From Rajasthan’s Laal Maas to Bengal’s Kosha Mangsho, from Andhra’s Gongura Mamsam to Kashmir’s Rogan Josh, one can find an array of succulent mutton curries in every part of the country. These mutton curries are different in terms of ingredients, flavours, and preparation methods, but what's same is their charm, which never fails to amaze us. One such delectable one-pot mutton curry from Bihar is the famous Champaran mutton. Also known as 'handi mutton’ and 'ahuna mutton’, this mutton curry is truly a gem of Bihar’s culinary heritage.
As its name suggests, this mutton curry is believed to have its origins in Champaran. If some legends are to be believed, this one-pot mutton curry originated in Ghorasaran village, situated on the border of Nepal and Bihar. But what’s so special about it? Well, this mutton curry is traditionally cooked in earthen clay pots, or matka, and cooked in dum style. Juicy mutton pieces are placed in a clay pot and covered with a lid that is sealed with wheat dough so that the steam doesn’t go out.
With an array of vibrant and flavorful spices and the traditional cooking method, this one-pot mutton curry is quite popular not just in India but also abroad. No wonder! If talking about Champaran mutton has left you drooling, here are the top places to have this one-pot mutton curry in Patna, as recommended by some popular city foodies. Have a look:
1. Old Champaran Meat House
Recommended by: @foodiesamaristas, @foodies_discovery, @travell.tale and @foodies_and_foods_patna_
Patna residents are obsessed with the famous Old Champaran Meat House. While talking to Slurrp, @foodiesamaristas’s Samar Raj Giri said that this place serves an authentic and pure recipe for Champaran mutton made with freshly grounded spices. Aahana from @travell.tale said that this joint has gained quite a reputation for its heavenly Champaran Mutton preparations. The tender meat melts in your mouth, and the rich blend of spices will leave you craving for more. Their secret recipe has been passed down through generations, adding that extra touch of tradition to each dish.
Price for two: Rs 400 (approx.)
Address: Vidyapati marg, Opposite Tara mandal, Chajju Bagh
Timings: 10 am to11:00 pm
2. Raju Champaran Meat House, Near Taramandal
Recommended by: @foodie_robin_
@foodie_robin_’s Amitesh said that Raaju Champaran is one of the oldest places. According to the owner Raju, he is the pioneer in this field, and he brought this dish to Patna. The mutton here very delicious as star anise and tailed pepper dominates the flavour. Best part? They don't add ginger garlic paste but add whole garlic to the mutton.
Price for two: Rs 500 (approx.)
Address: Vidyapati Marg, Opposite Tara Mandal
Timings: 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
Video credits: Foodie Robin/YouTube
3. Champaran Meat House, Kankarbagh
Recommended by: @foodie_robin_ and @foodies_and_foods_patna_
In a conversation with Slurrp, Amitesh from @foodie_robin_ told that Champaran Meat House has the trademark for the name, and they are also very old. He said that they have 4 outlets in Patna and the mutton here is spicy and flavourful. Their preparation method is different. They cook the onion first till its half done and then add marinated mutton into it.
Price for two: Rs 500 (approx.)
Address: Doctor’s Colony, Kankarbagh
Timings: 10 AM to 10 PM
4. Dadan Handi Mutton Hotel, Saguna More
Recommended by: @foodies_discovery, @patna_food_paradise, @travell.tale and @foodie_baba_0.1
Talking of the best place to have Champaran mutton in Patna, @travell.tale’s Aahana recommends Dadan Handi Mutton Hotel. “Located in the heart of Patna, this place is a true gem when it comes to serving authentic Champaran Mutton. The succulent meat is slow cooked to perfection with aromatic spices while creating a burst of flavors in every bite. Here you can have unlimited roti and rice.
Price for two: Rs 500 (approx.)
Address: Ramjaipal Nagar, Danapur Nizamat
Timings: 11am to 10pm
5. Vishal Champaran Meat House, Gola Road
Recommended by: @foodie_robin_
Amitesh told Slurrp that Vishal Champaran meat house uses commercial meat masala from well-known spice brands, and they prepare the dish in a pot but with its lid open or unsealed. Mutton is not very spicy and is worth a try when in Patna.
Price for two: Rs 450 (approx.)
Address: Gola Road, Near Patanjali Mega Store
Timings: 10 am to 10 pm
6. Janshakti Champaran Meat House, Adaltganj
Recommended by: @foodie_robin_
Among the many popular places serving Champaran mutton in Patna, there is Janshakti Champaran Meat. This place may not be known by a lot of people and is surely a hidden gem. The mutton here is cooked in flavourful and aromatic spices. And a lot of people flock to this place to taste this delicious mutton curry.
Price for two: Rs 400 (approx.)
Address: Adalat Ganj, Behind BJP Office, Fraser Road Area
Timings: 11:30 am to 10 pm
7. Chanpatiya Pratha House, Boring Canal Road
Recommended by: @foodie_baba_0.1
Known for serving an array of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, this place is quite popular for its Ahuna or Handi mutton. Rich in flavours, the mutton curry here is cooked with a plethora of whole spices and cooked with utmost love and perfection. Do give it a try.
Price for two: Rs 400 (approx.)
Address: Boring Canal Road, Opposite Ginni Motor, Kidwaipuri
Timings: 10 am to 11 pm
8. Champaran Meat House, Kurji
Recommended by: @foodiesamaristas and @foodie_robin_
There are a lot of places in Patna known for serving the best Champaran Mutton and one of those places is Champaran Meat House, situated in Kurji. Here, they use the traditional method to cook mutton and do not comprise in quality as well as quantity. Samar from @foodiesamaristas told that this place has a hygienic preparation method with quality meat and a good blend of spices. Also, the space is quite good for a shop like that.
Price for two: Rs 400 (approx.)
Address: Mall Rd, Patliputra Industrial Area, Patliputra Colony
Timings: 10 am to 10 pm
9. Kanchan Handi Mutton
Recommended by: @joshinehaa and @foodie_robin_
If there is a hidden place that serves the best Champaran mutton in the locality, it is nothing but Kanchan Handi Mutton in R Block. If you want to taste the real taste the Bihar’s Champaran mutton, you must visit Kanchan Handi Mutton at least once, said Neha Joshi from @joshinehaa.
Price for two: Rs 400 (approx.)
Address: R block Golambar, Near Chanakya Hotel
Timings: 10 am to 11 pm
10. Old Champaran Mutton House
Recommended by: @foodie_robin_
Amitesh from @foodie_robin said that this is yet another place in Patna which serves succulent and delectable champaran mutton in Patna. He said that popular actor Ashish Vidyarthi had also visited the place to taste the authentic Ahuna Mutton.
Price for two: Rs 500 (approx.)
Address: Jagdeo Path, Pillar no. 10
Timings: 11 am to 11 pm