Rice, both sun dried and par-boiled, is the staple food of the people of Orissa. However, in the urban areas, there is a shift in the eating patterns and people are turning towards chapati (wheat bread), as an alternative to rice. The sun-dried rice is usually cooked at the festive occasions. Oriya people also like to consume pakhal, which is basically cooked rice soaked in water, overnight. Typical desserts consist of Chhenapoda, Rasabali (milk preparation), Chhenajhilli and Pitha (cakes).
Majority of the people of Orissa, a coastal state in India, are
non-vegetarian and fish forms an integral part of their traditional
cuisine. A distinctive cooking style is followed in the preparation of
the dishes. Mouthwatering curries are cooked using different vegetables.
Main course consists of rice or chapatti, along with dal, bhaji, bharta
(mixed vegetable curry), ambila/sakara (sweet and sour preparation) and
dessert. All these eatables are placed on a plate, made from bell metal.
Rice, Breads and Lentils