
Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Patna, India
1. Sonar Tikia
Crispy fried fish dumplings served with tangy tamarind chutney, a must-try for seafood lovers.
- Unique Ingredient: Uses freshwater fish unique to Patna's rivers
- Special Cooking Technique: Fried using the signature Patnaan style of deep-frying
- Best Place to Try: Served at popular food joints like Kailash Corner
2. Litti Chokha
A traditional Bihari dish consisting of stuffed wheatballs (litti) served with mashed brinjal (chokha)
- Local Flavor: Made using locally sourced Sohan Singh atta
- Historical Significance: Traced back to the Magadha Empire, reflecting Patna's rich history
- Best Place to Try: Served at places like Gandhi Maidan Food Court
3. Khurasani Ka Meetha
Delicious sweet dish made from wheat flour, milk, and dry fruits, originating from the Khursahni region of Patna.
- Traditional Recipe: Follows an ancient family recipe, passed down through generations
- Unique Taste: Combines the sweetness of milk and dry fruits with the nutty taste of wheat flour
- Best Place to Try: Available at popular eateries like Babloo Sweets
4. Thekua
Crispy and flavorful cookies made during the Chhath festival, perfect for snacking on.
- Local Festivity: Made as an offering to the Sun God during the Chhath festival
- Distinctive Flavor: Infused with unique spices like ajwain and nigella seeds
- Best Place to Buy: Available at local markets during Chhath festival or at Babloo Sweets year-round
5. Aloo Toria
Salty and tangy dish made from sliced banana chips (toria), potatoes, and onions.
- Rare Ingredient: Uses banana chips (toria) instead of traditional noodles
- Spicy Twist: Infused with green chillies and spices for a unique kick
- Best Place to Try: Served at popular food joints like Kali Mandir Food Plaza
6. Pittha
A gluten-free dish made from rice flour and filled with sweet coconut and jaggery filling.
- Gluten-Free Option: Made using rice flour, suitable for people with gluten sensitivities
- Traditional Snack: Originates from the ancient Mithila region of Patna
- Best Place to Try: Available at local markets or restaurants like Rajdhani Thali
7. Pahaad Ke Phulke
Tender lotus stem (phulke) cooked with spices and a tangy touch from tamarind.
- Seasonal Delicacy: Available during the monsoon season when lotus stems are fresh
- Healthy Option: High in fiber and low in calories, making it a healthy choice
- Best Place to Try: Served at popular restaurants like Ma Gourmet
8. Bihari Khana
A hearty thali meal consisting of various vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
- Variety in One Meal: Includes a variety of dishes, giving you a taste of Patna's culinary diversity
- Authentic Experience: Offers an authentic Bihari dining experience
- Best Place to Try: Served at places like Gudbud Dhaba
9. Dahi Choora
A yogurt-based dish with boiled lentils (chooras) and spices, served as a popular breakfast option.
- Nutritious Breakfast: High in protein and probiotics from the yogurt
- Traditional Meal: A staple breakfast dish for many families in Patna
- Best Place to Try: Available at local eateries like Chacha's Corner
10. Malpua
A sweet pancake dish made from flour and soaked in sugar syrup, often served with rabri.
- Traditional Sweet: Originates from the ancient Mithila region of Patna
- Unique Texture: Its soft, spongy texture and sweet flavor make it a crowd favorite
- Best Place to Try: Available at local sweet shops like Babloo Sweets
11. Khaja
A crunchy, flaky, and sweet pastry made from flour and sugar, flavored with cardamom.
- Traditional Snack: Has been a popular snack in Patna for centuries
- Unique Flavor: Infused with cardamom, giving it a distinctive taste
- Best Place to Try: Available at local sweet shops like Babloo Sweets
12. Kadhi
A savory yogurt-based dish with fritters (pakoras) made from gram flour.
- Unique Ingredient: Uses a blend of spices and yogurt, giving it a unique flavor
- Comfort Food: A comforting dish enjoyed by many in Patna
- Best Place to Try: Served at popular restaurants like Ma Gourmet
13. Pua
A savory dish made from grated banana (pua) mixed with lentils and spices.
- Rare Ingredient: Uses grated bananas instead of traditional ingredients
- Healthy Option: Rich in fiber and protein, making it a healthy choice
- Best Place to Try: Served at local eateries like Chacha's Corner
14. Samosas
Crispy pastry pockets filled with spiced potatoes and peas.
- Popular Snack: A popular snack enjoyed by locals and visitors alike
- Spicy Twist: Infused with a blend of spices for a unique flavor
- Best Place to Try: Served at street food vendors and popular restaurants alike
15. Khurma
A sweet dish made from broken wheat (dalia) cooked in sugar syrup and garnished with dry fruits.
- Traditional Sweet: Originated during the Chhath festival, reflecting Patna's rich cultural heritage
- Unique Texture: Its soft, sticky texture and sweet flavor make it a delightful treat
- Best Place to Try: Available at local sweet shops during the Chhath festival or at Babloo Sweets year-round