Key Features of Odia Food:

* *Staple*: Rice is the main staple, often eaten with dal (lentils), vegetables, and fish.

* *Common Ingredients*: Mustard seeds, garlic, dry chilies, turmeric, and mustard oil are widely used.

* *Vegetarian Dishes: Many Odia dishes are vegetarian due to temple traditions, especially the famous **Mahaprasad* served at the Jagannath Temple in Puri.

* *Non-Vegetarian Dishes*: Fish, prawns, and crabs are popular in coastal areas.

Popular Dishes:

* *Dalma*: A wholesome lentil and vegetable dish, often made with minimal spices.

* *Pakhala Bhata*: Fermented rice soaked in water, served with curd, fried or mashed vegetables—very popular in summer.

* *Chhena Poda*: A unique baked cheese dessert, considered Odisha’s signature sweet.

* *Rasgulla*: Claimed to have originated in Odisha, made from soft chhena balls soaked in light syrup.

* *Kanika*: A sweet aromatic rice dish often offered to Lord Jagannath.