Poda Pitha (ପୋଡ଼ ପିଠା) is a traditional and popular sweet dish from the Indian state of Odisha. It is a type of steamed cake that is typically made with a mixture of rice flour, jaggery, and coconut. The dish is known for its unique texture and sweet, rich flavor.
To make Poda Pitha, the ingredients are first mixed together to form a batter. The batter is then spooned into small, round molds and steamed until cooked through. The result is a soft, sweet cake that has a unique smoky flavor, which is due to the traditional method of cooking the pitha, which is by roasting it over a fire.
Poda Pitha is typically served as a dessert and is often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee. It can also be served with a side chhena poda, a popular sweet dish of Odisha.
The dish is a popular food in Odisha and is often prepared during festivals like Raja Parba, Makara Sankranti, etc., and special occasions. Poda Pitha is also a favorite among tourists visiting Odisha, as it offers a unique and authentic taste of the state's traditional Odia Cuisine.
Poda Pitha is offed to Lord Jagannath on the day of Bahuda Jatra at Mausi Maa Temple. As per Manabasa Laxmi Purana, Podapitha is the favorite dish of lord Jagannath. But, the making process of this poda pitha is quite different and you can check the blog written by gapuphotography.com for more details.
In conclusion, Poda Pitha is a delicious and unique sweet dish that is a must-try for anyone visiting Odisha. It is a traditional dish that offers a taste of the state's rich cultural heritage and is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
N.B.: All these photographs are taken by Tapas Ranjan, Manas Muduli, Swagatika Nayak, and Sangram Keshari Senapati. We've published those here with proper permission.