Dahibara aludum wins top street food award in Delhi fest

Cuttack: The iconic dahibara aludum of Cuttack has brought laurels to the state by being adjudged the top street food of east zone at the National Street Food Festival (NSFF) organised in New Delhi.The annual festival is a flagship initiative of National Association of Street Vendors of India (NASVI). More than 200 street food varieties from across the country took part in the three-day festival that concluded on Monday showcasing India’s rich culinary diversity.Odisha was represented by four traditional offerings that included rice bara, millet pitha and dahibara aludum. The award was received by Pradipta Behera (Babula), a veteran street food vendor and president of Cuttack Dahibara Aludum Association, who has been serving the beloved dish for over three decades.

Known for its unique combination of soft lentil dumplings soaked in curd and topped with spicy aludum, the Cuttack variant has long enjoyed cult status among food lovers.Expressing pride after the win, Babula said, “This award belongs to Cuttack and to every small vendor who keeps our food traditions alive. For 30 years, we have served dahibara aludum with honesty and taste, and it feels great to see our street food getting national recognition.”

Organised annually, the NSFF provides a national platform for street vendors to showcase regional flavours while highlighting their contribution to India’s food culture and urban economy.The recognition is expected to further boost the profile of Cuttack’s street food, drawing greater attention from tourists and food enthusiasts alike. For Cuttack, the award is not just a culinary win, but a celebration of its enduring street food heritage.