Food is necessary for everyone, but it has become so much more than a necessity in today’s times. The way people eat has drastically changed over the last few years. The pandemic played a significant role in this change in the eating habits of people all over the world. Bhubaneswar is no different when it comes to changes in the eating habits of folks. There is a rise in healthy eating habits, ordering food, eating out, and conscious eating. All of these trends are a result of staying under lockdown for so long and also because of working from home. Bhubaneswar is a city famous among pilgrims but it has so much more to offer. Come on this journey to know the city better and more importantly to know the best non-veg restaurants of Bhubaneswar. 

About Bhubaneswar- The Capital of Odisha 

India is home to many temples, the whole world knows that but it is also the home of ‘Temple City’ i.e. Bhubaneswar. It is the capital city of Odisha and its history dates back 2000 years. It has been of significant importance in the Buddhist and Hindu cultures, with the numerous ancient temples. Some of the temples in Bhubaneswar like Mukteshwwar temple and Lingaraj temple are UNESCO world heritage sites. One can see the heritage of the city through the architecture and carvings in these temples. 

It is one of the top pilgrim sites in India and attracts tourists from all over the world. Besides pilgrimage, the city is scenic and full of natural landscapes. Bhubaneswar is not behind when it comes to development and modernization either. The planned infrastructure, greenery, and wide roads add to the beauty and convenience of lifestyle in the city. The food of Bhubaneswar is very famous not only among the people of Odisha but also the tourists who visit the city. 

Food Culture of Bhubaneswar: 

Bhubaneswar is the capital city of Odisha and the culture in this city is slowly becoming like that of a metropolitan city. Young people from all over Odisha and beyond come to seek career growth in this city making this a hub for corporate employees. People with hectic job routines don’t have enough time to cook so they often resort to ordering food online. The best non-vegetarian restaurants in Bhubaneswar along with the vegetarian ones have experienced a steady growth in online orders over the past few years. Platforms like Swiggy have not only made ordering easier but they have also given opportunities to restaurants and cloud kitchens to flourish. Entrepreneurs who cannot afford a full-fledged restaurant but want to run a food business, have gotten so much exposure with Swiggy. 

Bhubaneswar Non-Vegetarian Cuisine:

The culinary heritage of Bhubaneswar is as old and significant as the architectural heritage and the food is truly outstanding. The city does not disappoint no matter vegetarian food or non-vegetarian food. Being close to the Bay of Bengal this city serves lip-smacking seafood made from locally caught fish. These delicious dishes are known for their regional flavours & unique taste. Some of the best non-vegetarian restaurants in Bhubaneswar serve authentic Odia delicacies, especially seafood. Let’s take a look at the types of non-veg delicacies served in the city: 

Seafood: 

Being close to the Bay of Bengal, the non-vegetarian restaurants of Bhubaneswar have easy access to fresh catches from the sea. This gives them the perfect opportunity to serve delicious seafood with fresh catches. These dishes are made of prawns, crabs, lobsters, and a variety of different fishes etc. The famous seafood dishes served in Bhubaneswar are Chingudi Jhola (Prawn curry), Crab Masala, and Maccha Besara (Fish in Mustard gravy). 

Chicken & Mutton Dishes:

 Chicken and mutton are both unavoidable when we talk about non-vegetarian cuisine from India. We Indians love chicken and mutton so much and the people of Bhubaneswar are no different. The classic Chicken and Mutton curries are prepared with mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, and lots of garlic to give them an authentic Odia taste. 

Non-Vegetarian Street Food of Bhubaneswar: 

Street food is the comfort food of many and Bhubaneswar does not disappoint when it comes to street food. While vegetarian street food has many fans, non-vegetarian street food truly has a cult following. The vibrant street food stalls of Bhubaneswar sell many delicious non-vegetarian dishes like Mutton Pakala Bhaja fried mutton), Chicken Pakhala (fermented rice with chicken), and Chingudi Pakudi (Fritters of Prawns).

Regional Non-Veg Food of Bhubaneswar: 

The regional flavour in nonvegetarian dishes is what sets Bhubneshwari cuisine apart from the rest of Indian cuisine. An example of these dishes is Kakharu Khar which is a side dish made of deep fried fish. You haven’t truly experienced a city unless you have tried the food there. Food is truly an experience of its own and you cannot deny its importance. 

A Conclusion: 

The traditional cooking styles, the spice combinations, and the local produce are what build the authentic cuisine of an area. Some Indian recipes date back centuries and have survived everything from colonialization to coronavirus. The traditional cooking techniques of Bhubaneswar include using clay pots to cook the dishes on a slow flame. Techniques like these truly bring out the best flavours in a dish. The non-vegetarian food of Bhubaneswar is mostly seafood but other regions of Odisha which are not as close to the coastal areas in the state emphasize mutton & chicken delicacies. Rice is an important part of the food of Bhubaneswar and most curries in not only the capital but all over Odisha are enjoyed with rice. Swiggy delivers all these authentic dishes piping hot to your doorstep seven days a week! You can enjoy all these dishes and a lot more without even stepping out of the house.