The Aroma of Odia “Chhunka” to Spread Everywhere. Odia Restaurants to Open Across the State and Beyond: 5 Metro Cities on the List, with a ₹5 Crore Investment Subsidy.
The distinct tempering—the Chhunka—of Odisha is set to travel far. Moving beyond the state’s borders, a variety of traditional Odia delicacies will now reach every corner of India. While Odia food is not entirely absent from the national stage, the Government of Odisha has taken this decisive step to formally promote its identity and popularize the state’s unique culinary heritage. The Odisha Tourism Department has officially issued a notification to open authentic Odia restaurants in prominent locations within and outside the state.
The Strategic Map: From Metros to Pilgrimage Hubs
In the primary phase, these restaurants will be established in five major Indian metropolises:
Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata.
Furthermore, they will be set up in five iconic national tourist destinations:
Agra, Varanasi, Goa, Kochi, and Jaipur.
Within the state, the plan is even more robust, spanning 77 locations, including 35 tourist spots, all 30 District Headquarters, 3 Municipal Corporations, and various Municipalities and NACs. The Tourism Department has already completed the site identification process.
Support for the “Odia Entrepreneur”
This initiative is being driven through Private-Public Partnerships (PPP). To encourage participation, the government is offering significant financial backing under the Odisha Tourism (Amendment) Policy 2026:
- Capital Subsidy: Up to 30% of the investment (capped at ₹5 Crore).
- Operational Support: A monthly subsidy of ₹2 Lakhs to assist with management costs.
- Interested individuals and organizations submitted their applications by the March 18 deadline.
From “Nimantran” to Global Recognition
Currently, the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) operates the “Nimantran” (meaning Invitation) chain in Puri (Sea Beach), Bhubaneswar (Sahid Nagar), and Sambalpur (Rani Bakhri). These outlets serve authentic, flavorful Odia meals, along with traditional Pitha (rice cakes) and Mitha (sweets).
This expansion follows the immense popularity of “Odisha Parba” celebrations held nationally and internationally. The cultural momentum is at an all-time high, especially after the beloved Pakhala (fermented rice) and 326 varieties of Odia dishes recently entered the Guinness World Records.
A Heritage of Hospitality
In Odisha, food is more than sustenance; it is a spiritual offering. With the legacy of the “56 Pauti Bhoga” (the 56 varieties of offerings) at the Shreemandira of Lord Jagannath, Odias have always been masters of the art of cooking and hosting. Whether it is an unexpected guest at home or a traveler at a state-run Eco-Cottage, the local community ensures that the plate is filled with variety. From the Eco-Retreats to the Panthanivas (state guest houses), the focus remains on local flavors, traditional sweets, and increasingly, nutritious Millet-based (Mandia) food items.
