Bihar, a state in eastern India, boasts a vibrant culinary scene steeped in tradition. From its rustic street food to delectable home-cooked meals, Bihari cuisine bursts with robust flavors and a unique blend of spices. Join me on this culinary adventure as we delve into some of the most iconic and delicious traditional dishes of Bihar.
1. Litti Chokha
Description:
Litti Chokha is the quintessential heart and soul of Bihari cuisine. Litti, whole wheat dough balls stuffed with spiced roasted gram flour (sattu), are traditionally roasted over a coal fire and dipped generously in pure ghee. This is accompanied by chokha – a smoky, flavourful mash made from roasted eggplant, tomatoes, potatoes, garlic, and a selection of spices.
Recipe:
https://onewholesomemeal.com/litti-chokha-traditional-bihari-recipe/
Key Ingredients:
Whole wheat flour, roasted gram flour (sattu), eggplant, tomatoes, potatoes, garlic, green chilies, mustard oil, spices.
Popular Restaurant:
‘Litti Chokha Restaurant’ on Boring Canal Road in Patna, with a 4.5-star rating on Google reviews.
2. Sattu Paratha
Description:
Sattu Paratha is a wholesome and satisfying breakfast staple or snack. Unleash the flavors of Bihar with these soft flatbreads filled with a savory mixture of roasted gram flour (sattu), spices, onions, and green chilies. Often served with a dollop of homemade yogurt and tangy pickle.
Recipe:
https://rakskitchen.net/sattu-paratha-recipe-how-to-make-sattu-paratha/
Key Ingredients:
Roasted gram flour (sattu), whole wheat flour, onion, garlic, green chilies, carom seeds, spices, oil.
Popular Restaurant:
‘Bati Chokha’, Kankarbagh, Patna (4.3-star rating on Google reviews).
3. Bihari Kadhi Bari
Description:
Kadhi Bari is a comforting yogurt-based curry that is distinct from the Punjabi version. Fluffy dumplings made from gram flour (besan), infused with spices, are simmered in a tangy, spiced yogurt gravy. It’s the ideal dish to enjoy with steaming hot rice.
Recipe:
https://www.archanaskitchen.com/kadhi-bari-recipe
Key Ingredients:
Gram flour (besan), yogurt, turmeric, onions, garlic, ginger, green chilies, fenugreek seeds, spices, oil.
Popular Restaurant:
‘The Potbelly Rooftop Cafe’, Boring Road Crossing, Patna (4.0-star rating on Google reviews) serves a delightful version of this dish.
4. Bihari Biryani
Description:
Biriyani lovers, this version is a Bihari culinary gem! Unlike its Hyderabadi counterpart, Bihari Biryani features subtle spicing that highlights the natural flavors of the meat (usually chicken or mutton) and aromatic basmati rice. Marinated meat is layered with parboiled rice and cooked using the ‘dum’ technique, resulting in a fragrant and succulent dish.
Recipe:
https://therecipespk.com/bihari-chicken-boti-biryani/
Key Ingredients:
Basmati rice, chicken or mutton, yogurt, onions, garlic, ginger, biryani spices (cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, bay leaf), ghee.
Popular Restaurant:
‘Karim’s Restaurant’ at Exhibition Road, Patna (4.2-star rating on Google reviews) is known for its authentic Bihari Biryani.
5. Dal Pitha
Description:
Dal Pitha is a savory rice dumpling filled with a spiced lentil mixture, reminiscent of steamed momos. These soft, flavorful dumplings are a delicious and satisfying snack or a component of a larger meal.
Recipe:
https://www.archanaskitchen.com/bihari-dal-pitha-recipe-traditional-bihari-delicacy
Key Ingredients:
Rice flour, chana dal (split chickpeas), onions, garlic, ginger, green chilies, turmeric, spices, mustard oil.
