Bihar Beyond Litti Chokha

Guest Author Dec 29, 2021 667 0

Bihar, the state known for its culture, tradition and caste, has comparatively gained very less popularity for its varied cuisine. Divided in 38 districts, the state welcomes you with something unique on every 38 milestone you come across. Unlike every other stereotypical thing, the original cuisines of the state have failed to gain popularity. The dishes apart from “Litti Chokha”, goes unnoticed even by the people of the state itself. One of the major reasons of these dishes staying limited to Bihar only is the unavailability of authentic cooking method as the preparation of Bihari Dishes requires elaborate presence of desi spices and other raw materials.

Starting from Magahi Pan, which is an expensive variety of betel, non-fibrous, sweeter, tastier and the softest of the lot to Dahi Chuda, made with flattened rice, yogurt, jaggery, fruits and nuts, has slowly lost its identity to the fast pace urbanised world. Bihar produces 90 percent of the world’s makhana, also known as fox nuts. These seeds have various styles of consumption like makhane ki kheer, raita or makhana curry, and are also eaten as an evening tea-time snack. But the sad truth is that these centuries long dishes and food items are still unknown to almost half of the country’s population.

Bihar is not just about “Litti Chokha” and “Thekua”, but the state can present you with a platter of dishes, starting from snacks to a variety of main course and desserts. Naming a few, Champaran Ahuna Mutton, cooked entirely in an earthen pot, mixed with garam masala and other spices, tops the list of main courses, followed by dal pitha, steamed rice dumplings filled with dal which tastes the best with coriander chutney.

With the wrap up of the teaser of Bihari Food’s menu, leaving you with the very famous sweet of the state - thin layered fritters soaked in sugar syrup, Khaja from Silao in Nalanda is the most famous. Bihar has much more to serve you and make you ask for more. The state needs recognition for its authentic taste and cuisine. On your next visit to Bihar, try knowing more of its offerings and try to have a hand on them.

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Guest Author

-Amrita Sinha