuisine of Bhubaneswar or seeking out the best local restaurants, this food guide will serve as your perfect companion.