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Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, is not just known for its ancient temples and rich history but also for its vibrant and diverse street food culture. From spicy chaats to mouthwatering sweets, the streets of Bhubaneswar offer a culinary experience that is as unique as the city itself. Whether you're a local or a visitor, indulging in the street food of Bhubaneswar is a must to truly experience the essence of this cultural city.
No conversation about Bhubaneswar street food is complete without mentioning the legendary Dahi Bara Aloo Dum. This iconic dish is a favorite breakfast item for locals and a must-try for visitors. It consists of soft, spongy bara (fried lentil dumplings) soaked in tangy curd (dahi) and served with spicy potato curry (aloo dum) on the side.
The combination of the cool and tangy dahi with the hot, spicy aloo dum creates a unique flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds craving more. Dahi Bara Aloo Dum stalls can be found on almost every corner of the city, with vendors serving this delicious dish straight from large clay pots. Some of the best spots to enjoy this dish include the Cuttack Road and the Lingaraj Temple area.
Known as Pani Puri in most parts of India, Gupchup is Bhubaneswar’s take on this popular street snack. Gupchup is made from crispy, hollow puris filled with spicy tamarind water, mashed potatoes, and chickpeas. It’s the perfect combination of crunchy, tangy, and spicy, making it a favorite among locals.
What sets Bhubaneswar’s gupchup apart is the distinct use of local spices and the fresh, hand-pounded fillings that each vendor customizes to their liking. Every gupchup vendor in the city has their own special recipe for the tamarind water, which gives the dish a unique taste wherever you try it.
The best places to savor gupchup in Bhubaneswar include Janpath, Sahid Nagar, and Market Building. Gupchup is often served with dahi bara on the side for those who love a twist of yogurt with their tangy snack.
Bhubaneswar's street food scene is rich in different types of chaat, a beloved street snack all across India. One of the most popular variations here is Dahi Pakhala Chaat, a twist on the classic rice dish with a crunchy, savory topping of sev (crispy chickpea noodles), chopped onions, and tamarind chutney.
Other must-try chaats in Bhubaneswar include Aloo Chaat, Ghugni Chaat (made with yellow peas), and Papdi Chaat. Each offers a delightful blend of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors that reflect the essence of Indian street food. The best areas to indulge in different varieties of chaat include Unit-4 Market and KIIT Road.
Bara Ghugni is another quintessential street food that you will find in the bustling lanes of Bhubaneswar. Bara, a type of deep-fried lentil fritter, is served with ghugni, a thick, spicy curry made from dried yellow peas. The softness of the bara, combined with the rich, flavorful ghugni, creates a delicious snack or even a light meal.
Served hot with a sprinkling of chopped onions, green chilies, and coriander, Bara Ghugni is a filling dish that is full of flavor. For some of the best Bara Ghugni in Bhubaneswar, head to the Unit-1 Market or CRP Square.
A traditional Odia snack, Chakuli Pitha is similar to a dosa or pancake and is made from fermented rice and black gram batter. Served with a side of spicy chutney or potato curry, Chakuli Pitha is soft, light, and makes for a perfect breakfast or snack option.
This humble dish is often sold at roadside stalls, and its simplicity and unique flavor have made it a beloved comfort food in Bhubaneswar. It pairs exceptionally well with a cup of strong tea. The best place to try this dish is near Lingaraj Temple or the Old Town area.
For those with a sweet tooth, Chhena Poda is a must-try delicacy. This traditional Odia dessert is made from fresh cottage cheese (chhena), sugar, and semolina, which are baked together until the outer layer caramelizes, giving it a burnt flavor similar to cheesecake. Chhena Poda literally means “burnt cheese,” and it’s one of Odisha’s signature sweets.
Chhena Poda is moist, dense, and bursting with rich, caramelized flavor. While it is often available at sweet shops across Bhubaneswar, you can find it freshly made at street-side vendors, particularly near temples and markets.
No street food journey in Bhubaneswar is complete without biting into a piping hot Samosa or Singara. These crispy, deep-fried pastries are stuffed with spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes even lentils, making them a savory treat that is perfect for a quick snack on the go.
The city’s samosas are often accompanied by tangy tamarind chutney, enhancing their flavor. While samosas are widely available in India, Bhubaneswar’s version stands out for its unique seasoning and local touch. Popular spots for grabbing a samosa or singara include Bapuji Nagar and Raj Mahal Square.
After indulging in the spicy and savory street food of Bhubaneswar, a cool glass of Lassi or a bowl of Rabri makes for the perfect sweet ending. Lassi, a yogurt-based drink, is served thick and creamy, often topped with a dollop of malai (cream) and flavored with rose syrup or saffron. Rabri, on the other hand, is a traditional sweet made from condensed milk and flavored with cardamom and nuts.
Head to Bapuji Nagar and Market Building to taste some of the best lassi and rabri that Bhubaneswar has to offer.
The street food of Bhubaneswar is a reflection of the city’s vibrant culture, blending traditional Odia flavors with popular Indian snacks. From the tangy gupchup to the comforting Dahi Bara Aloo Dum, the city’s streets offer something for every palate. Whether you’re exploring the markets or taking a casual stroll through the neighborhoods, the tempting aromas and flavors of Bhubaneswar’s street food will surely pull you in for a culinary adventure you won’t forget.
So, the next time you’re in Bhubaneswar, be sure to take a bite of the city’s street food delights – an experience that is as enriching as it is delicious!
