Discovering the Unexplored Riches of Odia Cuisine

Renowned actor and activist, artist Nandita Das has long captivated audiences with her powerful performances and steadfast commitment to the realms of theatre, culture, and social advocacy. Recently, she graced the national capital with a remarkable culinary pop-up hosted by Chor Bizarre celebrating the rich flavors of Odisha cuisine. In an exclusive interview with TW editor, Nandita shared her insights on the significance of authentic culinary traditions from various regions of India and their role in fostering cultural exchange. Join us as we explore her perspectives on how food serves as a bridge that connects communities and enriches the tapestry of our shared heritage.

You are widely recognized for your advocacy of human values, freedom, and equality. Recently, at the culinary pop-up celebrating Odia cuisine at Chor Bizarre, we got to see another facet of you. Has your passion for the culinary arts always been an integral part of your identity?

I have many different interests, and I don’t see my identity as defined by any one of them. A person is made up of many different aspects of their life. Food is cultural, social, and personal. My father has always been an instinctive cook, so I’ve grown up with many of his creative recipes that have their roots in Odia cuisine. My mother worked, and my father cooked, cleaned, and, I thought for recreation, painted! I’m happy to have grown up with that role reversal. Every summer holiday, my father took me to his hometown, Baripada, in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. While I may not have taken to cooking myself, I have trained my cook at home, guided solely by my palate and the variety of food I’ve had the opportunity to experience.

Can you share your experience at this culinary event? What are your thoughts on the rising popularity and appreciation for Oriya cuisine among food enthusiasts?

Frankly speaking, I was a little nervous about whether it would all come together. I was delighted by the response. Everyone loved the food and talked about the simplicity, nuance, and flavors of Odia cuisine, most of them having never experienced it before. Many took back recipes and asked various questions about the dishes. I am glad that I had this opportunity to introduce a cuisine that is barely known. Food is an important part of culture, and this country is filled with so many amazing cuisines that we don’t know anything about. I am truly overwhelmed by the positive response we received for what started as an impulsive desire to introduce @Odia food.

Having traveled extensively across India and abroad for your work, can you tell us about a cuisine experience that stands out as your favourite, and one that you would love to revisit?

I always stay away from questions about favourites! Why would one want to limit one’s choices when there is so much diversity and richness in food—from so many different parts of India and the world? Wherever I go, I always eat the local food and never crave or miss “home food,” as long as it’s flavorful, local, healthy, and authentic. It is a great way to learn more about the local culture. Also, how can one choose between Kerala and Kashmir, as they are both amazing in different ways? The same goes for Japanese and Mexican cuisine, which are so different and have their unique flavours, so it would be unfair to compare or choose a single favourite.

In your view, what is the potential for raising awareness and promoting authentic Indian cultures and cuisines, particularly those from regions like Odisha, Assam, and Northeast India, on an international platform?

I think there is great potential in encouraging and introducing food from different regions to the rest of the country and the world. Bengali food is often seen as Eastern food, but there are also cuisines from Bihar, Assam, and Odisha. While there may be some similarities, such as the use of mustard oil, there are also unique flavors and recipes in each of the states and even within the same state. We know very little about Northeastern cuisine. I think we need to raise far more awareness about all those regions that have not been explored enough.

How do you perceive the role of tourism in fostering cultural exchange and enhancing unity and connection among people globally?

Tourism is not just about places; it encompasses food, the arts and architecture, local crafts and handlooms, and natural resources. I think it fosters unity and breaks down preconceived perceptions, thereby facilitating human connections.

Travelling is one of the best gifts we can give to ourselves.