18 Best Bihar Food Delights: Flavours of Tradition

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Bihar, a state renowned for its taste buds’ tingling culinary exploits, is steeped in history, culture, and flavoursome delicacies. Its food culture is unique and intriguing, filled with an array of dishes that carry within them the essence of this land, rooted in age-old traditions and regional diversities.

From the simple yet gratifying Litti Chokha to the sweet marvels conjured using sugar, jaggery, milk, and flour, Bihari cuisine, also known as the cuisine of Bihar, is truly an epicurean spectacle. It is perfect for cold winters, and famous shops like Laung-Latika are located near the Patna Museum.

Rediscover Bihar’s expansive palette through its culinary delights, an amalgamation of textures, flavours, and cooking techniques perfected over generations.

Whether it is the complexities of Dal Puri or the rustic, old-world charm in the taste of Thekua, these dishes resonate with the state’s food culture and reflect its vibrant character.

Every element, from the humble rice to the exotic spices, contributes to a gastronomic experience distinctively Bihari. One quintessential food of Bihar that cannot be missed is Dal Peetha, a delicious dumpling made with lentil paste and spices, often served as a healthy breakfast option in the Bihari way. Another favourite delicacy of Bihar is Malpua, a sweet treat made with flour, milk, mashed bananas, and sugar, deep-fried in ghee and dipped in sugar syrup. The crispy crust and soft centre of the Malpua make it a beloved dish among Biharis, earning it the title of “favourite delicacy of Bihar.” It is often served with thick Rabdi for an extra burst of flavour.

While each delicacy has a story, 18 dishes define Bihar and its love for good food. In this blog, we journeyed through these signature dishes, celebrating the many flavours of tradition that makeup Bihar’s food legacy.

18 Best Bihar Food To Try Out

1. Litti Chokha

Litti Chokha is undeniably the poster child of Bihari cuisine. This dish emblematically represents the state’s remarkable culinary journey and is often celebrated as a national food. The irresistible taste of Litti Chokha is widely enjoyed and requires no formal introduction. Savoured by one and all, it perfectly embodies the ghee-dripping splendour characteristic of Bihar’s delectable fare.

The preparation involves kneading a mixture of whole wheat and Sattu (roasted gram flour) with spices into small, round balls. These balls, or “littis“, are baked over a flame until golden brown and drenched in copious amounts of ghee. Combining contrasting textures in every bite, the crisp casing encloses a flavoursome stuffing, making it an absolute delight for gourmets.

Chokha, the perfect companion to Litti, is a delectable mash of boiled vegetables, commonly comprising potatoes, eggplant, and tomatoes. This mash is jazzed up by adding various spices, chopped onion, and garlic—an ideal complement to the lip-smacking Litti.

Litti chokha is a wholesome meal with wheat flour, Sattu, and various spices used in stuffing. The dish is typically draped in ghee, enhancing the gastronomic experience. This traditional dish is a crowd-pleaser in Bihar and is savoured in most households.

2. Chana Ghugni

Another evening snack that forms the repertoire of must-have Bihari dishes is Chana Ghugni. This tangy and spicy delicacy is a standard feature, but its exceptional taste still surprises gastronomes. The snack is crafted to perfection in almost every corner of the state, turning into a teatime favourite for many. Chana Ghugni is often enjoyed alongside the most commonly prepared snack of Bihari food, Khajuria/Thekua, a deep-fried mixture of wheat flour and jaggery, perfect for satisfying those hunger attacks. But different varieties use rice flour and sugar instead.

Chickpeas are boiled until tender and then pan-fried with sliced onions and carefully selected fragrant spices to prepare this mouth-watering treat. To make it even more wholesome, it is typically served with “Chuda ka Bhuja” (flattened rice), offering the perfect blend of flavours to satisfy your hunger. Here, lightly roasted gram or “Bhunja” is also used to churn out a variety of delectable, salty snacks, adding another dimension to the diverse Bihari palate.

Whether as a quick snack or a delicious side dish, Chana Ghugni exemplifies the versatility of Bihari cuisine, catering to different culinary preferences. Its pseudo-curry-like consistency makes it a hit among locals and tourists, contributing to Bihar’s rich gastronomic legacy.

3. Tamatar ki Chaat

Tamatar ki Chaat, a popular snack dish native to the region, is pivotal in Bihar’s street food scene. As the name suggests, the prime ingredient here is tomatoes, which give the dish distinctive tanginess and flavour.

