6 Legendary Odia Beverages You Must Try In Your Next Visit

India as a whole is renowned around the world for its mouthwatering street food and other distinctive cuisines. Food lovers all around the nation have been astonished by the delicious meals from the eastern Indian state of Odisha. Odisha is a place with a vivid variety of cool and distinctive beverages in addition to a rich cultural history and mouthwatering food. However, the state, which is renowned for its tribal cultures and several old Hindu temples, is also the origin of many well-known locally produced beverages. Here are a few of them that you ought to give a go.

Tanka Torani

One of the most famous rice-based beverages from Odisha, Tanka Torani, is incredibly cooling. Tanka Torina is said to have its origins in the holy city of Puri in the Indian state of Odisha and is said to have been produced for the first time around the year 1000 AD. To alleviate the thirst of the worshippers waiting in lengthy lines, the traditional beverage is typically offered in earthen pots inside and outside the temple in tiny booths. Plain rice is used to make Tanka Torani; it is first fermented in water and then mashed with curd (Dahi). Before serving, it can be combined with curry leaves, coriander leaves, green chilies, lemon slices, lemon leaves, toasted cumin powder, and salt.

Chhena Pana

The beverage is reputed to be especially made to celebrate the Odia New Year and was a favourite of Lord Jagannath. Fresh Chenna or cottage cheese serves as the main component in this well-known summer beverage, which is also mixed with yoghurt, black pepper, milk, and fruits and sweetened with rock sugar. It is made by blending cottage cheese with milk, bananas, and ginger before adding cardamom, nutmeg, black pepper, and spice powders.

Bela Pana

This specific beverage is ideal for the summer since it has both therapeutic and cooling characteristics. ‘Bela’—which is short for wooden apple—is the major component in this Bela Pana. Bela Pana is a traditional beverage that is served to Lord Jagannath as prasad, much like the other beverages on the list. Bela is combined with shredded coconut, chenna (cottage cheese), and black pepper to make the drink, which is an excellent alternative treatment for dyspepsia, gastritis, and hyperacidity.

Mandia Pej

One of the most well-known summertime beverages in Odisha is called Mandia Pej, and tribal groups in the area have long utilised it to stay cool. Mandia Pej is a beverage that keeps your stomach healthy while also assisting in keeping your body cool in the heat. It is made with ragi powder and stale water from cooked rice. Additionally seasoned with fresh chopped green chilies and garnished with chopped coriander, the morning beverage for breakfast.

Adhara Pana

Adhara Pana, a well-known spicy beverage from the area, deserves a particular mention as well. On the way back from the Ratha Yatra, it is reported that it was presented to the Trinity of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. The exquisite milk and jaggery beverage is said regarded as the Lord’s favourite beverage. According to legend, it was offered to the gods in earthen pots that could reach their lips.

The drink’s name comes from ‘Adhara’ meaning ‘lips’ and ‘Pana’ which translates to ‘cold drinks’. Adhara Pana is known to have a lot of healthy spices like ginger, nutmeg, edible camphor, black pepper, cardamom, cloves, and also fruits like apples, grapes, grated coconut, bananas, ripe mangos, and oranges in it.

Rabidi Lassi

One of the most well-known traditional beverages to come out of India is lassis. Lassis, a yogurt-based beverage with a consistency similar to a smoothie, are popular nationwide as a way to avoid the summer heat. Now, one such classic lassi variation that is popular among foodies is the Odia Rabdi Lassi. It is a traditional summer treat that is garnished with cherries, cashew nuts, and sweetened condensed milk (Rabdi). Yogurt/curd is really used to make the unusual lassi, which is then gently mixed with sugar or jaggery, ice cubes, and water to taste. The Rabdi Lassi is also served with dried fruits, Bournvita, and vanilla ice cream in some areas of Odisha.