The Orissan tells the story of Odisha through history, culture, and food

The Orissan, a coffee-table book published by Penguin Random House India, offers a comprehensive exploration of Odisha's rich history, culture, and gastronomy. Co-authored by Alka Jena, Sandip Das, and Pallavi Das, the 350-page book presents a diverse perspective on Odisha's culinary traditions, which extend far beyond the Jagannath tradition and have roots in temple kitchens, everyday families, and various regions across the state.

The project, initially conceived as a PowerPoint presentation, evolved into a meaningful and visually appealing book during a visit to Odisha in January 2025. Pallavi Das, based in the US, collaborated with her father, Sandip Das, and Alka Jena, the deputy director of the Planning & Convergence Department in the Odisha government, to create a comprehensive and engaging narrative.

The book is divided into sections dedicated to Odisha's history, culture, temple foods, and recipes for starters, beverages, rice preparations, curries, festive puddings, and sweets. The authors, hailing from different generations and backgrounds, brought their unique perspectives to the project, resulting in a rich tapestry of Odisha's culinary heritage. Alka emphasizes that food can serve as a historical document, providing insights into the land, livelihoods, beliefs, and exchanges that shaped Odisha over centuries.

Sandip highlights the refinement of Odia cuisine, which is often misunderstood as being rural. He praises the sophistication of fermentation, steaming, and roasting techniques, such as pakhala, dalma, and patra poda. The detailed recipes featured in the book include Macha Haldipani, Sarupatra Besara, Sunday Mutton Curry, and chhena poda, among others.

The authors hope that "The Orissan" will help preserve Odisha's culinary traditions as mother and grandmother's recipes, passed down through generations, risk being lost. Priced at ₹5,999, the book is available online, providing readers with a window into the diverse and flavorful world of Odisha.