Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Patna, India

Patna, India, Patna, Food & Drink, Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them

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