Food has no boundaries. The acceptance of Bihari food has broken all the state borders and reached every Indian kitchen. The Bhagalpur district of Bihar is well known for its extensive culinary heritage. The food is a wonderful combination of cultures, mostly inspired by Bihari eating practices. Predominantly vegetarian, the local dishes emphasise the use of rice, wheat, lentils, and an assortment of vegetables. With the introduction of rice and lentil-based meals, Mughal influences have enhanced the cuisine. The city's distinctive cuisine is enriched by its vegetarian diet, including the holy Ganges river fish.
Bhagalpur's vibrant culinary legacy is demonstrated by the wide variety of cuisines and snacks that are readily available there. There is something for every palate in the local food, from sweet treats to savoury nibbles. Traditional regional dishes with unique preparation methods and flavours can be served. The list below includes some of Bhagalpur's famous food options.
9 Famous Foods Of Bhagalpur To Try
1. Bhagalpur’s Famous Litti Chokha
Litti Chokha is a signature dish of Bihar. Litti consists of wheat and sattu (fried gram flour) mixed with spices, shaped into round balls, and baked. These balls are then dipped in ghee which gives them a delightful, crispy texture. Chokha, usually made from mashed potatoes, brinjal, or tomatoes, is seasoned with spices, onions, and garlic and served alongside Litti, making a perfect complement to this dish.
2. Chandrakala/Pedakiya
Chandrakala, also known as Pedakiya, is a heavenly dessert for those with a sweet tooth. Similar to Gujia, it features a crispy outer layer stuffed with sweetened khoya (dried whole milk), coconut, cardamom powder, and dry fruits. After being deep-fried and covered in sugar syrup, the filled pastry is transformed into an irresistibly crunchy and sweet delight.
3. Naivedyam
Naivedyam is a unique prasad offered at the famous Hanuman Mandir near Patna Railway Station. Made from gram flour, sugar, cashews, raisins, green cardamoms, and Kashmiri saffron, it is cooked in ghee and moulded into ball shapes. The result is a melt-in-the-mouth and blissful experience.
4. Chana Ghugni - The Everyday Snack Of Bhagalpur
Chana Ghugni is a popular spicy-tangy evening snack in Bihar. It is made by frying boiled chickpeas with onions, and spices, and sometimes served with "Chuda ka bhuja" (flattened rice). This simple but delicious dish is a Bihari staple for mid-evening hunger.
5. Khaja
Khaja is a traditional sweet snack believed to be over 2000 years old, similar to the Ottoman Empire's Baklava. Made from wheat flour, sugar, and mawa, it is deep-fried to create a crispy, wafery texture that melts in the mouth. Another variant, called Belgrami, is made from milk solids, sugar, and ghee, and is less sweet but equally delightful.
6. Laung-Latika From Bhagalpur
Laung-Latika is a festival delicacy unique to Bihar. It features a sweet stuffing encased in a crisp pastry, with a clove placed in the centre. The combination of the clove's pungent flavour and the sweet filling dipped in sugar syrup, creates a complex taste that is both unique and memorable.
7. Khajuria/Thekua
Khajuria, or Thekua, is a common Bihari snack made from wheat flour and jaggery, deep-fried to perfection. This sweet treat is perfect for quick bites and is often prepared during festivals. Variations include using rice flour instead of wheat and sugar instead of jaggery to create different textures and flavours.
8. Malpua
Malpua is a beloved Bihari dessert made from a batter of flour, milk, mashed bananas, and sugar, which is deep-fried in ghee and soaked in sugar syrup. The crispy exterior and soft interior make Malpua a favourite among locals. It is often served with thick Rabdi, enhancing its already rich flavour.
9. Khurma And Laktho - A Bhagalpur-Special Delicacy
Khurma, also known as Shakkarpara, is a sweet snack made from flour and salt, deep-fried and coated in sugar syrup that crystallises to form a powdery texture. A variation called Laktho uses rice flour dough and thick jaggery syrup, resulting in a different but equally delicious treat. Both are perfect for munching at any time of the day.
Bhagalpur's culinary offerings are as rich and diverse as its cultural heritage. From savoury delights like Litti Chokha and Chana Ghugni to sweet treats like Chandrakala and Malpua, the city's food scene is a delight for every food lover. Each dish tells a story of tradition, culture, and the love for food that has been passed down through generations. Exploring these famous dishes is a must for anyone visiting Bhagalpur.