image credits: manas muduli
International Dahibara Dibasa in Odisha is observed annually on March 1st, this day is dedicated to one of Odisha’s most beloved street foods Dahibara Aloo Dum. This blog dives into the essence of Dahibara Dibasa in Odisha, exploring its significance, preparation methods, top destinations to savor it, and the innovative strides of startups like Dahibara Express, alongside accolades from culinary maestro Vikas Khanna.
How is Dahibara Dibasa celebrated in Odisha ?
Dahibara Dibasa, celebrated every March 1st, marks a culinary milestone in Odisha highlighting the iconic Dahibara Aloo Dum, a dish that transcends mere sustenance to embody the state’s cultural identity. This date aligns with Odisha’s seasonal shift from winter to warmer months, a time when locals crave cooling, yogurt-based delicacies. According to historical accounts, Dahibara Aloo Dum traces its origins to Cuttack’s Bidanasi area near Barabati Fort, where street vendors first crafted this delectable combination. The dish’s popularity has since spread across Odisha and beyond, earning it a prestigious award at the National Street Food Festival in New Delhi in 2020.
The importance of Dahibara Dibasa in Odisha lies in its celebration of community and heritage. With over 80% of Odisha’s population residing in rural areas street food like Dahibara Aloo Dum serves as a unifying thread, bridging urban and rural palates.
A Peek into the Preparation of Dahibara
The making of Dahibara begins with urad dal (black gram), soaked overnight and ground into a smooth batter. This batter is then shaped into small balls, deep-fried until golden, and soaked in water to remove excess oil—a step unique to Odisha’s version compared to other regional dahi vadas. These “baras” are then immersed in a thin, spiced yogurt mixture tempered with mustard seeds and curry leaves.
For Dahibara Aloo Dum, the dish is elevated with a spicy potato curry (aloo dum) and sometimes ghugni (pea curry), garnished with sev, chopped onions, coriander leaves, and a dash of tamarind chutney. This combination of textures, soft baras, creamy yogurt, and fiery potatoes creates a symphony of flavors.
Top Places to Enjoy Dahibara in Odisha
Odisha’s street food scene thrives on authenticity, and several iconic spots stand out for their rendition of Dahibara Aloo Dum:
- Cuttack – The Dahibara Capital: Some of the most highly rated Dahibara spots around cuttack are Trinath Sahoo Dahibara Aloodum, Babula No.1 Dahi Bara Aloo Dum, Dahibara rabidi stall, Raghu Dahibara Aludum, Ishwara Dahibara Aloodum
- Bhubaneswar – These are some of the highly proclaimed Dahibara Spots around Bhubaneswar, Mitu Bhai Dahibara Aloodum, Bapi Bhai Famous Khatta Meetha Dahibara Aloodum, Kalia Dahibara Stall.
How is Dahibara Express Redefining Odisha’s Culinary Reach ?
In 2023, Odisha’s Dahibara Express, a startup founded by Sourabh Khandelwal and Sanjeeb Kumar. the venture is valued at ₹6 crores after securing pre-seed funding from Dubai-based angel investors. With 40+ outlets in more than 10 cities across India it plans for 20 more in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack by 2025, plus an international debut in Dubai, Dahibara Express blends innovation with heritage. Offering over 30 traditional items, including Medu Bara and Masala Bara, the startup has expanded its footprint while maintaining hygiene and quality.
Masterchef Vikas Khanna’s Favourite Recipe From Odisha
Michelin-starred chef Vikas Khanna has become an ardent advocate for Dahibara Aloo Dum, calling it “a genius dish” during a podcast recoreded in 2023. After savoring it during a visit to Odisha, invited by the Odisha Tourism Board, Khanna recreated the dish in Mumbai, praising its contrasting textures and flavors with soft lentil fritters, tangy yogurt, and spicy aloo dum. His endorsement, viewed over 360,000 times on Instagram, has spotlighted Odisha’s culinary prowess globally.
