India’s Tastiest Khasi Mutton Curry (Mudhi Mansa) in Baripada, Odisha l Garma Garam Story

In today’s episode, we dive into Baripada’s legendary Mudhi Mansa, the one dish that forms the heart of the town’s culinary canvas. It’s more than just food; it’s an emotion that speaks of Mayurbhanj’s pride, warmth, and identity. Both the crunchy mudhi and the rich, spicy mansa are stars in their own right, coming together to create a pairing that locals swear by and visitors fall in love with. To experience this iconic combination in its truest form, we visited one of Baripada’s most loved establishments, Hotel Garma Garam, our host for this episode. This place is synonymous with Mudhi Mansa, and over the years, it has taken the dish to a whole new level of recognition. Here, we met Jogeshwar Behera, fondly known as Mantu Bhai, who walked us through the journey of Garma Garam. Started by his father, Kartik Chandra Behera, as a modest shop, it has grown into a bustling food landmark that is a must-visit for anyone stepping into Baripada. Their commitment to quality is unwavering, they source and cut their own goat meat, ensuring the best of the region reaches every plate. We also got a glimpse of the making process. The base gravy is prepared beforehand, and the mutton is slow-cooked in this aromatic masala until it soaks up all the flavours. Before serving, it undergoes another round of slow frying, which adds depth, richness, and that signature Garma Garam character. The Mudhi Mansa platter we tried came with Mansa Kasa, Charbi Jholo, and a cooling Dahi Pagaw. The flavours were bold and comforting , robust spices, a hint of sweetness from the slow cooking, and the warmth of garam masala tying everything together. Every bite felt familiar yet irresistible. And here’s something interesting, apart from being a genial and passionate host, Mantu Bhai is a huge fan of the legendary Odia singer, writer, and composer Akshaya Mohanty. His songs fill the space, adding nostalgia and charm to the dining experience. If you want to understand Baripada through its flavours, Mudhi Mansa is where the story begins.