Share
Located in the northern part of Bihar, Darbhanga is an ancient and historic city. It is situated on the bank of the Burhi Gandak River. The city’s cultural heritage and history date back more than 2,500 years. It was a part of the ancient kingdom of Mithila, and it is mentioned in the Ramayana. Several temples and monuments showcase the magnificent Maithil architecture style.
The cuisine of Darbhanga is dominated by rice, lentils, and vegetables. Overall, Darbhanga offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, art, and cuisine, making it one of the most fascinating small cities in Bihar.
Kheer Makhana
Image Credit: Freepik
Kheer Makhana is a traditional dessert popular during festivals and celebrations in Darbhanga. The main ingredients are makhana (fox nuts) and milk. To make Kheer Makhana, the makhana are first roasted in ghee, which enhances their nutty taste.
The roasted makhana is then simmered in milk and sugar until the milk thickens and reduces. Saffron and cardamom are added for aroma. The finished dish is creamy and rich, with the crunch of the makhana throughout. The sweet aroma and delicate crunch make it a favourite to enjoy after a spicy meal. Kheer Makhana is truly a signature dish of Darbhanga.
Restaurant Recommendations: Flavours, Jail Rd., Darbhanga
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200–400, approx
Machher Jhol
Image Credit: Freepik
Machher Jhol, or fish curry made in a spicy mustard paste, is a beloved cuisine of the people in the Darbhanga region. The fish, usually rohu or katla, is marinated and then fried and cooked in a gravy enriched with onions, tomatoes, and yoghurt. The local mustard crops also provide the key ingredient for the flavourful marinade.
Restaurant Recommendations: Restro Paradise, Sundarpur, Darbhanga
Type: Non-Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200–400, approx
Arikanchanak Tarkari
Image Credit: Freepik
Arikanchanak Tarkari is a signature vegetarian dish featuring colocasia leaves, also known as arbi or taro leaves, which grow abundantly in the lush countryside. The pungent mustard gravy perfectly complements the mild sweetness of the arbi leaves. When served with steaming rice, the dish offers a medley of flavours and textures.
Restaurant Recommendations: Sagar Family Restaurant, Donar, Darbhanga
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200–400, approx
Also Read: Why the kofta is a fine-dining favourite
Chena Murki
This sweet dish is really easy to make and quick, too. Cut the firm paneer cheese into small, bite-sized cubes. In a pan, combine granulated white sugar and water. Heat the mixture over medium heat and continue cooking the sugar syrup until it reaches the thread stage.
Once it thickens properly, stir in the crushed cardamom, add the cubed paneer, and stir gently to coat the pieces evenly in the glossy, sweet syrup. Enjoy this richly-sweetened paneer barfi cut into small diamonds and dusted with chopped pistachios for a classic Indian treat.
Restaurant Recommendations: Tadka Punjab, Laheriasarai, Darbhanga
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200–400, approx
Nargisi Kofta
Image Credit: Freepik
Nargisi kofta is a delicious dish made by combining mashed paneer cheese and breadcrumbs. One mashed potato ball is placed in the centre of each paneer round and the edges are brought up around it to encase the potato completely. These dumplings are shaped into ovals resembling eggs, then dipped in chickpea flour and deep-fried until golden brown.
The koftas are cut in half lengthwise before serving to reveal the potato centre inside the crispy paneer shell. Nargisi kofta makes for an appetising starter or main course. It is usually served with green chutney or dipped in curry if serving as a main course.
Restaurant Recommendations: Desi Tadka, Rajkumarganj, Kathalbari, Darbhanga
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200–400, approx
Chura Dahi
Image Credit: Freepik
Chura dahi is a famous dish from the Darbhanga region of Bihar, India. It consists of flattened rice (chura) soaked in thick, creamy yoghurt (dahi). When combined, the tangy yoghurt perfectly complements the crunchy chura, creating a mouthwatering blend of textures and flavours. Preparing Chura Dahi is easy and requires no cooking.
The chura is simply soaked in dahi for a few minutes to allow it to soften while absorbing the yoghurt's flavour. Some sugar or jaggery is usually added to balance out the tartness. The dish can be enjoyed as a breakfast, snack, or light meal any time of day.
Restaurant Recommendations: Bawarchi Restaurant, Kathalbari, Darbhanga
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200–400, approx
Poori-Aloo Dum
Image Credit: Freepik
It is a famous dish consisting of pooris, puffy deep-fried whole wheat bread, served with a spiced potato curry called aloo dam. It is a staple in Darbhanga, and is often served for breakfast. The pooris provide a crispy, flaky vehicle for scooping up the smooth, creamy potato curry bursting with aromatics like cumin, coriander, ginger, garlic, onions, tomatoes, and spiced with chilli powder.
Restaurant Recommendations: Swadist, Mirzapur, Darbhanga
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200–400, approx
