Cuisine of Orissa
Cuisine of Orissa is easy simple and
delicious. Food preparations in the state are almost the same as that
of its neighboring states Bihar and West Bengal due to the similar
geographical conditions.
Delicacies made of prawns, crabs, fish, chicken and eggs prepared by
experts are widely available at the eating joints and the specialized
restaurants. The most popular is fish of both salt water and fresh
water.
¤ The Orissan Delight
Rice and Vegetable Delights
Rice is the major food crop and the staple diet of the people of
Orissa. Vegetables grown in plenty are essential of the meal and form
a large part of Orissan diet. 'Pancha-phutana' a mixture of cumin,
mustard, fennel, fenugreek and black cumin is used for seasoning
vegetables and dals.
Besides rice and vegetables the people of Orissa also relish fish and
other sea food delicacies like prawns, crabs and lobsters as they are
available in abundance in the unending coastline of the state.
Curd As An Essential Source Of Flavor
The Oriya delicacies are calorie free due to its less consumption of
oil but at the same time the preparations are quite spicy and tasty.
Curd and coconut milk find great use in the diet of the people. The
curd here is rich and creamy and gives an additional flavor to the
preparations.
It is not only the seafood which is traditionally cooked in curd and
coconut milk but also brinjals and pumpkins are largely cooked in curd
with mustard seeds giving the whole preparation that extra zing.
Mouth Watering Sweet Delicacies
People of Orissa are also very much fond of sweets and many of Orrian
sweet dishes are quite popular all over the country. Milk preparations
like Rasgulla, Rasmalai, Khirmohan, Rasabali, Kalakand are just
fabulous, once tasted- then it's just irresistible. Chhenapodapitha,
the caramelised custard-like dessert is popular not only with the
locals but also with the tourists.
Snacks
Pithas made out of powdered grams, like chakuli, kakara, monda are
served as local snacks - a traditional preparation that requires great
expertise. These pithas of are delicious preparations much loved by
the locals as well as tourists.
'Mahaprasad'- The Food Of Lord Jagannath
Another traditional delicacy 'Mahaprasad' or the sacred food offered
as 'Bhog' to Lord Jagannath. This rich food is available at the Anand
Bazar of the Jagannath Temple.
The specialty of 'mahaprasad' preparation lies in its massive cooking
that takes place in the temple kitchen that is believed to be the
biggest kitchen in the world. Nearly 400 highly efficient cooks work
around 200 fireplaces daily to feed over 10,000 people.
Taking Essential Care
Most eating joints in Orissa like hotels and restaurants are
specializes in multi-cuisine, and takes special care in preparing
delicacies out of fish and other sea creatures. The fish and prawn on
the Orissa coastal lines are totally free from toxic substances like
mercury and lead etc. Take a trip to Orissa and enjoy its most
delicious preparations really unique to the region.
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