Odisha

Billed as “India’s Best Kept” secret. Odisha on India’s north-west coast has attracted relatively few visitors compared to those on the wall-trodden tourist trails. But there are many reasons to visit: its unique and ancient culture historical sites, monasteries, wildlife, natural beauty.

Odisha-born UK chef Dev Biswal describes three dishes for which the egion is best known.

Dalma-The wholesome food of Odisha

Dalma is dal (lentil) cooked with an assortment of vegetables and spices. Apart from being a part of the main course, people relish the dish with a variety of dishes like Dalma with Pitha (local pancake), Dalma with Vada (fried lentil cake). The high protein and healthy dish is the most essential component of any Odia meal.

Pakhala-The coolest food of Odisha

Pakhala is essentially rice which is fermented overnight with water and consumed with an accompaniment of fried vegetables and fish. Pakhala is the food for an Odia especially during the summers. The food is known to be a preventive for heat stroke- which is quite prevalent in the region during the summers and some researchers opine that it’s the only food which has vitamins for the nerve cells.

Pitha -The food for the occasion

Pitha is a cereal based steamed cake. It’s the food for any occasion from the perspective of an Odia household. The dish has many variants and much sought after amongst them are ChakuliPitha, PodaPitha and Monda.

Fresh seafood

Traditional male dancer on the beach

Newly dyed sari’s being dried in the sun

A sweet offering

Stunning inland waterfalls

Similipal tigers

Entrance to tiger reserve

Pakhala

Odisha temples

Kid goats in the village

Fishermen setting their nets from the beach

Thali

Street food