Odisha is not only known for its rich cultural heritage and magnificent temples, but also for its incredibly rich and delicious cuisine. The balanced use of spices and traditional cooking methods makes Odia cuisine unique. So, if you're planning a trip to Odisha, don't forget to try these 9 famous vegetarian dishes.

Pakhala Bhata

This is Odisha's most famous and traditional dish, especially popular during the summer months. It consists of cooked rice soaked in water and lightly fermented. It is often served with roasted vegetables, badi chura (crushed lentil fritters), and green chilies. It's excellent for cooling the body.

Dalma

A staple in every Odia household, Dalma is a nutritious dish. It's made with pigeon peas (arhar dal) and various vegetables like raw papaya, eggplant, pumpkin, and sweet potato. The tempering of panch phoran (a five-spice blend) and grated coconut enhances its flavor. It's most commonly enjoyed with rice.

Chhena Poda

This can be called Odisha's 'cheese cake'. A mixture of chhena (cottage cheese), sugar, and semolina is slow-cooked until the top layer turns brown and crispy. Its rich flavor will win your heart.

Dahi Bara Aloo Dum

This street food from Cuttack is famous throughout the state. It consists of soft dahi baras (lentil fritters soaked in yogurt) served with spicy aloo dum (potato curry) and ghugni (chickpea curry). It's garnished with finely chopped onions, coriander, and sev (crispy chickpea flour noodles). It's a unique blend of spicy and tangy flavors.

Ghanta

'Ghanta' is a mixed vegetable dish made with various vegetables like pumpkin, potatoes, raw bananas, and sprouted grains. This dish is especially prepared during festivals and is very nutritious.

Badi Chura

This is a crispy side dish. Sun-dried urad dal fritters are roasted and crushed, then mixed with chopped onions, garlic, green chilies, and mustard oil. It is most popularly served with Pakhala Bhat (fermented rice).

Chenna Gaja

Chenna Gaja is another delightful sweet from Odisha. It is made by deep-frying a mixture of chenna (cottage cheese) and semolina, and then soaking it in sugar syrup. It is slightly firm on the outside and incredibly juicy on the inside.

Santula

If you prefer simple food, Santula is perfect for you. It consists of boiled vegetables cooked with very little oil and spices. Raw papaya, eggplant, and beans are the main ingredients. It can be prepared with milk or without.

Rasgulla

The very name of Odisha's Rasgulla makes your mouth water. Associated with the traditions of the Jagannath Temple, this rasgulla is characterized by its brownish color and melt-in-your-mouth softness. It is quite different from and less sweet than the Bengali version.

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