Bhubaneswar, Jun 7: On the occasion of Raja Festival, the Symphony Mall, in collaboration with renowned Master Chef Madhusmita Soren, hosted the much-anticipated Symphony Kitchen Star Season-1, a unique culinary competition dedicated to home chefs.

Unlike conventional cooking shows, this competition was not about ramp walks or dance performances — instead, it was a celebration of traditional Odia cuisine, bringing together over 50 women, students, and cooking enthusiasts. The event aimed to present Odisha’s rich culinary heritage on a global platform.

Dressed in traditional attire, participants showcased an elaborate spread of authentic Odia delicacies, including ‘Chhatua Kakera’, ‘Wheat Khiri’, ‘Mahula Tola Masala Bhaja’, ‘Gaja Manda’, ‘Tal (ice apple) Pitha’, ‘Millet Manda’, ‘Milk Pitha’, ‘Chuda Bara Ghuguni’, ‘Palua Halwa’, and ‘Poda Pitha’.

The dishes reflected the deep-rooted food culture of Odisha, blending regional flavours with nostalgic childhood memories.

Several culinary experts, including Master Chef Madhusmita Soren, food specialists Ritu Pattnaik and Sweta Vishwal, and Chef Michael from Michael's Kitchen, evaluated the dishes, sharing valuable insights on enhancing flavors and presentation.

Speaking at the event, Chef Soren emphasized the importance of promoting native recipes over foreign-influenced menus, stating that traditional Odia food deserves international recognition.

The competition allowed participants to highlight Odisha’s culinary excellence while reinforcing its cultural identity through food.

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