Welcome to Patna, a culinary paradise and a foodie’s dream come true! Prepare to embark on an enthralling gastronomic journey as we present the crème de la crème of Patna’s regional cuisine. Each bite reveals the vibrant tapestry of Bihari cuisine, from sizzling street food to soul-stirring traditional delicacies. Prepare to be tempted as we reveal the flavors that will have you craving more. Prepare your appetite, because these 20 Patna culinary gems are sure to charm you.
1.Litti Chokha
Litti Chokha is a popular Bihari dish that consists of roasted wheat balls called Litti that are served with a delectable mixture of mashed potatoes and roasted eggplant called Chokha. Littiis are traditionally cooked over charcoal, imparting a smoky flavor, whereas Chokha is seasoned with mustard oil, chopped onions, green chilies, and lemon juice. The crisp Litti combined with the flavorful Chokha creates a delightful burst of flavors that will leave you wanting more.
2.Sattu Paratha
Sattu Paratha is a popular nutrient-filled flatbread from Bihar. It is made by mixing roasted gram flour, known as sattu, with spices and stuffing it into a wheat dough, which is then rolled out and cooked on a griddle. Sattu Paratha is a filling and flavorful dish that is not only delicious but also provides an energy boost when served with a dollop of ghee or yogurt. It’s a popular breakfast or lunch option that goes well with tangy pickles or chutneys.
3.Dal Pitha
Dal Pitha, also known as Dal Pithi, is a traditional Bihari dish that consists of steamed rice flour dumplings stuffed with a savory lentil filling. The lentils are cooked with a spice blend that includes cumin, turmeric, and red chili powder, giving the dish a delicious and aromatic flavor. Dal Pitha is served with a tangy tomato chutney that pairs perfectly with soft and flavorful dumplings. This dish is not only delicious but also healthy, making it a popular choice among both locals and visitors.
4.Chana Ghugni
Made from dried white peas, Chana Ghugni is a popular street food in Patna, Bihar. The peas are soaked overnight before being cooked with spices such as turmeric, cumin, and ginger-garlic paste. The addition of tamarind pulp enhances the dish’s tangy and spicy flavor. The dish is typically served with crispy puris, which adds a delightful crunch. It’s a filling and flavorful snack that showcases Patna’s culinary diversity.
5.Khaja
Khaja is a crispy and sweet pastry that is linked with Bihar’s festivals and special occasions. Deep-frying layers of dough made of flour, ghee, and sugar syrup are used to make it. As a result, you get a flaky, crunchy sweet treat that melts in your mouth. Khaja is frequently garnished with nuts such as almonds and pistachios, which add a delightful crunch and enhance the overall flavor. Khaja is a must-try delicacy that showcases Patna’s rich culinary heritage, whether enjoyed alone or as part of festive celebrations.
6.Malpua
Malpua is a traditional Bihari dessert that is popular at festivals and special occasions. It’s made by making a batter out of flour, milk, and mashed bananas, then deep-frying it until golden brown. After that, the fried Malpuas are dipped in sugar syrup, which gives them a sweet and syrupy texture. Malpua is a delectable treat that is best enjoyed warm and is often garnished with nuts such as almonds and pistachios.
7.Ghughni Chaat
Made from dried yellow peas, Ghughni Chaat is a popular street food snack in Patna. The peas are seasoned with cumin, turmeric, and chili powder before being tossed with tamarind chutney and garnished with crispy sev (fried chickpea noodles). Ghughni Chaat is a delicious and filling snack that combines spicy, tangy, and crunchy flavors.
8.Thekua
Thekua is a crispy and sweet snack associated with Bihar’s Chhath Puja festival. It’s made by kneading a dough of wheat flour, jaggery, and cardamom, shaping it into intricate designs, and deep-frying it until golden brown. As a result, a crunchy and aroma-filled delicacy is made that can be enjoyed as a festive offering and a treat throughout the year.
9.Lassi
A refreshing yogurt-based drink that provides relief from Patna’s scorching heat. It is made by blending yogurt with water, sugar, and sometimes rose or mango flavoring. The drink is popular for its cooling and soothing properties, and it is typically served in tall glasses with a dollop of malai (clotted cream) on top. A sip of chilled Lassi is the ideal way to beat the heat and enjoy some cool relief.
10.Pua
Pua is a type of sweet pancake popular in Bihar. It is made by combining wheat flour, jaggery (or sugar), fennel seeds, and mashed bananas into a batter. After frying the batter in ghee until golden brown, it is served with a side of creamy rabri (reduced milk). Pua is a delicious and luscious dessert that is popular at festive occasions and celebrations.
