After becoming exceptional competitors on the well-liked reality show MasterChef India, which was broadcast on a national television channel, two Puri sisters have brought honors to Odisha.
After completing the program successfully, the two went to Puri's Shree Jagannath Temple to worship and ask Lord Jagannath for blessings.
The judges were amazed by Anju and Manju's culinary prowess and consistency throughout the competition, as they competed as a team. They placed among the top 12 competitors, representing the East Zone, and their meals were well-received at every level.
The Journey from Puri to the National Arena
Anju, the older sister, shared her experience and noted that cooperation and understanding between the two of them were the reasons behind their success.Anju also disclosed that the judges were impressed by their first performance on the show, which featured a Continental dish called fish Wellington.
They were taken aback. They anticipated that a younger competitor would provide this meal. However, they were rather impressed when they saw us, one in her fifties and the other in her sixties," she continued.
Encouraging Odia Food and Traditions
According to Manju, their main objective was to promote Odia food and culture across the country.
"Our goal was to present traditional foods and Odia culture. We introduced Kanika, Chena Poda, and Tanka Torani. In previous rounds, we had tried to offer Chena Poda, but we were unable to do so. The judges, however, enjoyed it after tasting it backstage. She said, "We also prepared Dahibara Aloodum."According to reports, one of the sisters is wed to a prominent Shree Jagannath Temple servant. The two also modified and served a number of Odia foods connected to Jagannath culture during the competition.
Her husband was proud of Anju's success and praised her for it.
"I am delighted and shocked. I'm not sure what she asked for, but she was given the chance to showcase Odia food on a national scale. Since South and North Indian cuisines are well-known throughout the world but Odia cuisine is not, her goal has always been to elevate Odia cuisine to a global level. That she made meals like Kanika, Tanka Torani, and Chena Poda with Lord Jagannath's blessing makes me very proud," he remarked.

In Puri, the sisters' accomplishment has been greatly praised, with many praising them for bringing Odia culinary tradition to the attention of the country.