Around the bend close to Patna's Maurya Lok, a crowd congregates by a traditional street food cart, poised before a towering mall. A symphony of scents through the air attracts the shoppers around. In the heart of the spectacle, the man behind D K Litti Chokha, orchestrates a feat of serving over a dozen patrons at once. The maestro tirelessly prepares batch after batch, each morsel dipped in butter for added indulgence. This sight is nothing but mouth-watering for the foodies.
Patna exhibits a vibrant and diverse food culture, reflecting the region's rich culinary heritage. The street food culture in Patna is both rich and pocket-friendly. It is a haven for foodies that offers various flavours ranging from traditional snacks to unique ingredients and a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Explore the foodie-hub and the culinary offerings it has in store.
Litti chokha is considered Bihar's state dish and is a wholesome meal devoid of deep-frying, commonly found in roadside eateries in Patna. Initially catering to the underprivileged, it gained popularity among wealthier individuals. Litti, a dumpling of whole wheat flour, is stuffed with roasted chickpea powder, various herbs, and seasonings. Accompanying it is chokha, made from boiled vegetables, onions, and spices, resulting in a delectable flavour combination.
Our Recommendation: D K Litti Chokha, Fraser Road, and Bhojpur Litti Chokha, Golambar
Patna is famed for its delicious batata puri. These crispy semolina balls are filled with spiced mashed potatoes and yoghurt, garnished with pomegranate seeds, chutneys, onions, and sev for a distinctive flavour. The fundamental ingredients guarantee an irresistible and repeat-worthy treat for the foodies.
Our Recommendation: Lovely Chaat Corner, Rajendra Nagar, and Patna Batata Puri, Kankarbagh
Malpua is a small pancake adored for its sweet aroma and contrasting textures that the foodies with a sweet tooth cherish. The batter comes from mixing flour, milk, khoya, and sugar. It is then fried in ghee and soaked in sugar syrup. Often relished with mutton curry, this treat is best served hot. Despite its added calories, the delightful taste of Malpua justifies the indulgence. It is also famous in Bhutan, India, Nepal and Bangladesh.
Our Recommendation: Mohan Sweets and Veg Corner, near Loyola School, and Kanha Sweets, Kankar Bagh.
Chana ghugni, a popular and satisfying dish in eastern India, is known for its affordability. It is popular in Bhojpuri, Magadhi and Maithil cuisines. The dish combines black chickpeas, dried green peas, peanuts, and assorted spices. The critical element is the garnish, featuring finely chopped onions, green chillies, coriander, and lime juice. This versatile dish pairs well with chapati or rice and boasts incredible flavour.
Our Recommendation: Grihaangan Food, Anandpuri, and Tuntun Ji Ka Dhaba, near Patna Board Office.
A Bihar speciality, the multi-layered sweet pastry is a delightful treat made from wheat flour and mawa. Soaked in sugar syrup, it offers a heavenly melt-in-the-mouth experience that foodies can geek on. Enjoyed since ancient times, khaja has a global following of enthusiasts. In various shapes across Bihar, Patna's khajas are recognized for their cubist shape. The delicacy is a dessert enjoyed especially during Chhath Puja and always leaves people yearning for more.
Our Recommendation: Bihar Silav Khaja Bhandar, Gujari Bazar, Sadikpur, and Suprashidh Khaja shops, Ashok Rajpath.