Chhena Poda set to grab a seat among Odisha’s GI-tagged foods

Odisha’s iconic dessert Chhena Poda is set to receive a Geographical Indication (GI) tag – a move that could formally anchor its origins to Nayagarh and elevate its cultural and commercial value. The GI application has already been registered, with a consultative group meeting slated for May 28–29 to expedite the process under the Geographical Indications of Goods. If granted, it will not only safeguard the authenticity of the Odisha delicacy but also boost its recognition on a global stage.

A smoky-sweet legacy rooted in Nayagarh

Often described as India’s answer to cheesecake, Chhena Poda — literally translating to ‘burnt cheese’ in Odia — is crafted from fresh cottage cheese, sugar and semolina, and baked slowly until it develops its signature dark crust and caramelised depth. Infused with cardamom and dotted with raisins and cashews, the dessert stands out for its rustic preparation and rich, melt-in-the-mouth texture. Its origins are as charming as its flavour. Tracing back to around 1945 in Daspalla in Nayagarh, the dish is believed to have been born out of chance, when sweet maker Sudarshan Sahoo left a chhena mixture in a warm oven overnight — an accident that led to one of Odisha’s fave confections.

Odisha’s experiments with chhena goes a long way

Beyond Chhena Poda, Odisha’s dessert repertoire is rich with chhena-based creations that follow distinct cooking techniques — from frying and steaming to simmering in sugar syrup. Classics such as Chhena Gaja, Chhena Jhilli, Chhena Mudki and Chhena Payas highlight the versatility of cottage cheese in the region’s culinary traditions.

Foods from the state that have received GI tags

• Similipal Kai Chutney
• Koraput Kala Jeera Rice
• Dhenkanal Magji
• Khajudi Guda
• Nayagarh Kanteimundi Brinjal
• Kandhamal Haladi

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