Must-Try Foods In Bastar (Chhattisgarh) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Bastar, Chhattisgarh, India

The food of Bastar, a region in the state of Chhattisgarh, India, is rich with tribal influences and heavily reliant on natural and locally sourced ingredients. Communities such as the Gonds, Muriyas, and Bhatras, among others, have contributed to the formation of Bastar's distinct culinary traditions. The food here is known for its simplicity, nutritional value, and the use of traditional herbs and forest produce. For centuries, the tribal people of this region have utilized age-old techniques such as fermenting and roasting to prepare their meals. Rice is a staple in Bastar, often complemented by an array of plant-based foods and freshwater fishes.

Top 10 Food Dishes in Bastar, Chhattisgarh

1. Chapda Chutney - An exotic delicacy that is essentially a spicy red ant chutney. This dish is non-veg as it includes insects.
2. Bamboo Shoot Curry - A vegetarian dish made from tender bamboo shoots, it carries the essence of the forest and is veg.
3. Aamat - This is a traditional and tangy mixed vegetable curry prepared with a variety of spices, which is veg.
4. Salebhaji - A leafy vegetable dish that's rich in nutrition, made from greens found in the wild, usually considered veg.
5. Chousela - Essentially rice flour chapatis, these are a staple accompaniment and are strict veg.
6. Muthia - Steamed dumplings made from rice batter, which can be sweet or savory and are veg.
7. Petha - A sweet dish made from the ash gourd vegetable, this is veg and uniquely refreshing.
8. Bafauri - A healthy snack made from chana dal, these are steamed and not fried, making them a light veg option.
9. Tendu Patta Sabzi - A dish made from the leaves of the Tendu tree, which is popular in tribal regions and considered veg.
10. Red Ant Rice - A traditional dish that includes red ants and is very popular among the tribals of Bastar, hence it is non-veg.

Top Famous Restaurants in Bastar, Chhattisgarh

• Dine Excellency
  Near Private Bus Stand, Jagdalpur, Bastar, Chhattisgarh

  Famous Food: Chicken Tikka (non-veg)

• Rainforest Restaurant
  Chitrakote Road, Jagdalpur, Bastar, Chhattisgarh

  Famous Food: Mushroom Biryani (veg)

• Naman Bastar
  Paryavas Bhawan, Jagdalpur, Bastar, Chhattisgarh

  Famous Food: Bamboo Chicken (non-veg)

• Tirathgarh Jungle Resort
  Kanger Valley National Park, Bastar, Chhattisgarh

  Famous Food: Sabudana Khichdi (veg)

• Chhattisgarh Traditional Food
  Local markets, Jagdalpur, Bastar, Chhattisgarh

  Famous Food: Local Tribal Thali (veg/non-veg options available)