Puri, Feb 6: Two sisters from Puri, Anju Pradhan and Manju Ojha, have made waves on MasterChef India 2026, reaching the Top 12 and winning praise for their authentic Odia cuisine. The duo impressed the judges with traditional dishes such as Pakhala, Dalma, and Saga Bhaja, bringing the flavors of Odisha to a national audience.

Anju, a former councilor of Puri Municipality’s Ward No. 9 and a member of the Shri Mandir Seva Samiti, is a vegetarian and credited her culinary skills to the rich food culture of Puri’s Jagannath Temple, where offerings of Mahaprasad have been a tradition for centuries. Judge Ranveer Brar also lauded the sisters’ dishes and expressed his admiration for the Mahaprasad, recalling his experience of tasting it during a temple visit.

MP Sambit Patra praised Anju and Manju for putting Odisha on the culinary map and encouraged people to support them on social media. The sisters’ success is being celebrated as a triumph for Odia cuisine, culture, and women’s aspirations, inspiring food lovers across India.