This delicious dish showcases the sheer simplicity and ingenuity of Bihari cuisine. Ripe tomatoes are mashed and simmered till they acquire a rich, thick consistency. Spices like turmeric, red chilli powder, cumin, finely chopped onions and green chillies are added for an aromatic punch.

The amalgam of earthy spices, mixed with the tanginess of ripe tomatoes, creates an explosion of flavours that dance on your palate. The lingering taste of this vibrant dish becomes an addictive experience, making you reach out for more.

Easily prepared with readily available ingredients and minimalistic cooking methods, Tamatar ki Chaat perfectly highlights the essence of Bihar’s food culture—flavorful, hearty, and delightfully uncomplicated.

Know how to make Tamatar Ki Chaat at home

4. Khajuria/Thekua

Introducing a sweet entrant to our list—Khajuria, also known as Thekua, a treasured snack occupying a special place in the heart of Bihar’s populace. This simple yet gratifying treat is said to have an 1800-year-old origin story, reflecting the deep-seated history and cultural roots embedded in Bihar’s culinary arts.

In its basic form, Khajuria combines wheat flour and jaggery into a dough, which is then deep-fried until dark brown and crispy. Despite its simplicity, the contrasting textures of a crunchy exterior and a soft interior elevate this dish to a culinary marvel.

For those willing to experiment, using rice flour instead of wheat flour or substituting sugar for jaggery can produce equally delicious variants of this time-honoured snack. This also testifies to the adaptability of traditional Bihari foods to contemporary times.

Whether savoured with tea or packed for a journey, Khajuria always hits the right notes. Its comforting simplicity and unforgettable taste make it a beloved part of Bihar’s food narrative.

Read the complete recipe of Thekua here.

5. Kesar Peda

When tracing Bihar’s dessert landscape, one must recognise the ubiquity of the delectable Kesar Peda. Adored by sweet lovers across the state, the pedal takes Bihari cuisine’s richness to an entirely new level through its distinctive flavour and texture.

Made from khoya, sugar, and milk solids and infused with the aromatic threads of saffron and cardamom powder, the Kesar Peda is delightful close to a sumptuous meal.

The process involves meticulously cooking these ingredients until they transform into a dough-like consistency and adding dry fruits for an extra burst of flavour and texture. This is then moulded into small-sized pedals, each embodying a balance of sweet and creamy flavours. Another variant of this traditional dessert is the makhane ki kheer, made with popped fox nuts and slightly sweet but rich in taste. Kesar Peda is just one of the many delicacies of Deoghar, a holy place in Bihar known for its delicious and unique sweets. Other must-try delicacies from Deoghar include ChamCham and Lady Canning.

Though universally loved, the pedals from Deoghar, in the now separate state of Jharkhand, enjoy a particular fondness among the residents of Bihar. Every local with a sweet tooth holds these Devghar pedas close to their heart.

The next time you wish to indulge your taste buds in Bihar’s divine sweets, ensure you savour the Kesar Peda. Its rich, fulfilling taste encapsulates the essence of the state’s vibrant culinary tradition.

6. Parwal ki Mithai

One of Bihar’s authentic food highlights involves wrapping sweetmeats in a cloak of creativity. This ingenuity is amply demonstrated in Parwal Ki Mithai, a unique sweet dish that uses a humble vegetable – the Pointed Gourd or Parwal.

Parwal Ki Mithai transforms this plain old vegetable into a delicious, sweet confection. It entails emptying the inner pulp of the parwal, boiling and dipping it in sugar syrup, and stuffing it with a sweet khoya preparation.

The result is visually appealing and an expansive gastronomic story of Bihar. With each bite delivering the sweetness of sugar syrup and khoya with the subtle hint of parwal, it is a sensory carnival that leaves one longing for more.

Masterfully combining the unusual with the familiar, Parwal Ki Mithai reinforces how integral innovation and originality are to Bihari cuisine. Whether served in festivities or enjoyed as a random indulgence, this distinct vegetarian sweetmeat remains a firm favourite among Bihar’s food lovers.

Also Read: Parwal and Potato Curry

7. Khurma and Laktho

Bihar’s culinary repertoire concerns hearty main courses and exciting street foods. It also includes many sweet snacks you can enjoy throughout the day. Among these is Khurma, also known as Shakkarpara, a real treat for sweet tooths.

