Flavours Off The Coast

Rich heritage, diverse culture and remarkable flavours, the cuisine of Odisha is a colourful tapestry of spices and variety. Yet, Odia cuisine rarely features among the popular (or known) Indian food cultures today. With traditional recipes getting passed on from one generation to the other, the state is fast emerging as a favoured destination for avid foodies.

Head to the land of exotic beaches and temples to celebrate the joys of Odia food in a way you have never experienced before. The flavours and ingredients will bring all your cravings to a halt and offer a slice of home. A typical Odia fare is a fine balance of piquancy and pungency. It is usually cooked in mustard oil and characterised by the addition of besara, a mixture of garlic pounded with mustard, ambula or what is also known as fermented dry mango and copious amounts of curd. An underrated culinary powerhouse, the glory of Odisha’s coastal delicacies is yet to be explored. From tangy dal to sweetmeats, catch a glimpse of some of the most popular dishes that this coastal state has to offer.

Khaja

A traditional Odia dessert, khaja is an ancient sweet pastry relished during the festive season. This crispy sugar-coated, layered delicacy is one of the chappan bhog offered to Lord Jagannath in Puri. Essentially, a flour, sugar and ghee based dough that is deep fried to make a flaky, sweet dessert with spiraling layers, it is sometimes soaked in sugar syrup, depending on the regional variation of the recipe.

Dalma