Patna, the historic capital of Bihar, is not just famous for its culture and history but also for its rich and flavorful cuisine. Bihari food is a beautiful blend of spices, traditional cooking techniques, and local ingredients. When visiting Patna, indulging in its authentic local dishes is a must to truly experience the soul of the city.
Here’s a list of 10 must-try local dishes in Patna that will leave your taste buds craving for more!
1. Litti Chokha
No trip to Patna is complete without tasting the iconic Litti Chokha. Litti is a ball made of wheat flour, stuffed with spiced sattu (roasted gram flour) and baked over charcoal, while chokha is a mashed preparation of roasted eggplant, potatoes, and tomatoes, seasoned with mustard oil and spices.
Why Try It:
This earthy, rustic dish perfectly captures the spirit of Bihari cuisine — simple yet packed with flavor.
2. Sattu Paratha
Another delicacy made from sattu, Sattu Paratha is a stuffed flatbread that’s popular for breakfast or lunch. Filled with spiced sattu, herbs, and sometimes onions and green chilies, it is usually served with curd or pickles.
Why Try It:
It’s healthy, delicious, and a true representation of Patna’s everyday food culture.
3. Ghugni
Ghugni is a mouthwatering curry made from black gram or white peas, cooked with onions, tomatoes, ginger, and aromatic spices. Often enjoyed with flattened rice (chura) or bread, it’s a hearty and satisfying dish.
Why Try It:
It’s a street food favorite you can enjoy both as a snack and a full meal.
4. Khaja
Khaja is a crispy, layered sweet made from refined flour and sugar syrup, similar to baklava in texture but distinct in flavor. Originating from Bihar, it is a popular dessert during festivals and special occasions.
Why Try It:
Its flaky, crunchy texture and syrupy sweetness make it a perfect end to a spicy meal.
5. Thekua
Thekua is a traditional Bihari sweet snack made during religious festivals like Chhath Puja. It’s prepared with wheat flour, jaggery (or sugar), and ghee, shaped into small discs, and deep-fried to perfection.
Why Try It:
Perfectly portable and addictively tasty, Thekua is a must-try treat in Patna.
6. Dal Pitha
Often called the Bihari version of dumplings, Dal Pitha is a steamed or boiled wheat dumpling stuffed with a spicy lentil filling. It’s healthy, flavorful, and often enjoyed with chutney or curry.
Why Try It:
It’s a wholesome and satisfying dish showcasing the creativity of Bihari home cooking.
7. Chana Ghugni
Different from regular ghugni, Chana Ghugni is made from black chickpeas cooked with spices and sometimes garnished with onions and green chilies. It’s often eaten as a breakfast item or evening snack.
Why Try It:
It’s protein-rich, spicy, and delicious — a perfect quick bite when exploring Patna.
8. Malpua
Malpua is a rich, deep-fried pancake soaked in sugar syrup, often flavored with fennel seeds and cardamom. It’s a festive sweet that’s especially popular during Holi.
Why Try It:
It’s a decadent dessert that beautifully captures the sweetness of Bihari celebrations.
9. Kadhi Badi
Kadhi Badi is a comforting dish made of deep-fried gram flour dumplings (badi) cooked in a spiced yogurt-based gravy. It’s typically served with rice and is a staple meal across Bihar.
Why Try It:
Its tangy and savory flavors make it a soothing, soul-satisfying dish, especially on a lazy afternoon.
10. Anarsa
Anarsa is a festive sweet made from soaked rice flour and jaggery, often coated with sesame seeds and fried until golden. It’s crispy outside and soft inside, offering a unique texture.
Why Try It:
A traditional sweet with a history, Anarsa is something you can’t leave Patna without tasting!
Final Thoughts
The food scene in Patna is a reflection of the city’s heritage — rich, humble, diverse, and full of flavor. Whether you’re biting into a crisp litti, savoring the sweet layers of khaja, or enjoying a hearty bowl of kadhi badi, every dish tells a story of Bihar’s culture, traditions, and love for good food.
So, the next time you are in Patna, make sure to dive into these authentic local dishes and experience the city in the most delicious way possible. Your taste buds will thank you!