Khurma and Laktho are two of the most famous food delights in Bihar. Khurma, or shakkarpara, is a sweet snack made from wheat flour, semolina, and clarified butter. These deep-fried treats are then drizzled with sugar syrup, making them a must-have for any festive occasion. Another Khurma variant is Laktho, an old preparation made using rice flour dough and thick jaggery syrup. This crispy dessert, similar to the Ottoman Empire’s Baklava, is an excellent option for those watching their sugar intake but still craving traditional Bihar cuisine’s crispy and sweet flavours. It is a famous sweetmeat from Udwantnagar, which falls between Arrah and Buxar.

Despite their simplicity, both Khurma and Laktho deliver a surprising punch of flavour and texture, making them optimal choices for light snacking or post-meal desserts. Munching on these sweets is a comforting delight, making them a memorable part of the Bihari food experience.

8. Gur Anarsa

Anarsa, a timeless classic in Bihari sweets, is a beautiful amalgamation of rice flour and jaggery. Gur Anarsa outshines many popular sweet dishes with its uncomplicated yet delightful taste.

Jaggery and rice flour come together to create this delightful Bihari dish. What makes it picturesque is the coating of sesame seeds and the medium heat frying process that gives it a perfect shade of red. This deep-fried, jaggery-coated treat offers a spectacular burst of sweetness with every bite.

The crunchy exterior harmoniously contrasts the soft sweetness within, making Gur Anarsa an irresistible dessert. Available all year round, it has become a culinary symbol for the people of Bihar.

This sweet delight is essential in Bihari households and hearts, from festive occasions to ordinary days. Its tempting aroma, delightful texture, and drool-worthy flavour make it an unforgettable part of Bihar’s noble culinary heritage.

9. Naivedyam

Naivedyam, a laddoo variant that commands a unique status in the region’s culinary panorama, is one of the significant contributors to Bihar’s rich food culture.

This laddoo is cooked with love and devotion. It is prepared using gram flour, sugar, cashews, raisins, and a touch of saffron for added flavouring. After being cooked in ghee, these ingredients are masterfully shaped into small balls to create a heavenly Prasad.

As you savour this delicacy, its divine taste leaves a melt-in-your-mouth sensation, leaving you content. Highly celebrated for its taste and religious symbolism, the experience of enjoying a Naivedyam at the famous Hanuman Mandir near Patna Railway Station is nothing short of bliss. The ethereal taste of this savoury laddoo encapsulates the bond between food and spirituality deeply embedded in Bihari culture. Know how to make Besan Laddoo at home.

10. Kadhi Badi

Adding another feather to Bihar’s culinary hat is Kadhi Badi, a staple dish relished across all households in the region. A significant player in the state’s food scene, Kadhi Badi exhibits the true essence of Bihari food – hearty, flavorful, and soul-satisfying.

Kadhi Badi is a delightful cuisine that uses gravy, or Kadhi, and the Badi from besan (gram flour). The tangy, sourness of yoghurt mixed with the gram flour forms a delectably thin, yellow curry called Kadhi. It is then complemented with soft dumplings, or Badi, made of gram flour, enhancing the overall gastronomical experience.

With its absorbing combination of textures and flavours, this iconic dish of Bihar is commonly enjoyed with rice or puris, providing a hearty meal that tickles taste buds and satisfies hunger. Whether savoured as a comfort dish on a lazy afternoon or served as a main course for dinner, Kadhi Badi exudes a homely charm that exemplifies Bihari cuisine, especially during the auspicious occasion of Chhath puja.

11. Dal Peetha

Dal Peetha, a lesser-known yet significant part of Bihar’s culinary heritage, is a delightful treat. Often referred to as the Bihari answer to momos or dumplings, Dal Peetha is a creative amalgamation of simple ingredients that delivers an exceptional taste.

Preparing this delightful dish involves covering a dough made from rice flour with a special lentil paste. Spices and pickles are added to further enhance its flavour. The resultant dumpling is either steamed or fried, offering a delicious spectacle to health-conscious gourmets.

An alternative version of this dish swaps the dumpling shape for a flatbread or chapatti. This variant is aptly called Dal-Puri. As these dumplings or flatbreads are prepared, the aroma wafting from the kitchen fills everyone with eager anticipation.

Whether enjoyed for breakfast or as a quick snack, Dal Peetha is a testament to the versatility and creativity of Bihari cuisine, deeply ingrained in centuries-old food traditions.

12. Sattu ka Sharbat

Regarding refreshing summer drinks, Bihar has a token offering that stands out – the Sattu ka Sharbat. Serving dual roles as a drink and a meal, this beverage commands a unique position in Bihar’s culinary landscape for its nutritional value and delightful taste.

