A TASTE OF ODISHA

Actor-director Nandita Das' Odia food pop-up in Delhi served a slice of nostalgia from her childhood days in Odisha steeped in her grandmother's food, temple strolls, playtime and more

- PRIYAMVADA RANA

CHOR Bizarre in Daryaganj has long gained its name for being one of the first themed restaurants introducing Kashmiri cuisine in the capital since its inception in 1990. While food enthusiasts have loved it for its finger-licking Kashmiri delicacies like Tabak Maaz, Kebab Kanti and Kashmiri Tarami, this year, it has caught the eye for hosting specialty pop-ups from across India. From bringing the street food of Old Delhi to kebabs from Nawabi cuisine, city folks are getting a taste of regional flavours. New on the list is the recently concluded Odia food pop-up hosted by actor-director Nandita Das.

She had collaborated with her friend Mona Lisa Bal, the Chairperson of KiiT International School in Bhubaneswar, and her "partner in crime," at whose home she had tasted the most "delicious" Odia meals to curate the menu that ranged from non-vegetarian recipes like Besara Maachha to vegetarian classics like Dahi Baingan and Kusala Saag. The curation also had the involvement of brand chef of Chor Bizarre, Srinivas A.

Food and roots

A lively buzz and chatter filled the air with excitement as we entered the restaurant. The guest list was impressive—from actor Sharmila Tagore, and photographer Raghu Rai, to actor Gul Panag, all had come in for a taste of Odia cuisine, a rarity to find in Delhi. Without further adieu, Nandita began the introduction to the food. "I've always wondered why Odia food is not available anywhere except homes in Odisha," she said. "When Chor Bizarre told me they were doing pop-ups from different states and wanted me to do an Odia one, I jumped at the opportunity. Little did I know it would be all-consuming! But if I take up something, I like to go deep into it."