On 20th March, Odias across the Globe will celebrate a dish which is the closest to their hearts. It’s the very humble “Pakhala” or the water rice. Pakhala is a rice soaked in water and to this is added sour curd, mint leaves, ginger, green chilly etc. A tempering of mustard seeds, red chilly, curry leaves add a zing to the otherwise humble “Pakhala”.
While Pakhala takes the centre stage, the platter that compliments the Pakhala is the showstopper. It ranges from mashed potato (Alu chakata), fried vegetables, chips, fried prawns, fried fish, badi chura etc. The side dishes add the glitter to the very simple yet amazing dish.
So while the World celebrates Pakhala Dibasa we share our Top 11 picks from Bhubaneswar where you can enjoy your Pakhala Platter.
Note: These are not rankings.
1.Odisha Hotel, Sahid Nagar
This place serves one of the most fascinating platters that one can expect with a bowl of Pakhala. A platter so extensive and so huge that its a real test of a foodie. While every single item on the menu is ordered separately, it’s a delight for a foodie and sets the tone for a perfect afternoon nap.
Price: Approx Rs 350 per person with add-ons.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Ar4d7y1riq32
Pic Credit: P.T Shravani
2. BMS Exotica, Infocity Road
A place which added a lot of character to the Odia Cuisine serves Pakhala with an array of side dishes. Priced at Rs 149/- for Veg and Rs 199/- for the Non-Veg affair, this is a must try if you are looking for options around Patia and Infocity. The side dishes include fried vegetables, badi chura, khata, saga bhaja etc.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/n4jJj9FV3182
Pic Credit: Ankit Pattnayak
3. Pett Puja, Ekamra Haat, Bhubaneswar
An extremely pocket-friendly joint, Pett Puja is a favourite of students & working professionals. With a menu that keeps changing throughout the week, this place offers a wide range of side dishes at amazing rates. The side dishes include pumpkin flower fry, fried fish, prawns, vegetables, badi chura etc. Priced at around Rs 50/- this is an amazing low budget option in the city.
Location: Inside Ekamra Haat, https://goo.gl/maps/e5WY9y8TndT2
Pic Credit: Odisha Sun Times
4. Ballaree Hotel, CRP Square
One of the finest places in Bhubaneswar to have Pakhala is Ballaree Restaurant. Tucked in a narrow lane at the busy CRP Square, this place itself is legendary and the “Chattu Poda” (roasted mushroom in pumpkin leaves) is GOD LEVEL. The fish chutney is another sensational dish that you must try and Pakhala is cooked to perfection to induce that amazing afternoon nap. Costs approximately Rs 150 per person with the add ons.
Pro Tip: Do try the Chattu Poda and thank us later.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/VsxBDA6vsL42
Pic Credit: Avinash Pattnayak
5. Sriyaram Hotel , Beside SBI ATM, Nayapalli
And if you were looking for options which are without Onion or Garlic then this is the one for you. Sriyaram at Nayapalli serves Pakhala and the add-ons which are made without the use of onion and garlic. Menu inludes fried vegetables, saga bhaja, potala bhaja, chana, salad and Pakhala. Priced at Rs 49/- this is one of the most economical places to eat in Bhubaneswar. A handsome all veg menu compliments the tasty dahi pakhala.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/uVXtK1NtG7F2
Pic Credit: Abhishek Mitra
6. Pushpak Hotel, Buddha Nagar, Laxmi Sagar, Bhubaneswar
Pushpak Hotel is a legendary hotel in Laxmi Sagar that serves Pakhala with a touch of sophistication. While keeping the tradition intact, Pushpak glamourizes the very humble Pakhala and Pakhala is served with an array of side dishes like Rohi Besara, Badee Chura, Baigan Chukka, Chaggu Rai, Rohi Fry to name a few. Priced between Rs 149- Rs 225/- this is a perfect medium budget place for families to dine together.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/iuzmKwthL1q
7. Dalma Restaurant, Madhusudan Nagar, Unit-4, Bhubaneswar
The pioneers of taking Odia Cuisine nationally, still make the crowd drool over their bowl of Pakhala. The Pakhala is tempered with Jeera which you may not find in most of the places in Bhubaneswar. Served with Kakharu Fula Bhaja(Pumpkin Flower Fry) , fried vegetables and chatu besara, this is a real deal for Pakhala lovers.You can choose from their extensive range of ala carte options as well. Priced at around Rs 180-Rs 250 per person , this is a great option for working professionals who are looking for a quick lunch, families and students.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ZEFFmwd1qVs
Pic Credits: Odisha Sun Times
8. Bhaina Hotel, Bapuji Nagar
A huge crowd favourite, Bhaina Hotel is famous for its Basi Pakhala more than the side dishes that are on offer. Fried fish and Alu Chakata compliment the basi pakhala very well and priced reaonably, this is a big crowd favourite esp among office professionals.
Location: Bhaina Hotel, Bapuji Nagar
Pic Credit: Instagram Handle: raj_od_19
9. Yummyies Restaurant, Phulnakhra, Bhubaneswar
If you wish to head straight to the highways to some dhaba to relish the Pakhala then we will recommend Yummyies Dhaba at Phulnakhra. With an exquisite range of fish fries and sea food offerings, this place should be a must try on the foodie radar.
Moderately priced, this is an excellent place for families, youngsters and foodies who want to explore a perfect Odia Meal.
Available Options: Sadha Pakhala: Rs 170/-, Fish Pakhala :PRICE-320 & Crab Kassa pakhala platter: Rs 350/-
Dahi Pakhala, Side dishes: Whole fish tawa fry, Crab Kassa, Chingudi checcha, Saga, Badi chura, Aloo Bharta, Pickle, Veg ghanta, Saga bhaja, Baigana bhaja.
Location: Before Phulnakhra Bridge
10. Chancellor Premium, Sahid Nagar
Chancellor Premium is a mid-budget hotel which serves Pakhala in a true desi way. Dahi pakhala with futana(chhonk) of amba ada ,curry patta ,garlic ,mustard seeds is accompanied with side dishes like fried vegetables, fried fish(sardines), prawns, kakharu fula bhaja and badi chura .
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/NggXeXxGqNn
11. Kanika Restaurant, Mayfair Lagoon, Bhubaneswar
Last but not the least, if you want to experience this desi food in a fine dine setup then no one does it better than Kanika, Mayfair Lagoon. Kanika blends the rustic nature of this dish with a modern touch and the final product and presentation is breathtaking. Served in traditional brass utensils the platter includes around 7 add-ons including the fries, chakta, fish fry, saga bhaja and badi chura. A fine dine experience in the comfort of air-conditioned restaurant this meal will a pinch in your pocket but the experience is all worth it. Price is approximately Rs 900 per person.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/TUZqg9JjTzE2
Pic Credit: Odisha Sun Times
We hope by the time you drooled sorry scrolled down the list ..you would already be drooling. So head out and celebrate the Pakhala Dibasa and don’t forget to tag FoodFindo in your posts and we would be happy to feature them on our social media paltforms.
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