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Accidents have led to inventions that have changed the world. There have been several instances of people stumbling upon something great while looking for something else and it turned out to be great. One such instance is about how the sweet delight from Odisha called Chhena poda. Also known as India’s very own cheesecake is burnt, as the name itself suggests ( poda translates to burnt). Chhena or cottage cheese was already pretty popular in Odisha, but an accidental invention gave us the beloved chhena poda.
In the 1940s, Sudarshan Sadu, a Nayagrah based confectioner left his chhena on a hot, burning flame and completely forgot about it. When he remembered, he came back to see charred chhena, with a burnt outer layer. He liked the taste and began selling it. The sweet became popular very soon and now is seen as one of the most popular desserts from Odisha. We asked foodies from Bhubaneswar to tell us their favourite chhena poda spots in and around the city and here are the top 10 places.
Nimapara Sweets
Suggested by - @_food_prints_ @bhonsor.food.blogs @plate_stories__
Some dishes are best served authentic and true to the original recipe. If you are a puritan like that, this might just be the place for you. Krushna Pattnaik says, “If you want the authentic taste of chhena poda, you can blindly opt for Nimapara Sweets. Freshly made cottage cheese is mixed with sugar, nuts and milk, and baked to give one of the best chhena podas.”
Address - Plot No, 80, 9th St, opp. Venus Hotel, Bapuji Nagar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751009
Price – ₹200 for two people
Bisu Bhai Chhena Poda
Suggested by @bhonsor.food.blogs
If you like a hole in the wall kind of a place, your best bet is this humble stall in Bapuji nagar. You can choose if you want a sugar chhena poda or a molasses one, says Chirag Dash. As authentic as it gets, do try out this humble, small but great quality chhena poda shop.
Address – A stall in Bapuji Nagar
Price - ₹100 for two people
Baba Lingraj Mishtan Bhandar
Suggested by @bhonsor.food.blogs
Right in front of the iconic Lingraj Temple, this amazing shop which sells sweets and benerages is known for the spices it adds to the chhena poda, which makes it even more delicious. Chirag especially praises the amazing quality of the ingredients and the dessert being quite smooth, soft and laden with crunchy cashew nuts.
Address - Lingaraj Temple Rd, near Car parking, Basisthanagar, Old Town, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751002
Price - ₹100 for two people
Recipe - sandhya's kitchen & life style
Venus Sweets
Suggested by @ food_and_them_ @ thatfluffynaarii
As we move on to another place in Bapuji Nagar, Venus Sweets is super popular amongst people who are looking to enjoy the dessert in its original, pure form. Dr Saawan & Dr Jagruti talk about the place and say, “Located at the posh area of Bapuji Nagar! It is one of the best places to try out chhena poda in the city. The best part is the purity and taste!”. According to them and us, this place is a must visit!
Address - 217, Bapuji Nagar Main St, Bapuji Nagar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751009
Price - ₹200 for two people
Micheal’s Kitchen
Suggested by @plate_stories__ @ thatfluffynaarii @foodaddictionas
Authenticity has been praised by us till now, but a little fusion of flavours does not hurt anyone, does it? That is exactly what this amazingly innovative place is doing in Bhuvaneswar. Speaking about Micheal’s Kitchen, Krushna says, “If you're feeling adventurous and want to try fusion chhena poda, then this is the place to go. The place is famous for innovations like red velvet chhena poda, mango chhena poda and tender coconut chhena poda.”
Address - Near, Sainik School Rd, Gajapati Nagar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751013
Price - ₹1,000 for two people
Pahala
Suggested by @thatfluffynaarii @foodaddictionas
This entire area is filled with tiny shops, unnamed ones, that are all extremely popular. The entire area is known to be home to the best chhena poda that you can have in the twin cities of Bhubaneshwar and Cuttack. So, drive to Pahala and pick and choose any shop where you want to enjoy this sweet, smooth, soft and velvety dessert.
Address - Small shops Cuttack – Bhubaneshwar Highway
Price - ₹100 for two people
Chhapan Bhog
Suggested by @ plate_stories__
Some shops are just popular amongst people because they do not try too hard and deliver exactly what is expected out of them. Chhapan Bhog is one such place. Asserting on the goodwill of the shop, Krushna states “ It is yet another place for good chhena poda. Subtle in flavours, this place is one of the favourites for many Odias.”.
Address - Plot No. N-6/317, Jaydev Vihar, Opposite To IDBI Bank, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751015
Price - ₹300 for two people
Bhai Bhai Rasagola
Suggested by @_food_prints_
As fun as the name sounds, fpodies from the city only have praises for the place. Very famous for their delicious, spongy rasagola, their chhena poda is equally delicious and should be high on your list of things to eat when in Bhubaneswar. Amlan and Bidyut share the same sentiment and are all praises for the place.
Address - Plot No. 3204/6100, Near Kedar Gouri Temple, Infront of HDFC Bank, Lewis Rd, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751002
Price - ₹200 for two people
Narula’s
Suggested by - @ food_and_them_
A newer entry in the list as compared to the other places, the new branch of the legendary Narula’s is a must try to taste the legacy of this place. Dr Saawan & Dr Jagruti talk very highly of the place and say, “Situated at Soubhagya Nagar ( New Airport Road) This one is their newest outlet. No Doubt the Outlet is new, but the Taste is just like the Old Famous Narula Sweets!”.
Address - Krusi Vihar St, Friends Colony, Soubhagya Nagar, Phase 2, Baramunda, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751003
Price - ₹200 for two people
Cuttack Sweet Stall
Suggested by @ food_and_them_
A shop named Cuttack in Bhubaeswar, - what are the chances? Well, plenty because both the cities are known for being twin cities and having the best chhena poda. This place, again in the very famous Bapuji Nagar is popular amongst the crowd and has a variety of sweets, including the delicious chhena poda.
Address - 87, Bapuji Nagar Main St, Unit-2, Bapuji Nagar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751009
Price - ₹200 for two people