Popular Restaurant:
Though a popular homemade dish, a good version can be found at ‘Maurya Lok’ food stalls in Patna (4-star rating on Google reviews).
6. Chana Ghugni
Description:
Chana Ghugni is a beloved street food snack and a testament to the Bihari love of simple, flavorful dishes. Boiled chickpeas are tossed in a vibrant mix of spices, onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and a squeeze of lemon. It’s a perfect pick-me-up at any time of the day.
Recipe:
https://foodtrails25.com/kala-chana-googhani-gughni/
Key Ingredients:
Chickpeas (Kabuli Chana), onions, tomatoes, green chilies, lemon juice, chaat masala, coriander leaves, spices, oil.
Popular Restaurant:
Street vendors across Bihar are the best bet for the most authentic Chana Ghugni, but ‘Chaat Mahal’ in Frazer Road, Patna (4.1-star on Google reviews) also serves a tasty rendition.
7. Khichdi
Description:
Khichdi is the ultimate Indian comfort food, and Bihar has its own delightful variation. A simple yet satisfying mixture of rice and lentils, flavored with ghee, turmeric, and mild spices. Khichdi is often accompanied by yogurt, pickle, or papad for added texture and taste.
Recipe:
https://www.indianhealthyrecipes.com/dal-khichdi-recipe/
Key Ingredients:
Rice, lentils (moong dal or arhar dal), ghee, turmeric, cumin seeds, asafoetida (optional), salt.
Popular Restaurant:
While khichdi is primarily homemade, many smaller eateries in Bihar offer this as a comforting and budget-friendly meal.
8. Pua
Description:
Pua is a festive Bihari sweet treat often associated with the Chhath Puja festival. These sweet semolina pancakes are flavored with fennel, cardamom, and sometimes banana. They can be served plain or drizzled with thickened sweetened milk.
Recipe:
https://www.steamingpot.com/pua/
Key Ingredients:
Semolina (sooji), mashed bananas (optional) fennel seeds, cardamom, sugar, milk, ghee/oil for frying.
Popular Restaurant:
Sweet shops and halwais (confectioners) across Bihar would be your best option to find delicious Pua, especially during festival time.
9. Pittha
Description:
Pittha comes in numerous variations and is another festive delicacy during Chhath Puja. Often it is a sweet or savory dumpling made with a rice flour exterior. Fillings can range from sweet lentil and jaggery blends to spiced vegetable mixtures.
Recipe:
https://www.shilpikitchen.com/2019/11/dal-pittha-in-bihari-food.html
Key Ingredients:
Rice flour, lentils (for sweet filling), jaggery, vegetables (for savory filling), spices.
Popular Restaurant:
Primarily homemade, but smaller food stalls catering to the Chhath Puja festival may offer variations of Pittha.
10. Bihari Fish Curry
Description:
Bihar, with its many rivers, has a delicious offering for fish lovers. Bihari Fish Curry features freshwater fish, typically Rohu, cooked in a tangy mustard-based gravy with an aromatic blend of spices. Enjoy this with rice for a true taste of Bihar’s riverside cuisine.
Recipe:
https://food.ndtv.com/recipe-bihari-fish-curry-116
Key Ingredients:
Freshwater fish (Rohu or similar), onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, mustard oil, mustard paste, turmeric, chili powder, spices.
Popular Restaurant:
‘Machli Wala’ restaurant on Boring Road, Patna (4.4 stars on Google reviews) specializes in various Bihari fish preparations.
Conclusion
Bihari cuisine stands out as a vibrant showcase of the region’s culinary traditions. From the rustic savoriness of Litti Chokha to the festive sweetness of Pua, each dish presents a harmony of flavors and textures. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Patna or seeking the comfort of a home-cooked meal, the diverse flavors of Bihar are sure to delight your senses and leave you craving more.
I hope this culinary journey has inspired you to try your hand at recreating these Bihari delicacies or, better yet, plan a trip to Bihar to sample them in their authentic setting.
