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Bihar, a state located in the northern region of India, is known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse cuisine. The food of Bihar reflects the influence of neighbouring regions and has a unique blend of flavours and spices. One aspect of Bihari cuisine that stands out is the range of delicious and spicy snacks and chaats that are popular among locals and visitors alike. From crispy samosas to mouth-watering chaats, these snacks are a must-try for anyone exploring the vibrant street food scene of Bihar. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most popular Bihari snacks and chaats and explore the flavours that make them so irresistible.
Samosa
Samosa is a popular snack in Bihar as well as in many other parts of India. It is a deep-fried pastry that is usually filled with spiced potatoes, onions, peas, and sometimes meat. In Bihar, samosas, also known as singharas, are often served with a spicy green chutney made with coriander, mint, and chilli. They can be found in street food stalls, restaurants, or even made at home and served with coffee or tea. The Bihari samosa is slightly different in taste as the masalas for the filling vary and contain green peas or peanuts too, compared to the samosas found in other parts of India, which do not include peas or peanuts.
Chaat Papdi
Chaat Papdi is a popular Indian street food snack that originated in the northern region of India and has since become a beloved dish throughout the country. It is also a popular snack in Bihar, where it is commonly found in chaat stalls and restaurants. Chaat Papdi is a combination of crispy fried dough wafers (papdi) topped with boiled potatoes, chickpeas, yoghurt, tamarind chutney, and various spices such as chaat masala and cumin powder. The sweet and tangy flavours of the chutney, combined with the crunchiness of the papdi and the creaminess of the yoghurt, create a delectable taste that is both savoury and refreshing. Chaat Papdi is a popular snack that is enjoyed by people of all ages and is often served at social gatherings and festivals.
Khaja
Khaja is a popular sweet snack from Bihar that is made by deep-frying layered dough and then soaking it in sugar syrup. The dough is made by mixing flour, ghee, and water to form a soft, pliable dough that is then rolled out into thin layers. The layers are then stacked on top of each other, cut into squares, and deep-fried until crispy and golden. Once the khaja is fried, it is soaked in sugar syrup, which gives it a sweet and sticky texture. Khaja is often served during festive occasions like weddings and religious ceremonies, and it is also a popular gift to give to friends and family.
Ghugni
Ghugni is a popular street food snack in the Indian state of Bihar and is also enjoyed in other parts of India and Bangladesh. It is essentially a spicy curry made from yellow or white peas, which are first boiled and then cooked in a variety of spices, including onions, tomatoes, and chilli peppers.
The dish is typically served with a variety of toppings and accompaniments, such as chopped onions, coriander leaves, green chillies, tamarind chutney, and crispy sev. It can be eaten as a standalone snack or as a side dish with other main courses. Ghugni is a versatile dish that can be prepared in various ways to suit different tastes and preferences. Ghugni is a popular street food snack in Bihar and can be found in small stalls and carts in various parts of the state. It is also commonly served during festivals and special occasions. It is a dish that is a perfect comfort food, especially during the cold winter months.
Chana Dal Ki Tikki
It is made with chana dal, a type of split chickpea, which is soaked, ground into a paste, and mixed with a variety of spices and herbs. The mixture is then shaped into small, round patties and fried until crispy. The tikki is typically served with a tangy and spicy chutney made from tamarind and mint, as well as some chopped onions and cilantro on top. Some variations of chana dal ki tikki may also include other ingredients like potatoes, peas, or paneer (Indian cottage cheese) to add more texture and flavour to the dish. Chana dal ki tikki is not only delicious but also nutritious, as chana dal is a good source of protein, fibre, and essential vitamins and minerals. It can be enjoyed as a snack on its own or as a side dish with a main meal.
Dhuska
Dhuska is a popular deep-fried snack from Bihar. It is a thick pancake-like dish made with a mixture of rice and urad dal (split black gram), which is soaked for several hours and then ground into a batter. The batter is then seasoned with spices such as cumin, coriander, ginger, garlic, and chilli pepper. The mixture is then fried in hot oil until it turns crispy and golden brown on both sides.
