If there's one thing that defines the soul of Odisha, it’s the symphony of flavors in its cuisine—earthy, hearty, and deeply rooted in tradition. And this week, Hyderabad gets to taste that soul.
From 29th April to 4th May 2025, Radisson Hyderabad Hitech City, in collaboration with its all-day dining restaurant Cascade, is hosting a celebration of culinary heritage — the Odisha Food Festival. I had the opportunity to dine there, and let me tell you: it was a journey worth every bite.
First Impressions
The ambiance is warm and inviting, decked with subtle Odia cultural motifs and soft traditional music that sets the tone for the evening. The aroma that hits you right at the entrance is a tease — smoky, spicy, and nostalgic.
What’s on the Plate?
Let’s break down Menu, the lineup I devoured, and I promise — you’ll want to bookmark this!
Starters That Spark Joy
-
Aloo Chop and Rasi Baigan Fry: Crispy, flavorful, and perfect with a glass of chilled sarbat.
-
Bhubaneswar Style Chicken Pokada: Think chicken pakoras with a punch — spiced just right and perfectly crunchy.
Soup
-
Bampho Mutter Soup: Light, wholesome, and a soothing start to balance the deep-fried starters.
Main Course: Where Odisha Truly Shines
Non-Veg Highlights
-
Kishore Bhaina Mutton Curry: Slow-cooked with regional spices, tender meat in a fiery gravy — this one’s unforgettable.
-
Poi Saaga Chingudi Ghanto: Prawns meet Malabar spinach in a dish that’s homely and comforting.
-
Chuna Machha Rai: Tiny fish in mustard gravy — a classic Odia favorite that packs a punch of authenticity.
Vegetarian Gems
-
Baigan Bhaja & Kalara Gota Bhaja: Brinjal and bitter gourd slices fried to golden perfection.
-
Santula, Ghanto, Dalma: A trio of simple yet soulful vegetable dishes showcasing the brilliance of Odia home-style cooking.
-
Tomato Khajuri Khata: Sweet and tangy, this palate cleanser pairs beautifully with rice.
-
Muttor Ghee Arna: Fragrant rice infused with ghee and peas — understated elegance on a plate.
Accompaniments to Elevate Every Bite
From Aloo Chakata and Baigan Bharta to Badi Chura and Dahi Pokhalo, each side dish was a perfect nod to Odisha’s rustic roots. Add a crunchy papad fry, and you’re golden.
Sweet Endings That Stay with You
The dessert section is nothing short of divine:
-
Chhena Poda: Odisha’s pride. Burnt cheesecake, but make it regional!
-
Kendrapara Rasabali, Khasta Gaja, Arisa Pitha, Chaula Kheeri: A line-up that would make even Lord Jagannath smile. Every bite was an ode to tradition and celebration.
Live Counters – Where the Magic Happens
This section stole the show:
-
Cuttack Dahi Bora Aloo Dum: The ultimate street-style comfort food.
-
Rupali Chat Counter & Bora Ghuguni: Spicy, tangy, lip-smacking.
-
Chakuli Aloo Dum: Soft fermented pancakes with spicy potato curry — I went back twice!
-
And the Lassi & Sarbat? The perfect cooling companion to all those robust flavors.
Pricing & Details
The best part? All of this indulgence comes at a price that’s surprisingly accessible — just INR 1499 + taxes per person for a buffet dinner.
Dinner Timings: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Venue: Cascade, Radisson Hyderabad Hitech City
Dates: 29th April to 4th May 2025
Contact: +91 92468 95019 / 92468 15049
Final Thoughts
This isn’t just a dinner. It’s a culinary pilgrimage. The chefs have gone the extra mile to bring Odisha to Hyderabad with authenticity, soul, and spice. If you love discovering food beyond the usual North-South India spectrum, this is your calling.
Only a few nights left to catch this delicious journey. Odisha awaits on your plate — don’t miss it!
Comments