Cuttack, a historical city in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, is renowned for its rich culture, ancient temples, and vibrant festivals. However, one aspect that often goes unnoticed is its delectable culinary heritage. Cuttack is a treasure trove of mouthwatering dishes that truly capture the essence of Odia cuisine. From savoury street food to traditional delicacies, this blog will take you on a gastronomic journey through Cuttack famous food which you can also order online.
Dahibara Aloodum – A Heavenly Combination
No exploration of the best food in Cuttack would be complete without indulging in the famous Dahibara Aloodum. This dish, consisting of soft lentil fritters (dahi bara) soaked in spiced yoghurt and served with spicy potato curry (aloo dum), is a local favourite. The contrasting flavours and textures create a symphony in your mouth, making it an absolute must-try.
Chhena Poda – A Sweet Delight
Cuttack’s culinary repertoire is not limited to savoury dishes alone; it is also home to some delightful sweets. One such delicacy is Chhena Poda, the best food in Cuttack and a unique dessert made from fresh cottage cheese (chhena), sugar, and cardamom. The cheese is baked until it caramelizes, resulting in a heavenly blend of flavours. The crispy outer layer and the melt-in-your-mouth interior make Chhena Poda a true culinary masterpiece.
Street Food Extravaganza
Cuttack’s streets come alive with a wide array of street food that will tantalize your taste buds. The city’s bustling street stalls offer diverse snacks and treats. From the iconic Bara Ghuguni, a savoury lentil cake served with a tangy chickpea curry, to the irresistible Gupchup (pani puri) filled with spiced water, potatoes, and tamarind chutney, there is no shortage of flavours to explore. Don’t miss out on the mouthwatering Dahi Vada, crispy Piaji, or the flavorful Biri Chakuli, a traditional rice pancake served with a variety of chutneys.
Here are some popular street foods in Cuttack, along with their descriptions:
1. Bara Ghuguni:
Savory lentil cakes served with tangy chickpea curry create a perfect blend of textures and flavours.
2. Gupchup (Pani Puri):
Small crispy puris filled with a mixture of spiced water, mashed potatoes, and tamarind chutney, offering a burst of tangy and sweet flavours.
3. Dahi Vada:
Soft lentil dumplings soaked in creamy yoghurt and garnished with a combination of spices, creating a refreshing and savoury snack.
4. Piaji:
Crispy fritters made from a batter of lentils and onions, known for their addictive crunch and deliciously spiced taste.
5. Biri Chakuli:
Traditional rice pancakes served with an assortment of chutneys, offering a medley of flavours from sweet to tangy and spicy.
6. Dahi Bara Aloodum
Lentil fritters dipped in spiced yoghurt and served with spicy potato curry, creating a perfect harmony of flavours and textures.
7. Cuttack Chhena Poda:
A unique dessert made from fresh cottage cheese, sugar, and cardamom, baked until caramelized to create a sweet and crispy outer layer with a creamy and melt-in-your-mouth interior.
Cuttack’s Seafood Delicacies:
Located near the coast, Cuttack boasts an abundance of fresh seafood that finds its way onto the plates of locals and visitors alike. The city offers an excellent selection of seafood delicacies, including prawns, crabs, and fish. The popular Chingudi Jhola, a spicy prawn curry cooked with mustard paste, and Macha Ghanta, a mixed fish curry, are must-tries for seafood lovers. The flavours of these dishes reflect the coastal influences and showcase the culinary diversity of Cuttack.
Conclusion:
Cuttack’s culinary landscape is a delightful blend of traditional Odia flavours and influences from its rich history and coastal location. From the heavenly Dahibara Aloodum to the sweet indulgence of Chhena Poda, the city offers many culinary delights that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re exploring the street food scene or savouring the fresh seafood, Cuttack’s gastronomy is a true reflection of the region’s vibrant culture and culinary heritage. So, the next time you visit Cuttack, make sure to embark on a culinary adventure and experience the best food and best restaurants in Cuttack firsthand.
Faqs
1. What makes Cuttack’s food so special?
Cuttack famous food is special due to its regional flavours, seafood delicacies, and vibrant street food culture. The cuisine reflects the traditional Odia culinary heritage, incorporating local spices and techniques. The city’s proximity to the coast ensures fresh and flavorful seafood dishes. Street food delights like Dahibara Aloodum are must-tries, adding to the city’s gastronomic charm.
2. What are the popular sweets or desserts in Cuttack?
Cuttack is famous for its delectable sweets and desserts. Some popular ones include Chhena Poda, a caramelized baked cottage cheese dessert, and Rasagola, soft cottage cheese balls soaked in sugar syrup. Other favourites include Chhena Gaja, Kheer Sagar, and Khaja, offering a variety of flavours and textures to satisfy any sweet tooth.
3. Is Cuttack’s food influenced by any specific cuisine or culture?
Cuttack’s food draws influences from Odisha’s rich cultural and culinary heritage. It showcases the traditional Odia cuisine with its unique flavours and cooking techniques. While there may be subtle influences from neighbouring regions, Cuttack famous food predominantly represents the local Odia culture, making it a distinct culinary experience.
4. Can you suggest some traditional Odia dishes to try in Cuttack?
Certainly! When in Cuttack, you must try these traditional famous food in Cuttack:
- Pakhala: A refreshing dish of fermented rice soaked in water, served with various accompaniments like fried fish, vegetables, and curries.
- Machha Besara: A fish curry cooked in a mustard-based gravy, known for its rich and tangy flavours.
- Dalma: A wholesome lentil and vegetable stew made with various vegetables, lentils, and spices.
- Santula: A simple and nutritious dish made with vegetables, lentils, and a tempering of spices.
- Chhena Jhili: A sweet delicacy made from deep-fried cottage cheese batter soaked in sugar syrup.
5. Are there any regional ingredients used in Cuttack’s cuisine?
Cuttack’s cuisine prominently features regional ingredients that add distinct flavours to the dishes. Some of the commonly used regional ingredients include mustard seeds, panch phoron (a blend of five spices), turmeric, ginger, garlic, curry leaves, coconut, tamarind, and various local vegetables like drumsticks, pumpkin, colocasia, and pointed gourd. These ingredients contribute to the unique and authentic taste of Cuttack’s cuisine.