The tribal museum. Telegraph picture

Bhubaneswar, Nov. 20: Foodies will shortly be able to derive pleasure from tasting the tribal cuisines of the state.

The state government is setting up a food court on the premises of the tribal museum located near CRPF Square. It will serve an array of dishes that are typical to various tribal communities of the state.

“Tourists from across the country and abroad visit the museum on a regular basis. We are ignorant of a number of indigenous food items that are prepared by the tribal groups. The restaurant will let the visitors have a taste of the same,” said Susanta Nanda, managing director of Tribal Development Co-operative Corporation of Odisha Limited.

The food habits of the tribal communities of the state include wild fruits and vegetables. A number of recipes involving ridge gourd, snake gourd, broad bean, cluster bean, mango kernel and cowpea will be available at the restaurant. A few special tribal dishes such as ragi cake, ragi porridge and tapioca curry will also be included on the menu.

Construction of the food court is on in full swing, and it will be ready in a month. Initially, the restaurant will have seats for around 16 customers. But, if there is a bigger turnout, adequate seating arrangements will be made on the museum’s lawn.

The self-help groups will be involved to manage the restaurant.

“They are being trained on various aspects such as customer service, managing finances and handling day-to-day problems. This will not only help in empowering them, but also develop their entrepreneurial and management skills,” said Nanda.

A souvenir shop will also come up where various tribal crafts would be available. Visitors can buy handicrafts made of paddy, bamboo, siali fibre and Dokra art items.

“This will serve as a source of income for the communities and a platform for marketing their products,” said Nanda.