Bhubaneswar Bites: A Journey of Food and Flavour

Tourists coming to the capital city must try authentic Odia cuisine. While the city’s platter has a wide variety of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, the favorites here revolve around mouth-watering desserts and seafood. Odia cuisine comprises mainly rice (pakhal), fish, vegetables, coconut, milk products, and pulses. Meat and chicken also now feature on most of the menus. Seafood is popular and one can enjoy the best of prawns, lobsters and a wide variety of fish. The sweets that one should not miss are Pithas, Rasabali, Chenna Gaja, Chenna Poda and Rasagola. You may also try the ‘Abadha’ served in temples.

Popular food joints in Bhubaneswar include Mayfair Lagoon Resort’s food court, Panorama, the coffee shop at the Swosti Premium hotel, Venus Inn in Bapuji Nagar, Big Bazaar, Pantaloons and BMC Bhawani Mall.

The city has also witnessed the infiltration of many restaurants, hotels and even leading food chains, including KFC, Domino's, Pizza Hut, etc, that have offered city dwellers an eclectic array of food options to choose from.

Apart from this, you may also try mouth-watering roadside eateries that the city drools over.  

For any traveler visiting Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, indulging in its authentic local cuisine is an experience not to be missed. The culinary landscape here is rich, diverse, and deeply rooted in tradition, offering a delightful fusion of flavors that reflect the region’s cultural heritage.

Odia cuisine is predominantly rice-based, with dishes like Pakhala Bhata (fermented rice) serving as staples in many households. A typical platter is complemented by a vibrant array of sides—ranging from seasonal vegetables and pulses to creamy coconut-based curries and aromatic milk products. While vegetarian dishes form the heart of many meals, seafood plays a starring role in Odia kitchens. From succulent prawns and spicy crab curries to perfectly grilled fish and tender lobsters, the coastal influence is unmistakable.

In recent years, meat and chicken dishes have also found a place on most menus, catering to evolving tastes while preserving traditional cooking styles. And of course, no meal is complete without indulging in Odisha’s beloved sweets. The state is known for its rich dessert heritage—must-try treats include Pithas (rice cakes), Rasabali, Chenna Gaja, Chenna Poda, and the iconic Rasagola. For a truly divine experience, sample the Abadha—the sacred temple meal served at many shrines, reflecting a spiritual connection through food.

Bhubaneswar offers plenty of dining options that showcase these flavors. From upscale restaurants like Panorama at Mayfair Lagoon and the coffee shop at Swosti Premium, to popular local joints like Venus Inn in Bapuji Nagar, food lovers have much to explore. Even major shopping hubs like Esplanade, Pantaloons, and BMC Bhawani Mall house a variety of eateries that blend traditional tastes with modern dining experiences. The city has also embraced global flavors, with international food chains such as KFC, Domino’s, and Pizza Hut establishing a strong presence—offering urban dwellers and tourists an eclectic mix of choices.

In Bhubaneswar, every meal is more than just food—it’s a celebration of heritage, a blend of tradition and innovation, and a journey through the many tastes that define the city’s vibrant spirit.

Bhubaneswar isn’t just the City of Temples — it's also a paradise for street food lovers. Every corner of the city simmers with mouthwatering aromas and buzzing food carts, offering a delightful mix of traditional Odia flavors and modern street eats. If you’re hungry for a taste of the city, here are the dishes and hotspots you can’t miss.

Local Legends You Must Try:

• Gupchup (Pani Puri) – Crisp, spicy, and soul-satisfying, no evening stroll is complete without a plate (or five).
• Chhena Poda – Odisha’s iconic caramelized cheese dessert, slow-baked to perfection.
• Bara Ghuguni – Deep-fried lentil fritters served with a spicy yellow pea curry — comfort food at its finest.
• Chaat - Chaat is a beloved and flavorful part of Odishan street food culture, known for its exciting mix of tastes and textures. Though it originated in India, chaat has become a local favorite in Odisha, especially enjoyed as a quick snack or appetizer. These savory delights combine spicy, tangy, sweet, and crunchy elements to create an explosion of flavor in every bite.
• Dahi Bara Aloo Dum – A cult favorite, this tangy-spicy combo of lentil dumplings in yogurt paired with potato curry is pure bliss.
• Rolls and Chowmein - Another popular highlight of Odisha’s street food scene is rolls and chowmein, enjoyed widely by locals and visitors alike. Available in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, these dishes are served everywhere—from busy roadside stalls to upscale restaurants. Whether it's a piping hot egg roll filled with spicy veggies and sauces or a plate of stir-fried chow mein loaded with fresh ingredients, these quick bites offer bold flavors and satisfying portions. Their widespread availability and delicious taste make rolls and chow mein a go-to snack across Bhubaneswar and beyond.
• Momos - Momos have become a staple of Bhubaneswar’s street food culture, found in almost every gali and corner of the city. What started as a Tibetan delicacy has now taken on a unique local flavor in Odisha. Steamed or fried, veg or non-veg, these dumplings are served piping hot with spicy chutneys that add an extra kick. In Bhubaneswar, momos aren’t just a snack—they’re a street food sensation, offering a distinct vibe that blends traditional taste with a local twist, making them a must-try for food lovers.

Key areas to explore street food include:

• Khau Gali near Ram Mandir (Behind St. Joseph High School): Literally translating to “Food Street,” this spot is a mecca for street food lovers. The range of options, from sizzling grills to sweet treats, makes it a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. This hidden gem transforms into a buzzing food lane as the sun sets. Alongside local favorites, you’ll find a surprising variety of Western-inspired snacks — from tacos to creamy pasta bowls — dished out from tiny carts with big flavors.
• Gopabandhu Square to OUAT Square Road: A vibrant stretch packed with roadside stalls and pop-up eateries. It’s perfect for a food walk — just plan ahead if you’re driving, as parking can be a challenge.
• KIIT Road / Infocity: This tech corridor doubles as a foodie’s haven post-sunset. Food trucks and stalls line the roads, serving everything from shawarma to Odia staples — great for students and office-goers on the go.
• RD College Area: Craving variety? Head here for a dense cluster of food joints offering both vegetarian and non-vegetarian delights. It’s a popular hangout spot and a street food stronghold in the city.