Must-Try Foods In Puri (Odisha) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Puri, Odisha, India

The culinary traditions of Puri, a city in the state of Odisha, India, have deep roots that intertwine with religious and cultural practices. Known for its famous Jagannath Temple, Puri's food history is largely attributed to the temple’s kitchen, which is considered one of the largest in the world. The temple food, known as 'Mahaprasad' or 'Abhada', consists of vegetarian dishes that are cooked in a traditional manner and are first offered to Lord Jagannath before being distributed among the devotees. This practice has greatly influenced the local cuisine, which is predominantly vegetarian, with an emphasis on rice, lentils, and a variety of vegetables cooked with less oil and minimal spices, highlighting their natural flavors.

Must Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Puri for Tourists

1. Khicede: A sanctified dish served in the Jagannath Temple, it’s a mix of rice, lentils, and vegetables. - Vegetarian
2. Dalma: A hearty lentil dish cooked with a medley of vegetables and a touch of spices; a staple in Odia households. - Vegetarian
3. Pakhala Bhata: Fermented rice water mixed with rice, often served with side dishes like fried or mashed vegetables. - Vegetarian
4. Aloo Dum: Spicy potato curry, often enjoyed with puris or rotis, flavored with a local spice blend. - Vegetarian
5. Chhena Poda: This is a cheese dessert from Odisha, made from chhena or cottage cheese and baked for several hours. - Vegetarian
6. Chhena Gaja: Another sweet delicacy made from chhena, fried and soaked in sugar syrup. - Vegetarian
7. Rasabali: Deep-fried flattened chhena patties soaked in thickened, sweetened milk, flavored with cardamom. - Vegetarian
8. Santula: A simple yet delectable vegetable stew that’s prepared by either boiling or frying vegetables. - Vegetarian
9. Poda Pitha: A slow-cooked pitha made from rice flour, coconut, jaggery, and lentils, usually prepared during festivals. - Vegetarian
10. Kanika: A fragrant, sweetened rice dish that’s often a part of the Mahaprasad served in the Jagannath Temple. - Vegetarian

Top Famous Restaurants in Puri, Odisha, India

Chung Wah Restaurant

Address: CT Road, Puri, Odisha 752002

Famous Food: Gobi Manchurian - Vegetarian

Bhojohori Manna

Address: Near Sea Beach Police Station, Puri, Odisha 752001

Famous Food: Bengali Thali - Vegetarian

Honey Bee Bakery & Pizzeria

Address: VIP Road, Puri, Odisha 752001

Famous Food: Wood Fired Pizza - Vegetarian

Wildgrass Restaurant

Address: VIP Road, Puri, Odisha

Famous Food: Malai Kofta - Vegetarian

The Gajapati

Address: Chakratirtha Road, Puri, Odisha 752002

Famous Food: Paneer Butter Masala - Vegetarian

Panoramic Sea Resort's Restaurant

Address: New Marine Drive Road, Baliapanda, Puri, Odisha 752001

Famous Food: Sea Food Platter - Non-Vegetarian (Excluding Cow Meat)