Dahibara Aloodum is one of the most famous street food dishes of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar. And now, to make the dish gain nationwide recognition, individuals and organisations are working towards getting a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for it. The Odisha government is all prepared to support them. Here is everything you need to know about this latest development and the dish.
The Beloved Dahibara Aloodum Of Odisha
Every city or state is known for its one street food that becomes part of its identity. Just like Delhi is known for gol gappe and Mumbai for vada pav, Cuttack is known for Dahibara Aloodum. It is a popular street food snack which consists of vada, dahi, Aloodum (potato curry) and ghuguni (pea curry). Just like dahi vadas from Delhi, this snack is topped with spices, coriander, onions and sev. The potato curry or Aloodum and the ghuguni make it different from standard dahi vadas. It is widely enjoyed in Cuttack, Bhubaneswar and Puri. Sweet, savoury and surprisingly light, it also has many probiotic benefits.
The iconic pairing of dahi vadas and potato curry is believed to have originated in Old Cuttack, where street food vendors near the Barabati Fort first combined vadas with spicy potato curry. The unique combination gained popularity, and since then, it has been widely relished across Odisha. Dahibara Aloodum also got an award at the National Street Food Festival held in New Delhi in the year 2020.
The dish enjoys great popularity among the people of Odisha, which is why organisations are pushing for a GI tag. According to a report by The Times of India, MSME minister Gokulananda Mallik recommended this dish for inclusion in the Centre’s ‘One District One Cuisine’ scheme. As per the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, any association, producer or organiser representing the interests of producers can apply for a GI registration. But it should be noted that the MSME department itself cannot apply for a GI-tag, which is why they are ready to assist organisations in the application process.
Also Read: What Is Sarsatia, The 400-Year-Old Sweet From Odisha Seeking A GI Tag?
A GI-Tag Could Boost Culinary Tourism In Odisha
While Dahibara Aloodum enjoys huge popularity in Odisha, a GI tag could help it gain nationwide recognition. It would also help boost its production and greatly benefit those involved in its business. The best part? The unique identity and GI-tag for Dahibara Aloodum will also give a boost to culinary tourism in Odisha. It would definitely push food lovers and tourists, from not just India but around the world, to visit and taste the dish.
According to a report by The Times of India, 27 products from Odisha have received a GI tag to date. They include 16 types of handicrafts, seven agricultural products and four food items: Odisha Rasagola, Kendrapada Rasabali, Dhenkanal Magji and Similipal Kai chutney. Furthermore, nine products, including eight handicrafts and one food item, are already in line for GI registration. These include Palua laddu of Bhadrak, paddy craft of Balangir, tribal jewellery of Dhenkanal, Solapitha craft of Puri, Nilagiri stone carving utensils, Odisha dhokra casting, lacquer toys of Balasore, straw craft of Dhenkanal and paper mache masks of Puri.
Also Read: Banglar Rasogolla To Ratnagiri Alphonso, 10 GI-Tagged Ingredients To Experience In Their Home Cities
If everything goes well, Dahibara Aloodum might soon be on its way to getting a GI-tag!
Cover Image Courtesy: @Hitesh_k_01/ X
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.