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Cuttack, a historical city in Odisha, India, is a vibrant blend of ancient traditions, rich culture, and modern charm. Known for its grand Durga Puja celebrations and architectural marvels like the Barabati Fort, Cuttack holds a special place in the cultural landscape of Odisha. However, one aspect that beautifully reflects the city’s character is its diverse and delectable culinary heritage. Cuttack cuisine celebrates flavours that tell the rich history and customs of the city, not only about taste. Using locally grown foods and age-old cooking techniques handed down through the years, the cuisine here is strongly anchored in Odia culture.
Video Credit: YouTube | Golgappa Girl
Exploring the street food in Cuttack is an experience that leaves a lasting impression. The street food scene of the city is amazing and presents a wonderful range of dishes to suit all palates. From the sweet and savoury to the tangy and spicy, Cuttack's street food really reflects the variety of culinary legacy of the city. The streets of Cuttack offer a gastronomic journey unlike any other for those who enjoy discovering new tastes. Let's explore some must-eat street cuisine that transforms Cuttack into a food heaven.
Must-Try Street Foods In Cuttack
Dahibara Aloodum
No exploration of Cuttack’s street food is complete without indulging in the iconic Dahibara Aloodum. This dish is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. It consists of soft lentil fritters, known as dahi bara, soaked in spiced yoghurt and topped with a spicy potato curry or aloo dum. The dish is a taste and texture explosion, with the cool, tangy yoghurt exactly counteracting the heat of the aloo dum. This meal is a unique gastronomic adventure when soft, spongy dahi baras mix with the rich, fiery curry. More than just food, Dahibara Aloodum is a component of Cuttack's cultural identity enjoyed by people of many ages.
Bara Ghuguni
Another staple in Cuttack’s street food repertoire is Bara Ghuguni. This dish is a delightful combination of savoury lentil cakes, or baras, served with a tangy chickpea curry known as ghuguni. The baras are made from urad dal paste, shaped into round patties, and fried to golden perfection. The ghuguni, made from dried yellow peas, adds a tangy and slightly spicy element that complements the baras perfectly. This dish is commonly enjoyed as a breakfast item or an evening snack. The street vendors in Cuttack are masters at crafting the perfect Bara Ghuguni, with long queues of locals and tourists eagerly waiting for their turn to taste this delectable dish.
Cuttack Special Chennapoda
Cuttack’s street food scene would be incomplete without mentioning Chennapoda, Odisha's signature sweet. Chennapoda, which literally means ‘burnt cheese’, is a dessert made from cottage cheese, sugar, and ghee, baked to caramelised perfection. This sweet treat has a unique flavour and texture that sets it apart from other Indian sweets. The slightly charred exterior gives way to a soft, melt-in-the-mouth centre, making it a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. Chennapoda is widely available in sweet shops across Cuttack, and no visit to the city is complete without indulging in this delightful dessert.
Chaat From Cuttack
For those who enjoy a burst of flavours in every bite, the Chaat in Cuttack is a must-try. The Chaat here is unlike any other in India, featuring a unique combination of ingredients that include mashed potatoes, ghugni gravy, yoghurt, coriander, and tangy tamarind sauce. Each bite is a medley of textures and tastes, with the crunchy elements perfectly balancing the creamy and tangy components. Chaat is available at numerous stalls across the city, and each vendor has their own twist on this classic street food. The result is an explosion of flavours that tantalises the taste buds and leave you craving for more.
Arisa Pitha
Arisa Pitha is another traditional sweet dish that one must try when in Cuttack. Made from rice flour, sugar, and cinnamon, this sweet treat is a delightful mix of soft and crunchy textures. The pithas are velvety on the inside and coated with sesame seeds on the outside, which adds a satisfying crunch. Arisa Pitha is especially popular during festivals like Manabasa Lakshmi Puja, but it can be found in sweet shops throughout the year. This traditional pancake-like dessert is not only delicious but also offers a taste of Odisha’s rich culinary history.
Rasabali
Rasabali is a scrumptious sweet dish that holds a special place in Cuttack’s food culture. Made from cottage cheese, or chenna, Rasabali resembles a flat gulab jamun but is distinctly different in taste and texture. The chenna is fried until golden brown and then soaked in thickened, sweetened milk. The result is a rich, creamy, and utterly indulgent dessert. Rasabali is a favourite during festivals and special occasions, but it is also readily available in sweet shops across the city. This dish is a must-try for anyone who loves traditional Indian sweets.
Cuttack’s street food scene is a reflection of its rich cultural heritage and offers a culinary journey that is both exciting and satisfying. From the iconic Dahibara Aloodum to the delectable Chennapoda, the streets of Cuttack are filled with flavours waiting to be explored. Each dish tells a story, offering a taste of the city’s history, traditions, and love for food. For anyone visiting Cuttack, indulging in these street foods is an experience that should not be missed.
