Cuttack, Aug 16: Raghunath Sasmal, the beloved owner of the famous Raghu Dahibara in Cuttack, has passed away today at the age of 94. A pioneer in popularizing the iconic Dahi Bara-Aloo Dum dish in Cuttack, Sasmal's legacy in the city's food culture is unforgettable.
He breathed his last at his residence in Gopalsahi, Bidanasi, Cuttack. Raghunath began his small food stall at just 15 years old in 1950, and for over 70 years, he became a symbol of Cuttack's rich street food culture.
Known affectionately as "Raghu Mausa," Sasmal was a fixture at his stall, where he greeted customers with a smile despite long hours of working under the sun. His signature dish-served in raw sal leaves remained a go-to comfort food for locals, its distinct taste forever etched in the memory of those who tasted it.
Raghu Dahibara, a simple yet flavorful variation of the classic Dahi Bara, was unique for its minimalistic ingredients. The dish features soft Dahibara paired with spicy Aloo Dum, topped with a sprinkle of chili powder served without the usual additions of seu, ghuguni, or spoons. The bold flavors quickly made it a favorite for many, although, like any unique dish, its taste is subjective and not for everyone.
In 2017, Sasmal's Raghu Dahibara even made waves outside Odisha, with him representing the state's Dahi Bara at the Odisha Parba in New Delhi.
Raghunath Sasmal's passing marks the end of an era for Cuttack's street food scene, but his legacy will undoubtedly live on through the iconic flavors he introduced to generations of customers.