11.Mutton Curry
This is a hearty and flavorful dish made with tender mutton pieces cooked in a spice blend. The meat is marinated in yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, and an aromatic spice blend that includes cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Mutton Curry is best served with steamed rice or freshly made rotis after being slow-cooked until the meat is tender and the flavors are well-infused.
12.Aloo Ka Bharta
It is a delicious mashed potato dish that embodies the flavors of Bihar. Boiled potatoes are mashed and combined with mustard oil, finely chopped green chilies, onions, and a tangy lemon juice squeeze. After that, the dish is seasoned with salt and spices to create a flavorful and aromatic side dish. Aloo Ka Bharta is often served with freshly made rotis or parathas, and its comforting and homely flavor makes it popular among both locals and visitors.
13.Khichdi
Khichdi is a hearty one-pot dish popular in Bihar. It is made by cooking rice and lentils with a variety of vegetables such as carrots, peas, and beans. The ingredients are simmered with aromatic spices such as cumin, turmeric, and garam masala, yielding a hearty and flavorful dish. Khichdi is frequently served with a dollop of yogurt or a side of tangy pickle, which enhances the flavor and provides a balanced and nutritious meal option.
14.Posto
Posto is a traditional Bihari dish that highlights the distinct flavors of poppy seeds. Poppy seeds are cooked with potatoes, spices, and sometimes onions or tomatoes. The poppy seeds are ground into a paste and then simmered with the other ingredients to make a rich and creamy curry. Posto is well-known for its distinct flavor and is best served with steamed rice or rotis, allowing the flavors to meld for a satisfying dining experience.
15.Litti Chicken
Litti Chicken is a delectable mash-up of two traditional Bihari dishes. It includes roasted wheat balls called Litti that are stuffed with a flavorful mixture of spiced roasted chicken. The Littiis traditionally cooked over charcoal, which gives it a smoky and rustic flavor, and the succulent chicken filling adds a burst of flavor. Litti Chicken is frequently served with Chokha (mashed potato and eggplant mixture) and tangy tomato chutney, making for a filling and complete meal.
16.Kala Jamun
Kala Jamun is a popular dessert throughout Bihar. The dough is made with khoya (reduced milk) and a touch of flour and is rolled into small balls before being deep-fried until dark brown and then soaked in sugar syrup. As a result, the sweet treats are soft and melt-in-your-mouth, with a rich and sweet flavor. Kala Jamuns are frequently served at festive occasions, weddings, or as a special treat. They’re an irresistible treat for anyone with a sweet tooth thanks to the sweet syrup and soft texture.
17.Makhana Kheer
It is a delicious dessert made with foxnuts (makhana), milk, and sugar. The foxnuts are roasted in ghee until crispy and then cooked in simmering milk until soft and creamy. The kheer is sugar-sweetened, cardamom-flavored, and topped with nuts such as almonds and pistachios. Makhana Kheer is a rich and decadent dessert that is frequently served on festive occasions or as a sweet finish to a meal.
18.Chandrakala
This is a popular Bihari sweet that looks like a stuffed pastry. It is made by stuffing a dough made of all-purpose flour with a mixture of khoa (reduced milk), sugar, and dry fruits. The filled dough is deep-fried until golden brown before being soaked in sugar syrup. Chandrakala is frequently consumed during holiday seasons and special occasions. It’s an irresistible treat with its flaky exterior, sweet filling, and sugary syrup.
19.Tilkut
Tilkut is a traditional sweet delicacy that is popular in Bihari cuisine. It’s made with sesame seeds and jaggery. Dry-roasted sesame seeds are ground into a fine powder. The powdered seeds are combined with jaggery before being formed into small bite-sized balls or flat discs. Tilkut is well-known for its nutty flavor and is frequently associated with Hindu festivals such as Makar Sankranti. It is a popular sweet that is enjoyed and shared on special occasions.
20.Sattu Sherbet
Sattu Sherbet is a nutritious and refreshing beverage that is perfect for hot summer days. It’s made with roasted gram flour (sattu), water, lemon juice, and a pinch of black salt. The mixture is thoroughly mixed until smooth before being served chilled. Sattu Sherbet is not only hydrating but also cooling and energizing. It is a popular local drink in Patna, where people enjoy it for its distinct flavor and health benefits.