Sattu, or roasted gram flour, forms the base of this drink. When mixed with water and a fistful of condiments, it transforms into a hearty liquid meal – an absolute lifeline in the hot summer months of Bihar. Perfect as a power-packed start to your day or as a satiating afternoon beverage, Sattu Ka Sharbat can be enjoyed anytime.

With every glass of Sattu ka Sharbat, one can anticipate an enormous burst of flavours typical of Bihari cuisine. Its refreshingly rustic taste represents the state’s love for simple, nourishing, and palate-pleasing food, making it a must-try for every food enthusiast visiting Bihar.

13. Mutton Kebabs and Reshmi Kebabs

While vegetarian dishes reign supreme in Bihar, you must recognise the state’s vibrant selection of non-vegetarian delights. A standout dish in this category is the much-loved Mutton Kebab, which enjoys widespread popularity across the state and beyond.

These melt-in-your-mouth tender kebabs possess a rich historical origin from the small shop in Kadamkuan of Patna, where Mahgu’s Mutton Kebab, with a legacy dating back to his Great Grandfather who was a chef in the British court, introduces you to the irresistible flavours of Mahgu’s Mutton Kebab and Richie Rich’s delicate Reshmi Kebabs. Heading towards Rajendra Nagar in Patna, these Reshmi Kebabs, made with a secret family recipe of Mahgu’s Mutton Kebab, are a must-try for any food lover, showcasing the best of Bihar’s traditional flavours.

These kebabs, made in the traditional Tibari style, exemplify Bihar’s undeniably enticing non-vegetarian fare. The aromatic skewers, fresh off the grill and served with a generous ghee dab, offer an unforgettable gastronomical experience. Each bite filled with succulent and well-cooked meat, paired with a flavorful marinade, creates a symphony of flavours considered emblematic of the state’s food culture. Among these delicious kebabs, the Bihari kabab stands out as a must-try. However, take advantage of the other famous local mutton and reshmi kebabs.

Know how to make Reshmi Kebab.

14. Mahi Korma

Once you shift focus from the quintessential vegetarian dishes to the non-vegetarian range, an extraordinary facet of Bihari cuisine emerges. The Mahi Korma takes centre stage among this impressive lineup of non-vegetarian delights. Boasting a unique blend of flavours and aromas, this Bihari dish casts an undeniable culinary spell.

Mahi Korma is a delightful fish curry prepared using rich and aromatic spices that add to its taste and appeal. The selection of fish lies at the core of this delicacy, enabling the dish to attain its authentic flavour.

Tender pieces of fish are cooked in a thick, flavorful gravy that beautifully combines sweetness, tanginess, spiciness, and a hint of bitterness.

Whether served as a main course for dinner or savoured as a comforting lunch, the flavours of the Mahi Korma beautifully tie into the tastes of Bihar’s extensive culinary canvas. Each mouthful of this scrumptious curry is a delightful voyage through the region’s vibrant and diverse food scene.

15. Bihari Mutton Curry

Branching out further into non-vegetarian delights, the Bihari Mutton Curry makes an impactful presence. This flavorful stew, brimming with tender mutton pieces, is a testament to Bihar’s culinary excellence.

This delicacy starts by marinating the mutton pieces in a mixture of yoghurt and spices. Then, they are slow-cooked until they are meltingly soft and coated with a rich, thick gravy. Every sip of the stew floods your mouth with brilliant flavours typical of Bihari cuisine.

Deftly balancing the mutton’s strong flavour with the yoghurt’s mild tanginess and the spices’ heady aromas, this dish presents a harmonious blend that tantalises your taste buds. The warmth and depth of the Bihari Mutton curry make it perfect for those chilly winter evenings.

Whether scooped up with a piece of roti or savoured with a spoonful of rice, the Bihari Mutton Curry truly encapsulates Bihar’s food heritage. Its unique balance of flavours and its deep cultural anchor place it firmly on Bihar’s culinary map.

 

16. Bhooja

One delightful snack that remains an integral part of Bihar’s vibrant street food scene is Bhooja. A perfect melange of puffed rice, flattened rice, and gram, this dish offers a veritable explosion of tastes on every palate.

Bhooja is the result of a beautiful union of various crunchy elements tossed together with a mix of spices, salt, and mustard oil. It is a light, flavorful snack. With every handful, you enjoy a mix of textures that interest your taste buds.

