Dalma — Restaurant in Puri

Dalma, Puri: Authentic Odia Flavours Let Down by Service When in Puri, indulging in authentic Odia cuisine is a must, and the name that consistently comes up is Dalma. Famed for its dedication to traditional home-style cooking, this restaurant is a beacon for anyone wanting to taste the real flavours of Odisha. My recent visit confirmed its reputation for delicious food, though the overall experience was a mixed bag. The Food: A True Taste of Odisha Let's start with the highlight: the food. Dalma delivers wholeheartedly on its promise of authentic Odia dishes. The taste is genuine, flavourful, and has a comforting, home-cooked quality that is hard to find elsewhere. Their signature "Dalma," a sublime lentil and vegetable stew from which the restaurant takes its name, is a must-try. Other dishes, from the various bhajas (fries) to the classic fish and mutton curries, are prepared with care, showcasing the subtle and unique spice blends of the region. If you are on a quest for the true culinary soul of Odisha, your taste buds will be more than satisfied here. The Price: Good Value for Money In a tourist-heavy location like Puri, dining can often be expensive. Dalma stands out with its decent and reasonable pricing. The cost of the meal felt appropriate for the quality and quantity of the food served, making it an accessible option for families and solo travellers alike. You can enjoy a hearty, traditional meal without feeling like you've overpaid, which is a significant plus. The Service: The Achilles' Heel Unfortunately, the commendable food is let down by service that is not up to the mark. The service was slow, and the staff seemed inattentive and disengaged. Simple requests took a long time to be fulfilled, and there was a general lack of warmth and proactiveness that you would expect from a restaurant of this repute. This gap between the quality of the food and the quality of the service was noticeable and detracted from the overall dining experience. Final Verdict So, should you visit Dalma when in Puri? Yes, absolutely. The restaurant is a must-visit for its culinary authenticity alone. It offers a genuine and delicious dive into Odia cuisine at a fair price. However, go with managed expectations regarding the service. Be prepared for potential delays and a less-than-enthusiastic staff. It’s a place you should certainly go to once for the food. Whether the taste is good enough to make you overlook the service for a repeat visit will be a matter of...

Veg Pakhala Thali - panta bhaat, najnae data mulo thor aloo, dhula saag with tempering of mustard and ginger, sosha o gajjor er salad, bori guro, khejur tomato chutney, aloo bandhakopi posto diyae@ 140, Eating pakhal is recommended to prevent heat stroke, in hot weather. A traditional Odia dish, it is prepared with rice, curd, cucumber, cumin seeds, fried onions and mint leaves. It is popularly served with roasted vegetables—such as potato, brinjal, badi and saga bhaja or fried fish.

Veg Thali- bhaat, ruti, Sosha o gajjor er salad, aloo bandakopi posto diyae, najnae data mulo thor aloo, soya bean curry, dhula saag with tempering of mustard and ginger, khejur tomato chutney, dalma, payesh@120

We had in a la carte Mansa kassa tarkari ( MUtton in thick Oriya onion tomato based gravy) kukuda mansa kassa tarkari ( stewed chicken with potatoes) Pohala machha besara ( Pohala cooked in home style gravy) Kankada jhola ( Crab meat with home style 5 spice curry) Chingudi tarkari( small shrimp curry) Chakuli ( pounded rice and gram flour batter , pancake griddle cooked)

Food was excellent, only a little lethargic service staff but they managed well at the end, not very expensive also,...

Dalma is one of the most authentic restaurants to experience the true flavors of Odia cuisine. I had a really good experience dining here. The restaurant beautifully reflects the culture of Odisha through its food and simple yet warm ambiance.

I tried their Odia thali, which was quite expensive compared to local rates, but the taste and quality of the food were excellent. Every dish had a traditional, homely flavor — especially the Dalma (lentil and vegetable curry), which was perfectly spiced and delicious. The portion size was also satisfying, and the food felt fresh and well-prepared.

The ambiance was pleasant, clean, and comfortable, making it a nice place to sit and enjoy your meal peacefully. However, the service was just average — the staff could be a bit more attentive and quicker.

The only major drawback is the parking issue. There’s barely any space for parking nearby, which can be quite inconvenient, especially during busy hours.

Overall, Dalma is a must-visit restaurant if you want to try authentic Odia food and experience the local taste of Odisha. Despite the parking problem and average service, the food quality and traditional flavors definitely make it...