Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Purnea, Bihār, India
1. Khaja
Crispy, flaky and sweet multi-layered pastry made from refined flour, ghee, sugar and nuts, a popular dish during festivals.
- Traditional Recipe: Made using traditional family recipes passed down generations.
- Delicious Snack: Ideal for satisfying your sweet tooth in between meals.
- Festive Specialty: A must-try during local festivals like Diwali and Eid.
2. Litti Chokha
Delicious Ball-shaped Dumplings made from gram flour stuffed with Sesame seeds and ground lentils served with a side of Chokha (smashed eggplant and tomato).
- Authentic Bihari Cuisine: A traditional dish native to Bihar.
- Hearty Meal: Perfect for a filling lunch or dinner.
- Served with Chokha: The tangy and spicy Chokha complements the Litti perfectly.
3. Ambesa
Soft, fluffy flatbread made from rice flour, served with spicy and tangy side dishes.
- Gluten-free Option: An excellent choice for those sensitive to gluten.
- Versatile Side Dish: Can be paired with a variety of spicy and tangy dishes.
- Rice Flour Specialty: A unique specialty using rice flour that's hard to find elsewhere.
4. Mitha Pittha
Sweet and sticky cake made from rice flour, jaggery (unrefined sugar) and coconut, usually served during local festivals.
- Traditional Festival Food: A popular sweet dish during the festival of Makar Sankranti.
- Healthy Option: Made with jaggery and rice, it's a healthier alternative to other sweets.
- Sticky Texture: Its unique sticky texture makes it a memorable treat.
5. Pittha Sabji
Rice flour cakes stuffed with various vegetables and spices, usually served with a tangy side dish.
- Healthy Vegetarian Option: A nutritious meal filled with veggies.
- Unique Presentation: The cakes are presented in an attractive, traditional manner.
- Versatile Stuffing: Can be stuffed with a variety of vegetables like potatoes, pumpkins and spinach.
6. Kadhi
Thick yogurt-based gravy with fried gram flour dumplings, usually served with hot rice.
- Spicy and Tangy: Offers a unique blend of spices and tanginess.
- Filling Meal: A hearty dish perfect for a complete meal.
- Traditional Recipe: A popular dish across northern India, with slight variations in different regions.
7. Murg Musallam Biryani
Flavourful rice dish made with whole chicken, aromatic spices, and cooked in a sealed pot.
- Unique Presentation: The entire chicken is served on top of the biryani.
- Spicy and Aromatic: Bursting with a rich blend of spices, offering an unforgettable flavor experience.
- Special Occasion Dish: Often served during weddings and other special events.
8. Aloo Torkari
Spicy potato curry made with a blend of aromatic spices.
- Hearty Vegetarian Dish: A filling dish perfect for vegetarians.
- Unique Spice Blend: The unique blend of spices gives it a distinct flavor.
- Spicy and Tangy: Offers a delightful combination of spiciness and tanginess.
9. Sonth Ka Raita
Cooling yogurt-based dish made with dried ginger, cumin, and mint.
- Refreshing Side Dish: A refreshing side dish that cools down your palate.
- Health Benefits: The dried ginger and cumin have numerous health benefits.
- Spicy and Tangy: The unique blend of spices gives it a tangy and spicy flavor.
10. Sitaphal Sherbet
Cold, sweet drink made from ripe custard apples, sugar, and water.
- Cooling Beverage: Ideal for cooling down during hot summer days.
- Natural Sweetness: The natural sweetness of the custard apples makes it a healthier option compared to other sugary drinks.
- Seasonal Fruit Drink: Available during the Sitaphal (Custard Apple) season.
11. Khaja Kachori
Deep-fried dough pastry filled with a spicy potato filling and served with Khaja (sweet fried pastry)
- Spicy and Sweet Combination: The unique combination of spicy Kachori and sweet Khaja makes it a standout dish.
- Traditional Snack: A traditional snack popular across northern India.
- Perfect Tea-time Snack: Ideal for satisfying your cravings during tea time.
12. Kaddu Kebab
Spicy and tender kebabs made from pumpkin meat.
- Unique Ingredient: A unique twist using pumpkin as the main ingredient.
- Spicy and Tangy: Offers a delightful combination of spiciness and tanginess.
- Vegetarian Option: A tasty vegetarian option for meat lovers.
13. Khaja Chura
Crushed Khaja (sweet fried pastry) served with milk and sugar.
- Traditional Breakfast: A traditional breakfast dish native to Bihar.
- Delicious Sweet Dish: Ideal for satisfying your sweet tooth in the morning.
- Versatile Topping: Can be served with a variety of milk and sugar combinations.
14. Chokha Pittha
Rice flour cakes served with smashed eggplant and tomato.
- Simple and Filling: A simple, yet filling meal perfect for any time of the day.
- Spicy and Tangy: The spicy Chokha complements the sweet Pittha perfectly.
- Versatile Side Dish: Can be paired with a variety of dishes.
15. Malpua
Sweet pancakes soaked in sweetened milk and syrup.
- Traditional Sweet Dish: A popular sweet dish across India, with slight variations in different regions.
- Delicious Snack: Ideal for satisfying your sweet tooth during tea time or dessert.
- Rich and Sweet: The rich and sweet taste makes it a memorable treat.