“Food binds a family together…A family which eats together stays together”
Alka Jena is a distinguished food writer, culinary researcher, food stylist, photographer, and author based in Bhubaneswar. She currently serves as Deputy Director (Planning) in the Planning & Convergence Department, Government of Odisha, while simultaneously building a respected presence in the Indian culinary and food media space.
Her association with food documentation and culinary storytelling began in 2014, when she started her journey as a food blogger with a focused objective—to digitally archive and promote the cuisine of Odisha, which had long remained underrepresented on the wider culinary map of India. Through consistent research and creative presentation, she began documenting traditional, regional, and lesser-known Odia recipes, helping bring renewed visibility to the state’s rich gastronomic heritage.
Her work soon gained national recognition, and she was featured among the Top 25 Indian Chef Bloggers as well as the Top 100 Indian Food Blogs & Websites with Best Indian Recipes. Several of her recipes have been acknowledged for their originality, innovation, and ability to reinterpret heritage dishes for contemporary audiences.
In 2017, she expanded her professional journey into the field of food styling and photography, beginning with a major assignment involving the styling of 50 Indian recipes for a Singapore-based fitness brand. A self-taught photographer with a strong visual sensibility, she went on to collaborate with reputed FMCG brands and food businesses, creating high-quality food imagery and branded culinary content.
Over the years, Alka has also worked closely with chefs, restaurants, and hospitality establishments in conceptualising and curating theme-based culinary pop-ups, in addition to supporting brands and companies in recipe development, menu ideation, and food communication strategies.
Her continued dedication to preserving Odisha’s culinary identity culminated in her becoming the author of the book The Orissan a significant milestone that reflects her deep commitment to documenting the stories, traditions, and flavours of Odia cuisine.
Alka strongly believes that food must appeal visually before it is tasted. Guided by the philosophy that “we eat with our eyes first,” she ensures that every recipe shared on her platform is personally researched, cooked, tested, standardised, styled, and photographed to the highest standards.
Today, she continues to bridge administration, creativity, and culture—using food as a medium to celebrate heritage, inspire modern kitchens, and showcase the culinary richness of Odisha to wider audiences.
For professional collaborations in food styling, food photography, recipe development, culinary consulting, branded campaigns, workshops, and curated food experiences, she can be contacted through her official channels Here.
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