Table of Contents
1. Litti Chokha
Litti Chokha is Bihar’s most iconic dish. Litti consists of wheat flour balls stuffed with spiced sattu (roasted gram flour) and baked or roasted over a coal or wood fire. It is served with Chokha, a mashed mixture of boiled potatoes, roasted brinjal, and tomatoes seasoned with mustard oil, garlic, and green chilies. The smoky flavor of Litti combined with the tangy Chokha makes it a beloved dish.
2. Sattu Paratha
Sattu Paratha is a nutritious and protein-packed dish made with sattu (roasted gram flour), mixed with spices, onions, and herbs, stuffed inside the wheat dough, and cooked on a griddle. It is often enjoyed with pickles, yogurt, or green chutney. Sattu is a superfood in Bihar, known for its cooling properties and high nutritional value.
3. Chana Ghugni
Chana Ghugni is a spicy and tangy snack made from boiled chickpeas, cooked with onions, tomatoes, and a blend of spices. It is often garnished with chopped coriander and served with puffed rice or flattened rice. This dish is a popular street food in Bihar and is enjoyed as an evening snack.
4. Dal Pitha
Dal Pitha is Bihar’s version of dumplings, made with rice flour and stuffed with spiced lentils. The dumplings are steamed or boiled and served with chutney or ghee. It is a healthy and delicious dish, often prepared during festivals and special occasions.
5. Khaja
Khaja is a crispy, layered sweet snack made from refined wheat flour, sugar, and ghee. It has a flaky texture and is deep-fried to perfection. This traditional dessert has been a part of Bihar’s cuisine for centuries and is often served during religious ceremonies.
6. Balushahi
Balushahi is a flaky and soft dessert made with all-purpose flour, deep-fried, and soaked in sugar syrup. It has a rich taste and is similar to a glazed doughnut but with a distinct Indian touch. It is a popular sweet dish in Bihar, often enjoyed during festivals.
7. Malpua
Malpua is a sweet pancake-like dish made from flour, sugar, and milk, deep-fried and often served with rabri (sweet condensed milk). It has a crispy outer layer and a soft, spongy inside. Malpua is a festive delicacy, especially prepared during Holi and other celebrations.
8. Thekua
There is a crunchy and mildly sweet snack made from wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee. It is traditionally prepared during Chhath Puja, a major festival in Bihar. Thekua has a unique taste and is often stored for several days as a travel-friendly snack.
9. Bihari Kebab
Bihari Kebabs are juicy and flavorful kebabs made with minced meat, marinated with spices, and grilled over charcoal. The smoky aroma and rich taste make these kebabs a favorite among meat lovers. They are often served with parathas and chutney.
10. Tilkut
Tilkut is a winter delicacy made from sesame seeds and jaggery, shaped into small crunchy bites. It is a nutritious snack, rich in iron and calcium, and is especially popular during the Makar Sankranti festival.