Pakhala Dibasa: Five Places In Bhubaneswar That Serve Authentic Pakhala

Pakhala Dibasa: Five Places In Bhubaneswar That Serve Authentic Pakhala

Pakhala, the staple food of traditional Odia households, now finds mention in every menu. From star hotels to roadside dhabas, and restaurants, each tries to serve the delicacy in the most authentic manner. In fact, this raging popularity of Pakhala has led to its official celebration as ‘Pakhala Dibasa,’ which is held on March 20 every year. This day is also seen as an official onset of the summer season in Odisha. On this Pakhala Dibasa, we introduce you to five must-visit places in Bhubaneswar where you can relish the incredible taste of Pakhala. 

Dalma

A popular name in the food industry, known for serving the most authentic Odia cuisine, Dalma restaurant is undoubtedly the first choice for Pakhala. The restaurant, which has several outlets in the city, has been hosting a special seven-day ‘Pakhala Festival’ every year. It is most famous for its innovative side dishes which include ‘Posto Bada,’ ‘Chhatu Poda,’ ‘Chhuin Besara Bhaja, ‘Baigan Tomato Chhecha,’Kancha Aama Chhecha,’ besides chutneys like ‘badaam chutney’ and ‘Dhania Tentuli Chutney.’ The menu keeps changing everyday for seven days and there are at least 12 to 14 variants in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. 

Hotel Marrion

‘Mirch Masala,’ the restaurant in Hotel Marrion also begins its summer special Pakhala from March 20. The menu which changes on a daily basis has over 15 varieties of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes which are served till the onset of monsoon. From ‘Badi Chura,’ ‘Baigan Chutney,’ Chatu Bhaja,’ ‘Saga Bhaja,’ ‘Chunna Macha Bhaja’ and ‘Kukuda Mansa Bhaja,’ the restaurant offers many authentic side dishes with Pakhala variants.  

Sohola Ana Odia

Another restaurant that specialises in Odia cuisine is Sohola Ana Odia restaurant in Unit IV area which considers ‘Pakhala’ so auspicious that it revises its menu every ‘Pakhala Dibasa.’ For the last four years, the restaurant has been initiating its summer food sale from March 20. Their most popular side dishes include ‘Neem Baigan Bhaja,’ ‘Badi Ambula  Chadchadi,’ ‘Chingudi Chhecha,’ ‘Bhindi Kurkure,’ ‘Gota Kalera’ and ‘Besara Bhaja.’ The ‘Pakhala’ also comes in a variety and is distinguished by its ‘chunka’. While ‘Dahi Pakhala’ has curry leaves chunka, ‘Masala Pakhala’ has mustard, curry leaves and cumin chunka. Plain Pakhala is also available here.  

Hotel Mayfair Lagoon

Giving an international identity to Pakhala, Mayfair Lagoon which hosts national and international guests celebrates the Pakhala Dibasa for its in-house guests and visitors. With variants like ‘Saga’, ‘Badi Chura,’ ‘Amba Khata,’ ‘Chips,’ and ‘Jeera-Dahi pakhala,’ Mayfair also takes care of the ambience, giving it an Odia touch. 

Ekamra Haat

This is the best place to relish Pakhala at an affordable price. Unlike other restaurants, this eatery might not have a lot of variants, but it gives the ‘home’ feel and is one of the most visited places not just on Pakhala Dibasa, but all through the summer season. Available in both ‘usna’ (boiled) and arwa rice options, this place is preferred by people who eat Pakhala on a daily basis. The place remains so crowded that at times, customers even have to wait to find a seat!

Pictures by: Rakesh Kumar Roul