A food tour through Bhubaneswar exploring the authentic flavours of Odisha

Move over Mumbai and Delhi. India’s emerging metropolises are making their mark with their distinctive and vibrant food scene. Calling cities like Bhubaneswar emerging metropolises may not be accurate, as these cities have progressed very fast on various parameters. My culinary journey through the Odisha capital began at Life Bhubaneswar, a hotel that epitomises Bhubaneswar’s insatiable appetite for diverse culinary offerings. The hotel’s 24-hour diner Life Kitchen serves not just global cuisines but also authentic flavours. I began my first day in Bhubaneswar with a traditional Odia breakfast at Life Kitchen – chakuli pitha (rice crepe) with ghuguni, a popular delicacy in eastern India.
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Bhubaneswar has a unique energy, it is vibrant and yet you don’t get the hustle and bustle that you find in most Indian cities. As we explored some of the city’s iconic food spots, we found a certain calm. You won’t find too many locals pushing you around at any of the city’s busy street food stalls: you always have a few extra minutes to enjoy and make the most of the city’s diverse culinary scene. The city offers a great mix of street food, local culinary delicacies rooted in the state’s heritage and a growing list of fine dining options that make it one of the most underrated culinary destinations in the country. Creating an exhaustive list of ‘must try’ food experiences in Bhubaneswar is never easy, but our list will let you tick a few important boxes:

Start Your Day With Dahibara Aluduum:

This is arguably the most popular street food dish of Cuttack, Bhubaneswar’s twin city. It is believed to have originated near the Barabati Fort in the old town of Cuttack and consists of vada soaked in a thin curd water which is then tempered with mustard seeds and curry leaves. It is served with aloodum (or aloo dum) and ghughuni which makes it a great breakfast or any time snack. Try it at one of the many food stalls around Bonfire Food Court or Trimurti Dahibara, Jagamara.
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Traditional Odia Lunch:

Mutton Thali Photo Credit: Second Wife Kitchen

One of our favourite finds for traditional local cuisine is the oddly named Second Wife Kitchen. Located on the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack highway, this busy restaurant can easily be bypassed. The owner takes the time to chat with most guests who come for their mutton thali with his special mutton kasa. The restaurant exudes rustic charm with its thatched roof and earthenware dishes and offers options for chicken lovers and vegetarians as well. Another popular local institution, especially among visitors is Dalma, which takes its name from Odisha’s most famous dal. Their Odia veg thali with dahi pakhala (which is especially comforting in the summer) is a crowd favourite.

A Sweet Lover’s Paradise:

There is nothing that gives rise to more debate in Bhubaneswar than Bengali vs Odia rasgulla. All we will say is that if you are in Bhubaneswar it is best to go with the locals who will direct you to the pahala that is every dessert lover’s fantasy. Located on a busy stretch of the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack highway is a row of shops mostly displaying Odisha rasgulla, which received the GI tag in 2019. This dessert is an intrinsic part of the state’s culinary heritage. Odisha rasgulla is less sweet and less spongy than its Bengal counterpart. You will find dozens of shops selling warm rasgullas and chhenapoda, another traditional Odisha dessert made of chhena. Also check out Odisha’s other sweet obsession – pitha when you are in Bhubaneswar.

International Flavor:

Photo Courtesy: Sweet Basil at Life Bhubaneswar

If you need a break from the local specialties, Bhubaneswar has many options for you. Moody Blues is famous for its international cuisine and Three Kings which serves everything from Mexican to Italian. One of our favourite picks is Sweet Basil at Life Bhubaneswar, the city’s only upscale Thai restaurant, run by an expatriate chef from Bangkok. The restaurant comes alive for diners with its beautiful interiors and live counters serving authentic flavours of Thailand.

Caffeine Rush:

Photo Credit: Kruti Coffee

Kriti Coffee was started as a venture to support the tribal coffee growers of Koraput, Odisha. The brand’s range of single-origin and blended coffees is available at their signature café in Patia, Bhubaneswar. It is a welcome break from the cookie-cutter experiences of larger coffee chains with a live roastery and a dedicated coffee bar. The café also has a live continental kitchen and serves smoothies, small plates, and comfort food.