Bhubaneswar feeds visitors quietly, generously, and with very little fuss, if they know where to look. The capital of Odisha offers a wide range of culinary choices that remain largely untouched by heavy commercialisation.
There are many places to eat in the city, ranging from simple no-frills restaurants to famous street-corner eateries. Visitors can also find busy market-style dining spots and long-standing dhabas that locals have trusted for years. Knowing where to eat will save you a lot of time and will also provide you with a better experience than simply wandering around hoping to find something worthwhile.
Dalma Restaurant for a Classic Odia Thali
Dalma Restaurant is easily the most logical place to eat if you want to know more about Odia food. This restaurant has been owned and operated by the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation. It is a well-known establishment located just a few hundred metres from the railway station, where guests can enjoy an authentic Odia thali.
Portions are generous, and prices are very reasonable. The simple dining settings keep the focus on the food rather than on décor or surroundings. At lunchtime, Dalma Restaurant has a very busy lunch service because it is a favourite among the locals. This is a great telltale sign that a restaurant is popular and that you can rely on the food that you have ordered.
Hare Krishna Restaurant in Janpath
Since 2009, Hare Krishna Restaurant has been a long-standing favourite among vegetarians and offers both Odia and Indian vegetarian cuisine. The restaurant is a favourite among many types of customers, including office staff, families, and tourists visiting Bhubaneswar from different parts of India.
Many people come here after hearing about it through word of mouth. The restaurant has an excellent variety of thali options, all of which rotate seasonally, allowing for genuine freshness on the customer’s next visit.
Pahala Village for Chhena Poda and Rasgulla
A good food guide to Bhubaneswar wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Pahala, a small village situated on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar. Pahala is widely known as the place where many of Bhubaneswar’s sweets come from. The roadside sweet shops along the highway leading into the village are popular with both locals and food lovers.
The chhena poda sold in Pahala has a slow-cooked, caramelised flavour that tastes noticeably different. Many people find it richer and better than the chhena poda available in Bhubaneswar.
Chung Wah and the Gupchup Stalls Near Lingaraj
Bhubaneswar’s street snacking scene deserves its own section, and the gupchup stalls near Lingaraj Temple are a very good place to start. These humble roadside setups serve Odisha’s version of pani puri with a tangier, thinner water and a distinctive flavour profile that regular pani puri enthusiasts find immediately interesting.
Chung Wah, located on Janpath, offers a large Indo-Chinese menu that has been consistently satisfying residents for decades. Street snacks are available in an abundance of various stalls throughout the city during the evening. The best way to enjoy them is to walk slowly from stall to stall, sampling small quantities and trying something different each time you stop.
Bottom Line
In order to get the full experience of Bhubaneswar’s food scene, it is highly advisable to stay at a hotel located centrally within the city. The central area’s proximity to sit-down restaurants, street food vendors, and sweet shops makes it easy to find meals at any time of the day. Staying in proximity also removes the need for long commutes. Booking hotels in Bhubaneswar early, between November and February, is strongly advisable, as Odisha’s busy tourist season sees good central properties fill up quickly.