Located about 30 kilometers from Raipur in the heart of India's Chhattisgarh state, Bhilai boasts a blend of culinary influences from across the region. The city rose to prominence after the establishment of the Bhilai Steel Plant in 1955. But Bhilai is not just an industrial town. It has a rich mix of cultures evident in its cuisine, festivals and architecture. The diverse cuisine of Bhilai reflects the city's rich cultural mix and local bounty of fruits and vegetables. At the core of Bhilai's cuisine are staples like rice, wheat, lentils, and an array of fresh produce. Spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander and chili pepper add zest to vegetarian curries, while yoghurt and ghee provide cooling contrast.
Read on and explore the delicious trational dishes of Bhilai
Muthiya
Muthia is a famous snack in Bhilai! It is made from chickpea flour, which comes from chickpeas. Chickpeas are small, round beans that are healthy and tasty. Muthia is loved in Bhilai because it's vegetarian, nutritious and has a unique shape and taste. It's the perfect snack to enjoy with family and friends! The chickpea flour and spices are easy to find, so anyone can make muthia at home. That's what makes this tasty treat so popular in Bhilai.
Restaurant recommendation: Mor Bhuiyan Ke Suwaad, Durg Bhilai
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹50-100 approx
Image credit: Freepik
Dehori
Did you know that in Bhilai there is a famous dessert called Dehori? This sweet treat is loved by people of all ages. Dehori is a tasty pancake that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It uses local ingredients and has been enjoyed there for many years during festivals and celebrations. The sweet and crunchy taste makes everyone happy!
Image credit: Freepik
Restaurant recommendation: Hari Raj Pure Veg Restaurant, Civic Center Area, Sector 5, Bhilai
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹150-300 approx
Aamat
Aamat is a famous soup in Bhilai! It is made with tasty bamboo shoots and lots of yummy vegetables that are boiled together. This soup is special because it uses local ingredients like bamboo shoots that grow in the area. The people of Bhilai have been cooking aamat for many years as part of their local food culture. Aamat is the perfect example of the rich food heritage of Bhilai.
Image credit: Freepik
Restaurant recommendation: Kailash Parbat, Vidya Vihar Colony, Bhilai
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹150-300 approx
Phara
Phara is a very tasty and famous dish in Bhilai! It is made from rice and dal flour. The dough is rolled into little balls called dumplings. Some spices are added to give it flavour. You can eat the dumplings plain, or fry them in a pan with onions, ginger, and garlic. The dumplings can go well with different vegetables and curries.
Restaurant recommendation: Dwarika Restaurant, Radika Height, Bhilai
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200-400 approx
Mahua Juice
Mahua juice has become a cultural staple in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh. And for good reason! This sweet elixir is made from the fragrant flowers of the mahua tree and blended with just the right amount of sugar to balance the tang. Sip a glass and you'll soon understand why. But mahua juice is more than just delicious - it's downright medicinal. Locals swear by its therapeutic powers, claiming it eases headaches, soothes eyes, and calms diarrhea.
Image credit: Freepik
Restaurant recommendation: Juice Factory, Nehru Nagar, Bhilai
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹50-200 approx
Kusli
Kusli is very similar to ghujia. Kusli is crunchy and sweet. It melts in your mouth. No wonder it's so famous in Bhilai! Both children and adults love to eat this tasty treat.
Restaurant recommendation: Maa Laxmi Sweet Home & Restaurant, Janjgiri, Bhilai
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹50-200 approx