Bihar is a state in eastern India with a rich and diverse culinary tradition. The cuisine is influenced by the state’s Buddhist and Hindu heritage, as well as its proximity to Nepal and Bangladesh. Bihari food is known for its bold flavors and use of fresh, seasonal ingredients.
If you’re looking to eat like a local in Bihar, here are a few tips:
- Start your day with a hearty breakfast. A typical Bihari breakfast might include litti-chokha (a savory dumpling served with a mashed potato and vegetable dish), sattu paratha (a flatbread made with sattu, a roasted gram flour), or dal puri (a fried flatbread stuffed with lentil paste).
- Don’t be afraid to try new things. Bihari cuisine has a lot to offer, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Some of the state’s most popular dishes include:
- Litti-chokha: Litti is a whole-wheat dumpling stuffed with a mixture of sattu, spices, and ghee. Chokha is a mashed potato and vegetable dish that is typically served with litti.
- Sattu paratha: Sattu paratha is a flatbread made with sattu, a roasted gram flour. Sattu is a nutritious and versatile ingredient that is often used in Bihari cuisine.
- Dal puri: Dal puri is a fried flatbread stuffed with lentil paste. It is a popular snack or breakfast dish in Bihar.
- Mutton curry: Mutton curry is a rich and flavorful dish made with mutton, spices, and yogurt. It is a popular dish in Bihar, especially on special occasions.
- Fish curry: Fish curry is another popular dish in Bihar, especially in the regions that border the Ganges River. It is made with fresh fish, spices, and yogurt.
- Kheer: Kheer is a sweet rice pudding made with milk, rice, sugar, and spices. It is a popular dessert in Bihar and throughout India.
- Eat like a family. Bihari people love to eat together as a family. If you’re invited to a Bihari home for dinner, expect to be served a variety of dishes to share.
- Use your hands. It is perfectly normal to eat with your hands in Bihar. In fact, many Bihari people believe that eating with your hands is the best way to experience the flavor of the food.
- Enjoy yourself! Bihari people love to eat and they love to share their food with others. So sit back, relax, and enjoy your meal!
Here are a few additional tips for dining like a local in Bihar:
- Eat at local restaurants. The best way to try authentic Bihari food is to eat at local restaurants. Avoid tourist traps and look for restaurants that are popular with locals.
- Be prepared to wait. Bihari restaurants can be very busy, especially during peak hours. Be prepared to wait for a table, especially if you’re dining at a popular restaurant.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re not sure what to order, don’t be afraid to ask the waiter or waitress for recommendations. They will be happy to help you choose dishes that you will enjoy.
Now that you know a few tips on how to eat like a local in Bihar, it’s time to start exploring the state’s delicious cuisine! Here are a few restaurant recommendations:
- Kesar Da Dhaba (Patna): This popular restaurant is known for its delicious litti-chokha and other traditional Bihari dishes.
- The Mithila House (Patna): This restaurant serves a variety of authentic Mithili dishes, a regional cuisine from the northern part of Bihar.
- The Lalit Great Eastern (Patna): This luxury hotel has a restaurant that serves a fusion of Bihari and international cuisine.
- The Bodhgaya Hotel (Bodhgaya): This hotel is located near the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The restaurant serves a variety of Indian and international dishes, including some traditional Bihari dishes.
- The Darbhanga House (Darbhanga): This restaurant is known for its delicious Darbhanga-style mutton curry.
No matter where you choose to eat in Bihar, you’re sure to enjoy a delicious and authentic meal. So get out there and start exploring the state’s rich culinary tradition!
Myma… Ghar jaisa nahi, Ghar ka khana!
