Odisha’s sailors embarked on risky sea expeditions that linked the eastern coast of India with Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka long before borders were formed and cuisines were labeled. These historic expeditions, referred to as Bali Jatra, shared cultures, tales, and flavors in addition to trading products.

With Jatraa– A Coastal Legacy, Crafted Across Cultures, a unique dining experience curated by renowned Chef Biswarup from Taj Puri Resorts & Spa, Odisha, and Taj Bengal, Kolkata, brings that long-forgotten culinary tradition back to the table this winter. From January 29 to February 1, 2026, The Souk, Taj Bengal, will host the festival, which takes diners on a sensory voyage over centuries and oceans.

Jatraa, which means voyage, was inspired by Odisha’s maritime history, when ships from ancient Kalinga traveled to Burma, Ceylon, Siam, Sumatra, Java, Bali, Malaya, Champa, and China. This convergence is reflected in the menu, which combines vivid Southeast Asian culinary traditions with rich Odia flavors to create meals that are both delightfully modern and deeply established.

Chef Biswarup has skillfully combined traditional Odia cooking methods with inspirations from South and Southeast Asia to create a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The outcome is a meal that highlights robust flavors, complex textures, and freshness.

On offer are dishes like Jackfruit Kassa Bao, Chicken Black & White, Sambal & Coriander Prawns Har Gow, Gado Gado, Bok Choy Dosa Roll, Chicken Patra Poda, Turmeric Leaf Fish, Asam Prawns, Balinese Curry, Kothu Parotta, Jaffna Crab Curry, Airy Chenar Dumpling, Mt. Merapi Coconut Volcano, and An Ode to Puri, among many others.

Each meal conveys a tale of coastal kitchens, trade winds, and cultures that previously interacted at busy ports.

Chef Biswarup talked about the experience and said, “A Coastal Legacy, Crafted Across Cultures is a celebration of tanginess, spice, and deeply layered flavors. Inspired by the spirit of Jatraa, it gives Kolkata a chance to enjoy Odisha’s rich culinary legacy and its ties to Southeast Asia”.

Jatraa is more than just a culinary celebration at Taj Bengal; it’s a trip through time that invites diners in Kolkata to rediscover history, one taste at a time.

Every dish reflects Chef Biswarup’s love of Odia food, providing a distinctive and remarkable eating experience.

Priyanka Dutta