Royal Food at Baripada Belgadia Palace, Mayurbhanj, Odisha l Chau Dance + Village Style Pitha

The first episode of our Baripada Food Tour brings you an immersive culinary experience inside the magnificent Belgadia Palace, a landmark of Mayurbhanj’s royal heritage, now transformed into a stunning boutique luxury hotel.

This 18th-century palace stands as a living archive of the Bhanja dynasty. Its restored halls, ornate interiors, and serene surroundings reflect a legacy that once shaped the cultural and political life of Mayurbhanj. Today, the palace opens its doors to travellers, offering a rare blend of heritage, warmth and contemporary elegance.

Our culinary journey began the moment we arrived at the palace. We received a warm welcome and a brief tour of the property. Throughout the episode, you will hear Princess Mrinalika Bhanj Deo share insights about the royal lineage, the significance of the palace, its role in the region’s history and the deep connections between heritage and food.

For lunch, we were served a complete no-onion, no-garlic vegetarian thali inspired by the temple cuisine of the region. Accompanying us was Mona Biswaroopa, a renowned painter from Baripada, who enriched the meal with stories, traditions, and forgotten cultural nuances associated with each dish.
The menu featured Dala Khechudi, Ram Rochak Tarkari, Saga Badi, Ambula Rai, Tanka Torani, and Kheeri, each carrying flavours rooted in devotion, simplicity and centuries-old customs.

Post-lunch, we drove 45 minutes to a nearby village to meet the inspiring women of a Sabai grass cluster, an experience curated as part of the Belgadia Palace stay. Sabai grass is a locally grown natural fibre that is skillfully woven into baskets, trays, décor items, and everyday essentials. These women artisans welcomed us with warmth, showcasing their craft, their stories, and treating us to handmade pitha and chai. The palace plays a key role in supporting these clusters by creating sustainable livelihoods and connecting their craft to a wider world.

Upon returning, we witnessed a captivating Chhau performance presented by a team from Project Chaunni. Chhau, the martial, rhythmic dance form of Eastern India, is an integral part of Mayurbhanj’s cultural identity. Belgadia Palace has thoughtfully included it in their guest experience to ensure this indigenous tradition continues to find appreciation and support.

For dinner, we joined Princess Mrinalika Bhanj Deo, the young and gracious visionary behind the revival of this grand property. The meal featured a mix of regional favourites and dishes influenced by the multicultural lineage of the royal family. The dinner unfolded with heartfelt conversations about heritage, restoration, community impact and the evolving identity of Mayurbhanj.

This episode marks the beginning of our Baripada Food Tour, a journey through food, culture, people, and stories that define the heart of Mayurbhanj.