Subhechcha Ganguly 
Chhena poda is an Indian cheese treat from the state of Odisha. In Odia, chhena poda means “baked cheese.” It’s created with well-kneaded handmade fresh cheese chhena and sugar, and it’s cooked for many hours until it’s golden brown. Chhena poda is a popular Indian delicacy whose flavour is mostly derived from sugar caramelization. Chhenapoda emerged in the early part of the twentieth century in the Odia village of Dasapalla. Sudarsan Sahu, the proprietor of a confectionary, decided to add sugar and seasonings to leftover cottage cheese one night and leave it in the Indian Chulha that was still warm from previous use. He was pleasantly astonished the next day to learn what a delectable dessert he had produced.Since 11 April 2022, the birth anniversary of Sudarsan Sahoo, Chhenapoda Dibasa has been commemorated. Chhena poda is typically produced at home during traditional Odisha celebrations such as Durga Puja.
It is also available at small traditional roadside kiosks and confectioneries around the state, among other delights like rasagolla. It has progressively found its way onto restaurant menus throughout Odisha since the mid-1980s. Odisha Milk Federation is spending hard in mass-production and popularisation of this delicacy, resolved not to repeat this mistake.
By Subhechcha Ganguly
