Food In Bihar

Food History of Bihar, India

Bihar is a state in the east of India, which is known for its rich cultural heritage, including a diverse and flavorful cuisine. The history of Bihari cuisine is as complex as the history of Bihar itself, influenced by a variety of cultures over the centuries, including Buddhist, Hindu, and Muslim traditions. The region has been a melting pot of different empires and dynasties, from the Maurya and Gupta empires to the Mughal dynasty, each bringing their own flavors and food habits to the state. Bihar has been an agricultural hub, and this is reflected in its culinary profile. The staple diet consists of a variety of lentils, grains, and vegetables, particularly the ones grown locally like rice, wheat, maize, and a variety of greens. The state is well-known for its snacks, sweets, and vegetarian delights, which have an emphasis on seasonal ingredients, traditional methods of preparation, and a palate that ranges from extremely mild to delicately spiced.

Must Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Bihar, India

1. Litti Chokha (Vegetarian) - A traditional Bihari dish made from dough balls stuffed with a mixture of roasted gram flour and spices, served with chokha, a blend of roasted eggplants, tomatoes, and potatoes.
2. Sattu Paratha (Vegetarian) - A type of stuffed flatbread made with a filling of sattu (roasted gram flour), herbs, and spices.
3. Khaja (Vegetarian) - A crisp, layered pastry often soaked in sugar syrup, with a history that traces back to the Mauryan era.
4. Thekua (Vegetarian) - A sweet snack made of wheat flour, jaggery or sugar, often flavored with coconut, cardamom, and ghee, and it is essential during the Chhath Puja festival.
5. Dal Pitha (Vegetarian) - Similar to dumplings, these are rice flour parcels filled with spiced lentils and steamed.
6. Laung-Latika (Vegetarian) - A lip-smacking dessert filled with a mixture of khoya (dried milk solids) and nuts, sealed with a clove, and immersed in sugar syrup.
7. Chana Ghugni (Vegetarian) - A spicy curry made with chickpeas, served as a snack or with puffed rice.
8. Balushahi (Vegetarian) - A traditional, flaky sweet that is similar to a glazed doughnut but denser and has a disc-like shape.
9. Malpua (Vegetarian) - These are pancakes soaked in sugar syrup, often served with kheer or rabdi.
10. Bihari Kebab (Non-Vegetarian) - Skewered and grilled chunks of meat marinated in spices. Note that beef is typically not used in these kebabs in Bihar due to cow being considered sacred and often not consumed by Hindus.

Top Famous Restaurants in Bihar, India

1. Potbelly Rooftop Cafe
   Address: Shahpur Jat, New Delhi
   Famous Food: Litti Chokha (Vegetarian)
2. Bell Pepper Restaurant
   Address: Boring Road, Patna
   Famous Food: Veg Thali (Vegetarian)
3. 17 Degrees
   Address: P&M Mall, Patna
   Famous Food: Sattu Paratha (Vegetarian)
4. Kapil Dev's Elevens
   Address: Fraser Road Area, Patna
   Famous Food: Bihari Chicken Curry (Non-Vegetarian)
5. Haldiram's Prabhuji
   Address: Dak Bungalow Road, Patna
   Famous Food: Traditional Sweets like Khaja (Vegetarian)
6. Bansi Vihar
   Address: Budh Marg, Patna
   Famous Food: Dal Pitha (Vegetarian)
7. Maurya Lok Bhojnalaya
   Address: Maurya Lok Complex, Dak Bungalow Road, Patna
   Famous Food: Bihari Kebab (Non-Vegetarian)
8. Gyan's
   Address: Dak Bungalow Crossing, Patna
   Famous Food: Balushahi (Vegetarian)
9. Takshila
   Address: Vijay Raje Lakshmi Road, Patna
   Famous Food: Vegetarian Thali (Vegetarian)
10. Samrat Restaurant
    Address: Fraser Road Area, Patna
    Famous Food: Mutton Curry (Non-Vegetarian)

All the above restaurants offer a genuine taste of Bihari cuisine, serving both traditional dishes and creative variations that reflect the rich culinary heritage of Bihar.