Bihar, a state nestled in the heart of India, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and of course, its delectable cuisine. Bihari food is a delightful blend of flavors, textures, and aromas, reflecting the state’s diverse culinary influences. From the humble street food to the grand feasts, Bihari cuisine offers a gastronomic journey that will tantalize your taste buds.

In this blog post, we’ll explore 22 of the most famous and mouthwatering dishes that Bihar has to offer. So, get ready to embark on a culinary adventure through the vibrant streets of Bihar!

1. Litti Chokha

No discussion of Bihari cuisine is complete without mentioning Litti Chokha. This iconic dish is a perfect example of the state’s love for simplicity and robust flavors. Litti are small, wheat flour balls stuffed with a spicy mixture of sattu (roasted gram flour) and spices. They are then baked over a charcoal fire until they turn golden brown and crispy. Chokha is a mashed vegetable dish, usually made with eggplant (brinjal) and tomatoes, seasoned with spices and herbs. Litti and Chokha are traditionally served together, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

2. Sattu Paratha

Sattu, the roasted gram flour, is a versatile ingredient in Bihari cuisine. Sattu Paratha is a delicious flatbread made with wheat flour and stuffed with a spiced sattu filling. It is typically served with yogurt or pickle, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.

3. Dal Puri

Dal Puri is another popular Bihari dish that showcases the versatility of lentils. It consists of deep-fried puris (flatbreads) stuffed with a spicy and flavorful lentil filling. Dal Puri is often enjoyed with yogurt or chutney, making it a delightful combination of textures and tastes.

4. Khaja

Khaja is a popular sweet snack in Bihar, known for its flaky and crispy texture. It is made with layers of wheat flour dough, deep-fried, and then soaked in sugar syrup. Khaja is often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect evening snack.

5. Malpua

Malpua is a decadent sweet dish that is popular throughout India, including Bihar. It is made with a batter of flour, milk, and sugar, deep-fried, and then soaked in sugar syrup. Malpua is often garnished with nuts and cardamom, adding to its rich and indulgent flavor.

6. Thekua

Thekua is a traditional Bihari sweet that is often made during festivals like Diwali. It is made with wheat flour, sugar, ghee, and spices, and then deep-fried until golden brown. Thekua has a unique texture and a sweet, nutty flavor, making it a popular choice for gifting and sharing.

7. Tilkut

Tilkut is a sweet and savory snack made with sesame seeds and jaggery. It is a popular winter treat in Bihar, as sesame seeds are believed to have warming properties. Tilkut is often enjoyed with a cup of hot tea or coffee, providing comfort and warmth during the cold months.

8. Anarsa

Anarsa is a sweet and savory snack made with rice flour, jaggery, and spices. It is deep-fried until golden brown and then soaked in sugar syrup. Anarsa has a unique texture and a sweet, nutty flavor, making it a popular choice for festivals and special occasions.

9. Kadhi Badi

Kadhi Badi is a popular Bihari dish that consists of small, round pakoras (fritters) made with gram flour, dipped in a tangy and flavorful yogurt-based curry. It is a hearty and satisfying meal, often served with rice or roti.

10. Chana Jor Garam

Chana Jor Garam is a spicy and flavorful chickpea curry that is popular in Bihar. It is made with chickpeas, tomatoes, onions, and a blend of spices, including chili powder, cumin powder, and coriander powder. Chana Jor Garam is often served with roti or rice, making it a delicious and comforting meal.

11. Bihari Paratha

Bihari Paratha is a unique type of flatbread that is made with wheat flour and ghee. It is often stuffed with a variety of fillings, such as potatoes, spinach, or paneer. Bihari Paratha is typically served with yogurt or pickle, making it a hearty and satisfying breakfast or lunch.

12. Sattu Sharbat

Sattu Sharbat is a refreshing and healthy drink made with roasted gram flour, water, sugar, and spices. It is a popular summer drink in Bihar, as it is believed to have cooling properties. Sattu Sharbat is often enjoyed with a pinch of black salt, adding to its unique flavor.

13. Makhana Kheer

Makhana Kheer is a delicious and creamy dessert made with fox nuts (makhana), milk, sugar, and cardamom. It is a popular offering during festivals like Chhath Puja and is often enjoyed as a sweet and comforting treat.

14. Litti Chokha with Dahi

Litti Chokha can also be enjoyed with a dollop of yogurt, adding a tangy and cooling element to the dish. This combination is particularly popular during the hot summer months.

15. Sattu Ki Chakli

Sattu Ki Chakli is a crispy and savory snack made with roasted gram flour, spices, and oil. It is a popular tea-time snack in Bihar and is often enjoyed with a cup of hot chai.

16. Thekua with Gud

Thekua can also be enjoyed with a dollop of jaggery (gud), adding a sweet and earthy flavor to the dish. This combination is particularly popular during the winter months.

17. Anarsa with Dahi

Anarsa can also be enjoyed with a dollop of yogurt, adding a tangy and cooling element to the dish. This combination is particularly popular during the hot summer months.

18. Kadhi Badi with Rice

Kadhi Badi is traditionally served with rice, making it a complete and satisfying meal. The creamy curry and crispy pakoras complement the soft and fluffy rice perfectly.

19. Chana Jor Garam with Puri

Chana Jor Garam can also be enjoyed with puris, making it a delicious and indulgent meal. The spicy and flavorful curry complements the crispy and flaky puris perfectly.

20. Bihari Paratha with Aloo Sabzi

Bihari Paratha can be enjoyed with a variety of vegetable dishes, including aloo sabzi (potato curry). This combination is a popular breakfast or lunch option in Bihar.

21. Sattu Sharbat with Lemon

Sattu Sharbat can also be enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon, adding a tangy and refreshing flavor to the drink. This combination is particularly popular during the hot summer months.

22. Makhana Kheer with Dry Fruits

Makhana Kheer can be garnished with dry fruits like almonds, cashews, and raisins, adding to its rich and indulgent flavor. This combination is particularly popular during festivals and special occasions.

These are just a few of the many delicious dishes that Bihar has to offer. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food, sweet treats, or hearty meals, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your cravings in Bihari cuisine. So, next time you’re in Bihar, be sure to indulge in these culinary delights and experience the true flavor of this vibrant state.