Dhuska is usually served with aloo chana chaat (a potato and chickpea salad), ghugni (spiced chickpeas), or tangy tamarind chutney. It is a popular street food in Bihar and is often eaten as a breakfast or snack item. Dhuska is known for its crispy exterior and soft interior, with a slightly sour and tangy taste due to the fermentation of the rice and dal batter. It is also relatively easy to make at home with minimal ingredients, making it a popular snack for people of all ages.
Bhelpuri
Bhelpuri is a popular chaat snack that is enjoyed throughout India, including in Bihar. This savoury snack consists of puffed rice mixed with chopped vegetables, chutneys, and a variety of spices. In Bihar, the recipe for bhelpuri may vary slightly depending on the region or personal preference, but it typically includes ingredients such as onions, tomatoes, green chillies, and coriander leaves. The mixture is then topped with a combination of tamarind and mint chutneys, along with some chaat masala for extra flavour. Some variations may also include sev or boiled potatoes. Bhelpuri is a popular street food in Bihar and can be found at many roadside stalls and markets. It is a light and refreshing snack that is perfect for a quick bite on the go.
Nimki
Nimki is a popular savoury snack from Bihar that is often enjoyed with tea or coffee. It is also known as Namak Para in some parts of India. Nimki is a crispy, crunchy snack made from a simple dough of flour, salt, and spices, which is then deep-fried until golden brown. The dough is kneaded with water and spices such as ajwain and cumin and then rolled out into thin sheets. These sheets are then cut into diamond shapes using a sharp knife or a cookie cutter and then deep-fried until crispy. The resulting nimki is crunchy, salty, and addictive, making it the perfect snack for any occasion. Nimki can be stored in an airtight container for several weeks, making it an ideal snack to have on hand when unexpected guests arrive.
Tirua
Tirua is a delectable and savoury snack from the state of Bihar, India. This snack is made using flattened rice or poha, which is a common ingredient in many Indian breakfast dishes. It is also known as "Chura Matar" in some parts of the state. The dish is usually served as a breakfast or an evening snack and is often enjoyed with a hot cup of tea or coffee. It is also a popular street food and can be found in small shops and stalls across Bihar.
To make Tirua, flattened rice is first washed thoroughly and soaked in water for a few minutes until it becomes soft. It is then drained and mixed with a variety of spices, such as turmeric, red chilli powder, cumin, and coriander powder. Other ingredients such as onions, green chillies, and potatoes can also be added to enhance the flavour of the dish. Once the spices and vegetables are added, the mixture is then sautéed in a pan with oil until it becomes crispy and golden brown. This gives Tirua its distinct crunchy texture and delicious taste.
The final step is to add boiled green peas and salt to taste, and the dish is ready to be served. The combination of the crunchy flattened rice and the soft and flavorful green peas makes Tirua a truly satisfying snack. Tirua is not only delicious but also quite nutritious. Flattened rice is a good source of carbohydrates, while green peas are rich in protein and fibre. The spices used in the dish are also known for their health benefits and can aid in digestion and boost the immune system.
Khubi Ka Laddu
Khubi ka laddu is a popular sweet snack from Bihar. It is made with roasted wheat flour, jaggery or sugar, and ghee. To make the laddu, the wheat flour is first roasted until it turns golden brown in colour and gives off a nutty aroma. Then, jaggery or sugar syrup is prepared by boiling it in water until it reaches a sticky consistency. The roasted wheat flour is then mixed with the jaggery or sugar syrup and ghee and formed into small balls, or laddus.
Khubi ka laddu is a nutritious snack that is popular in Bihar, particularly during festive occasions. The roasted wheat flour provides fibre and nutrients such as iron and B vitamins, while the jaggery or sugar adds sweetness and energy. Ghee, which is used to bind the mixture together, provides healthy fats that are essential for the body.
Khubi ka laddu has a rich, earthy flavour that comes from roasted wheat flour and caramelised jaggery or sugar syrup. The texture is dense and slightly chewy, with a slight crunch from the wheat flour.