Bhooja is a dish typically sold in makeshift stalls on the streets and corners of Bihar. Consuming It entails a crackling, delicious experience, making it a popular snack among all age groups.

As simple as it might seem, Bhooja’s natural beauty lies in its straightforwardness. This humble dish perfectly epitomises the pleasure of savouring local street food in Bihar: Crunchy, tangy, and ever so slightly spicy.

17. Dhuska

Dhuska is a delightful addition to the elaborate spread of Bihari cuisine. Originating from the tribal regions of Bihar and Jharkhand, it has become popular across the state over the years and is a favourite breakfast item.

Dhuska is a deep-fried pancake made from a batter of rice and urad dal, spiced with crushed pepper and cumin seeds. This dish perfectly amalgamates health with taste. This crunchy snack is typically hot and fresh straight off the pan, resulting in a palatable sensation.

The uniqueness of Dhuska lies in its dual nature. It can be enjoyed as a standalone snack paired with a cup of chai or served with potato curry or chutney as a full-fledged meal. Its versatility makes it a popular choice among locals and visitors alike.

Dhuska, loaded with flavours and nutrients, embodies the essence of traditional Bihari cuisine. Dig into this delectable dish to get a genuine taste of Bihar’s regional delicacies.

18. Laai

Laai adds a unique dimension to the range of snacks available in Bihari cuisine. Known for satiating the sweet cravings of Biharis across the state, It is produced by stirring rice puffs or ram dana in a boiled jaggery syrup until fully coated.

These are then shaped into sizable laddoos by the skilled hands of homemakers, yielding the familiar round shapes that make these delicacies so recognisable. Undoubtedly, Laai is a versatile and comforting sweet treat that evokes nostalgia in those who habitually consumed it during their childhood.

Each Laai manifests a harmonious blend of sweetness derived from jaggery and a delicate crunch from the cereal, making it a quick go-to snack anytime. Pair it with a cup of tea for a light evening snack or serve it as a dessert after meals. Laai’s simplicity and delightful taste of sweet stuffing, along with the complex amalgam of tastes, make it your favourite Saturday evening munchie and an enduring part of Bihar’s culinary repertoire.

Also Read: Thalis of India

Conclusion

Bihar’s traditional cuisine, a testament to its cultural richness and diversity, is a gastronomic extravaganza. From the comfort of Litti Chokha to the juiciness of Mutton Kebab, from the merriment of Sattu ka Sharbat to the sweetness of Khajuria, the food delights of Bihar offer something for every palate.

The food of Bihar resonates with a deep connection between the state, its people, and their heritage. It mirrors unity in diversity, highlighting how many ingredients can create a symphony of flavours. Each dish’s unique taste, texture, and cooking method paint a vivid, gourmet picture of Bihar’s culinary history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Bihar cuisine unique?

Bihar cuisine owes its uniqueness to blending simple ingredients into flavorful dishes. Using sattu, mustard oil, and exclusive spice blends contributes to its distinctive taste. Furthermore, it shows a beautiful mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, enhancing its appeal.

Are there any regional variations within Bihar cuisine?

Yes, regional variations exist in Bihar cuisine. Differences arise from geographical location, spices used, local produce, and traditional cooking methods. These subtle distinctions add depth and diversity to the state’s multifaceted culinary identity, making it a gastronome’s delight.

Which spices are commonly used in Bihari dishes?

Bihari dishes commonly use cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, nigella seeds, fennel seeds, carom seeds, and red chillies. These everyday spices play a fundamental role in delivering the authentic taste and flavour that Bihari cuisine is famous for.

What are the key ingredients used in preparing traditional Bihari food?

Traditional Bihari food uses locally sourced grains such as rice, wheat, gram flour, and various lentils. Mustard oil, sattu, and local spices often form the core of many dishes. Vegetables, meat, and dairy, too, find prominence in Bihari cuisine.

Can Bihari food be easily prepared at home?

Absolutely! Most Bihari dishes have simple recipes requiring essential ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Whether it’s Litti Chokha, Sattu ka Sharbat, or Khajuria, all can be done right in your home kitchen, making Bihari cuisine an accessible and gratifying experience.

What is the famous sweet of Bihar?

Bihar’s famous sweet is “Khaja.” Khaja is a traditional sweet dish made from refined wheat flour, sugar, and ghee. It has a crispy and flaky texture and is often enjoyed during festivals and special occasions in Bihar.