Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s rich culinary heritage is set to grab spotlight on Celebrity MasterChef India, where the state’s iconic Pakhala platter and sacred temple cuisine will be reimagined in a fierce culinary battle.
The Odisha Cuisine Challenge will be telecast on Sony TV from March 26-28 and judged by Vikas Khanna, Ranveer Brar and Farah Khan. The competition will highlight the versatility of Odisha’s traditional recipes while infusing modern twists to appeal to a wider audience.
This initiative, spearheaded by Odisha Toursim, aims to position Odisha as a leading culinary destination in India, showcasing its diverse food culture, unique ingredients, and time-honoured cooking techniques. “Odisha’s culinary traditions have long been an unsung treasure. Through Celebrity MasterChef India, we are showcasing our food and the stories, rituals, and cultural significance that make Odia cuisine special. This is a proud moment for every Odia, and we invite the world to savour and celebrate the taste of Odisha,” said. Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Department of Tourism, Balwant Singh.
A Culinary Challenge Rooted in Tradition
As part of the show’s Odisha Cuisine Challenge, celebrity chefs will take on the exciting task of reinventing two of Odisha’s most iconic food traditions—the Odisha Pakhala Platter and the Odisha Prasad Culture.
Challenge 1: Odisha Pakhala Platter – A tribute to Odisha’s beloved fermented rice dish, this segment will feature variations of Pakhala, including Dahi Pakhala, Chunka Pakhala, and Ghia Pakhala, paired with classic accompaniments like Chingudi Chechha, Kakharu Phula Bhaja, Badi Chura, and Machha Bhaja. The challenge will test the chefs’ ability to balance flavours, textures, and cultural authenticity while presenting Pakhala in a contemporary yet respectful manner.
Challenge 2: Odisha Prasad Culture – Inspired by the Mahaprasad of Jagannath Temple, this challenge will see chefs recreating traditional temple offerings such as Kanika, Dalma, Ambula Khata, Mohura, and Kheera Gaentha, adhering to the sattvic principles of temple cuisine. The objective is to capture the divine simplicity and spiritual essence of Odia temple food while elevating it to a fine-dining experience.
Building Buzz: Odisha’s Culinary Legacy on Social Media
The announcement of Odisha in Celebrity MasterChef India has already created massive excitement on social media, with food lovers, chefs, and Odia culture enthusiasts rallying behind the campaign. The official hashtag #OdishaInCelebrityMasterChef has been gaining traction, with users sharing memories, personal recipes, and favourite Odia dishes—fuelling a vibrant online conversation around Odisha’s food heritage.
The release further said that the Department of Tourism has been actively promoting the campaign across digital platforms, encouraging audiences to celebrate and explore the richness of Odisha’s flavours and its deep-rooted culinary traditions.
Adding to the excitement, netizens and home cooks are being invited to join the conversation with the hashtag #MyOdiaKitchenTales, sharing their own versions of traditional recipes, cooking techniques, family favourites, and nostalgic stories. By tagging @odishatourismofficial, participants can showcase how they bring Odia cuisine to life in their own kitchens—whether in Odisha, elsewhere in India, or abroad.
In a special effort to make the campaign participatory, Odisha Tourism will feature a selection of these stories and personal anecdotes, celebrating the people behind the dishes and the love they carry for Odia food. From heirloom recipes to everyday innovations, each story will reflect the warmth, pride, and the cultural depth that define Odisha’s culinary spirit.
The department’s efforts to spotlight Odisha as a major gastronomic destination reflect a larger vision of promoting the state’s food culture, traditional cooking methods, and locally sourced ingredients. This initiative is expected to boost culinary tourism, attract food enthusiasts to explore Odisha’s authentic flavours, and encourage restaurants and hotels to incorporate Odia dishes into their menus, it added.
