Chhena poda, a cheese dessert from the state of Odisha, in Delhi

From the archive record

Chhena Poda being sold at Odisha Parba in Delhi. Chhena poda is a cheese dessert from the state of Odisha in eastern India. Chhena poda literally means Roasted Cheese in Odia. It is made of well-kneaded homemade fresh cheese chhena, sugar, cashew nuts and raisins, and is baked for several hours until it browns. Chhena poda is the only well known Indian dessert whose flavor is predominantly derived from the caramelization of sugar. Chhena poda is usually made at home during traditional festivals in Odisha, such as Durga Puja. It is also served in small traditional roadside stalls and confectioneries throughout the state along with other delicacies such as rasagolla. Since the mid-1980s, it has gradually found its place in restaurant menus across Odisha. Odisha Milk Federation is investing h