Baripada is a city located in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India. It has a population of around 117,000 people and is situated close to the border with West Bengal. The city is known for its cultural heritage and is home to several temples, including the famous Jagannath Temple.
The people of Baripada are known for their love for food, and the city offers a wide variety of delicious dishes that are unique to the region. The food culture of Baripada is deeply influenced by the local tribes, and the cuisine is a blend of traditional Odia cuisine and tribal cuisine.
One of the most popular dishes in Baripada is the "Machha Besara," a fish curry made with mustard paste, turmeric, and other spices. The fish is cooked in a gravy made with onions, garlic, and tomato, giving it a tangy and spicy flavor. Another popular dish is the "Mutton Curry," which is made with tender mutton pieces cooked in a rich and spicy gravy of onions, garlic, and tomatoes.
Apart from non-vegetarian dishes, there are plenty of vegetarian options available in Baripada as well. One such dish is the "Dalma," a lentil and vegetable stew made with a combination of lentils, vegetables, and spices. The dish is flavored with panch phoran, a spice mix of mustard, cumin, fenugreek, fennel, and nigella seeds, which gives it a unique flavor.
Another vegetarian dish that is popular in Baripada is the "Santula," a mixed vegetable curry made with a variety of vegetables such as pumpkin, potato, eggplant, and beans. The vegetables are cooked in a tomato and onion-based gravy and flavored with mustard oil, green chilies, and panch phoran.
When it comes to street food, Baripada has plenty of options to choose from. The most popular street food in Baripada is the "Gupchup," which is known as "pani puri" in other parts of the country. It is a deep-fried puri filled with a mixture of spiced potatoes, chickpeas, and tamarind chutney, and then dipped in flavored water.
Another popular street food in Baripada is the "Dahi Bara Aludum," which is a savory dish made with lentil dumplings, topped with yogurt, tamarind chutney, and spices. The dish is served with boiled potatoes and is perfect for a quick snack on the go.
As for drinks, Baripada is famous for its "Mahua," a drink made from the flowers of the Mahua tree. The drink has a sweet and sour taste and is a popular drink among the local tribes. Another popular drink is the "Sattu Sharbat," a refreshing drink made from roasted chickpea flour, lemon juice, and sugar. The drink is perfect for beating the summer heat and is a must-try when in Baripada.
The people of Baripada lead a relaxed lifestyle, and meal times are spread out throughout the day. Breakfast is usually a light affair, with most people opting for tea and biscuits or bread and jam. Lunch is the main meal of the day and is usually eaten between 1 pm and 2 pm. Dinner is a lighter meal and is eaten between 8 pm and 9 pm.