Cuttack, Aug 16: Raghunath Sashmal, veteran Dahi Bara Aloo Dum vendor Raghunath Sashmal, who played a pivotal role in popularising the iconic street food of Cuttack, passed away at the age of 91.

A resident of Gopalsahi in Bidanasi, Sashmal breathed his last early this morning due to age-related ailments.

Fondly known as “Raghu Dahibara,” Sashmal began his humble food venture in 1950 at the tender age of 15.

He helped transform Dahi Bara Aloo Dum from a local snack into a cultural symbol of Odisha. His stall near Barabati Fort became a pilgrimage site for food lovers, drawing crowds from across the state and beyond.

Over the decades, Sashmal’s unique preparation—featuring soft urad dal fritters soaked in tangy yogurt water, topped with spicy aloo dum and ghuguni, garnished with onions and sev—became the gold standard for the dish. His influence was so profound that many vendors across Cuttack modeled their recipes after his, and his name became synonymous with authenticity and taste.

In 2021, he was honored with the “My City Award” during Dahibara Aloodum Dibasa celebrations, recognizing his contribution to Odia cuisine and street food heritage.

read more Odisha News