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Jharkhand’s Dhanbad is one of the state’s most populous cities and has a plethora of culinary food influences which have shaped the local food scene in Dhanbad. The city is close to Bengal, Bihar and Odisha, so naturally some of the regional ingredients and delicacies have also made it to Dhanbad. Take the chhena jalebi for instance; it’s a popular dessert pairing in Dhanbad which features hot jalebis alongside fresh chhena, the latter being a popular staple in Odisha.
Certain Bengali sweets, especially sandesh made out of gur is quite popular in Dhanbad and so are Bihari delicacies like Litti chokha and mutton handi kebabs. Needless to say, Dhanbad is a treasure trove of regional foods and here are some of the most un-missable foods you should explore if you’re in Dhanbad anytime soon.
Tandoori Chai
If you love kulhad chai, you’ll love the Dhanbad speciality, Tandoori chai which you can find in plenty of roadside tea shops, especially in and around the Dhanbad Railway Station. The Tandoori Chai is a milk tea that’s brewed strongly and served in a charcoal fire-heated kulhad; so you get a mild smokiness that is often found in tandoori dishes. Pair this delicious cup of chai with the popular snack, nimki, which is quite similar to the savoury namak para.
Recommendation: Ram Charitra Singh Tea Stall
Type: Vegetarian
Price: Rs 15-30
Amrit Peda
Since Dhanbad is quite close to Bengal, Bihar and Odisha, you can spot several sweet shops selling mithais from these regions. In fact some Bengali and Bihari sweets are incredibly popular in the region. Amrit Peda is once such example; this Bihari sweet is essentially a more indulgent version of regular khoya peda and includes cardamom and saffron which lends it a strong nuttiness and a floral essence. It is often garnished with nuts like pistachios or almonds for added flavour and texture.
Recommendation: Bombay Sweets And Snacks
Type: Vegetarian
Price: Rs 20-40
Litti Chokha
How can you miss out on a hot serving of Litti Chokha during your trip to Dhanbad? It is a traditional dish native to the state of Bihar which features roasted wheat dough balls stuffed with a spicy mixture of gram flour, herbs, and spices. These stuffed balls are then roasted over a charcoal flame until they turn golden brown. Litti is usually served with chokha, a tangy and spicy mashed mixture of roasted eggplant, tomatoes, and potatoes, along with a dollop of ghee.
Recommendation: Gaya Singh Litti Dukan
Type: Vegetarian
Price: Rs 100-150
Double Gupchup/Loaded Gupchup
Panipuri or phuchka is popularly known as gupchup in Dhanbad and you can find a gupchup seller almost anywhere. A clever take on the classic panipuri is the loaded gupchup or gupchup chaat which is quite filling. It features a serving of 5-6 golgappa puros stuffed with mashed potato, chickpea, curd, chutney, sprouts and spices. It’s topped with sev, tangy yoghurt, coriander leaves and crispy bhujia.
Recommendation: Spicy Chaat
Type: Vegetarian
Price: Rs 40-60
Chhena Jalebi
Chhena jalebi is a unique twist on the traditional jalebi, popular in Dhanbad and the surrounding regions. Instead of using a batter made from refined flour, chhena jalebi is made from chhena, a type of fresh cheese similar to cottage cheese. The chhena is kneaded into a dough, shaped into intricate swirls, and deep-fried until crisp and golden. These fried swirls are then soaked in a sugar syrup flavoured with saffron and cardamom, resulting in a decadent and indulgent dessert
Recommendation: Radha Sweets
Type: Vegetarian
Price: Rs 50-100
Bihari Kebabs
Bihari kebabs are a specialty of the region, known for their bold flavours and succulent texture. These kebabs are made from minced meat, usually lamb or chicken, marinated in a blend of yoghurt and spices such as ginger, garlic, and garam masala. The marinated meat is then skewered and grilled or roasted until tender and charred, imparting a smoky aroma and flavor. Bihari kebabs are often served with mint chutney and onion rings, making them a popular choice for meat lovers in Dhanbad.
Recommendation: Shahi Darbar
Type: Non-vegetarian
Price: Rs 150-300
Sattu Paratha
Sattu is a staple in Dhanbad and across Jharkhand and Bihar; the sattu flour is typically used to make roti, parathas and puris. Sattu is a nutritious flour made from roasted gram. The stuffed dough is then rolled out into thin parathas and cooked on a griddle until golden brown. Sattu offers high protein and it actually improves appetite. Sattu paratha is often served with yoghurt, pickles, or chutney and makes for a satisfying meal, especially during breakfast or brunch.
Recommendation: Paratha Palace
Type: Vegetarian
Price: Rs 70-100
