The Legendary Bada of Dhenkanal: A Century of Tradition and Taste
SHWETA RAJ | IIMC Dhenkanal | Oct 10, 2025, 22:34 IST
Dhenkanal in Odisha is famous for its Bada—a culinary delight that draws people from far and wide. One particular shop, over a hundred years old, has been serving this specialty for generations.
If Delhi is famous for momos, Gujarat for fafda-jalebi, Indore for poha, and Kolkata for rosogolla, then Dhenkanal in Odisha is famous for its Bada—a culinary delight that draws people from far and wide. One particular shop, over a hundred years old, has been serving this specialty for generations. Today, it is run by the fourth generation of the same family, continuing a tradition that has turned this humble snack into a regional icon.
During Gajalaxmi Pooja, the shop experiences an extraordinary surge of visitors. People arrive in crowds four to five times larger than usual, and the shop quickly becomes packed, with a line snaking down the street. The owner explained that during the festival, they have to increase the number of workers to meet the demand, ensuring that every visitor gets a taste of their legendary Bada.
What makes this Bada unique is its recipe. Unlike ordinary varieties, it is made with a special type of rice and a unique berry, giving it a distinct flavor and texture that keeps people coming back year after year. This combination of ingredients and the family’s secret method has made the Bada not just a snack, but a culinary heritage—a taste of Odisha cherished across generations.
While social media recognition is still growing, the shop has embraced modern platforms like Zomato and Swiggy, allowing people to enjoy the Bada even from home. Looking ahead, the family plans to open outlets in cities like Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, spreading the legacy of their century-old recipe to even more food lovers.
For visitors, eating the Bada is more than just tasting a snack—it is a connection to history, culture, and the enduring spirit of Dhenkanal. During the festival, as the streets overflow with excitement, the aroma of freshly made Badas reminds everyone that some traditions, no matter how old, never lose their magic.
During Gajalaxmi Pooja, the shop experiences an extraordinary surge of visitors. People arrive in crowds four to five times larger than usual, and the shop quickly becomes packed, with a line snaking down the street. The owner explained that during the festival, they have to increase the number of workers to meet the demand, ensuring that every visitor gets a taste of their legendary Bada.
What makes this Bada unique is its recipe. Unlike ordinary varieties, it is made with a special type of rice and a unique berry, giving it a distinct flavor and texture that keeps people coming back year after year. This combination of ingredients and the family’s secret method has made the Bada not just a snack, but a culinary heritage—a taste of Odisha cherished across generations.
While social media recognition is still growing, the shop has embraced modern platforms like Zomato and Swiggy, allowing people to enjoy the Bada even from home. Looking ahead, the family plans to open outlets in cities like Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, spreading the legacy of their century-old recipe to even more food lovers.
For visitors, eating the Bada is more than just tasting a snack—it is a connection to history, culture, and the enduring spirit of Dhenkanal. During the festival, as the streets overflow with excitement, the aroma of freshly made Badas reminds everyone that some traditions, no matter how old, never lose their magic.