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Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh, has a rich culinary heritage just waiting to tantalize your taste buds. The food reveals much about the city's cultural identity and agricultural heritage. Rice and roti form the foundation of most meals, reflecting Raipur's location in India's rice bowl of Chhattisgarh. The abundance of rice as a dietary staple connects Raipur to the fertile plains that surround it. Roti, enjoyed at every meal, stems from the region's wheat production and enduring popularity of unleavened flatbreads.
Beyond cereals, lentils feature prominently in Raipur's cuisine. Locals rely on nutrient-rich lentils to supplement the staple starches. The leafy green vegetable adds simplicity to the food and is also nutritious. The ingredients adds a rustic earthiness to the dish. Each bite of the food connects you to the land and its people. The people of Raipur have a very unique food culture. They eat many traditional foods that are made with rice and other ingredients.
Some of their favourite foods are sweet dishes, leafy greens, tubers, and roots. Even though food habits are changing in modern times, the people of Chhattisgarh still enjoy their traditional foods.
Read and explore all about the tasty food of Raipur.
Chhattisgarhi Dal Bati
Dal bati likely originated hundreds of years ago in the villages of Chhattisgarh. The local farmers and villagers would cook this dish using ingredients that were easily available to them like lentils and wheat. The dish was super easy to hold and take places. It gave people power to keep going all day! This wholesome dish consists of roasted wheat balls called bati that are eaten with spiced lentil curry or dal. The bati is kneaded dough that is rolled into balls and cooked over charcoal giving it a lovely smoky flavour. It is served with aromatic and spicy arhar dal that is tempered with garlic, onions, tomatoes and local spices. This protein-rich combination makes for a satisfying meal.
Image credit: Freepik
Restaurant Recommendations: Maa Annapurna Thali, Jawahar Nagar, Raipur
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200–400 approx.
Kochai Patta Kadhi
The origins of the aromatic Kochai Patta Kadhi recipe can be traced back to the city of Raipur in central India. This dish is a staple in Chhattisgarhi cuisine and a culinary pride of the region. The key ingredient is kochai patta, also known as cassia leaves, which impart a pleasant earthy aroma and subtle sweetness. Traditionally, the leaves are slow-cooked in a yoghurt-based gravy along with besan flour dumplings to yield a velvety curry. Locals often enjoy kadhi with plain rice or rotis. The dish is believed to have healing properties and provides relief during hot summers. Kochai Patta Kadhi is a comforting medley of textures and flavours that connects people in Raipur to their roots. Every bite evokes nostalgia and celebrates the culinary heritage of the city.
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Restaurant Recommendations: Chhattisgarh Kitchen And Vegetable, Changurabhata, Raipur
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200–250 approx.
Kadhi-Chawal
The aromatic kadhi chawal, a mouthwatering medley of tangy yoghurt curry and fluffy rice, is a beloved staple in Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh. This humble yet complex dish likely originated centuries ago in the kitchens of local homes. Locals savour its cooling properties during hot summers. The dish is ubiquitous at festivities, dinner tables, and roadside food stalls alike. For many, a meal is incomplete without a bowl of kadhi chawal, this simple yet extraordinary blend of comfort and heritage. Though the origins may be ancient, its crave-worthy taste endures.
Restaurant Recommendations: Kadhi Chawal, Jawahar Nagar, Raipur
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹100–200 approx.
Madha Phetha
Transport your taste buds to the exotic flavours of Madha Phetha, a mouthwatering dish that hails from Raipur. This vegetarian curry stars fenugreek leaves as the star ingredient, lending a slightly bitter, earthy taste that plays perfectly with the spices. To make this recipe, first gather the aromatic spices - cumin, coriander, garlic, chili, and turmeric. Sauté the spices in oil to release their fragrance. Next, add the fenugreek leaves and let them wilt. Pour in coconut milk and simmer until the flavours meld. Finally, finish with jaggery or sugar to balance the bitterness. With its nutty coconut milk base and pop of spice, Madha Phetha is an exciting way to explore the regional cuisine of Raipur.
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Restaurant Recommendations: Gadh Kalewa, Civil Lines, Raipur
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200–300 approx.
Keema Kebabs
At MG Marg lies a quiet by-lane, home to an exclusive mutton stall that beckons passersby. Behind it stands a man with a great white moustache, who has long perfected delicious mutton lollipops, kebabs and egg fry. Known fondly as 'Kaka's Keema Kebabs', his stall is arguably the most orderly and visually appealing one around. Kaka's passion for food shines through in his meticulous preparation and presentation. His legendary 'Atom Bomb' dish lives up to its spicy name, satiating only the heartiest of appetites. This humble stall offers a mouthwatering mutton experience found nowhere else in the city.
Restaurant Recommendations: Kaka's Keema Kebabs, MG Marg, Raipur
Type: Non-Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200–400 approx.
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Chaat
Breakfast treats of Raipur are a delight to wake up to. Their piping hot jalebis, crispy on the outside and syrupy sweet within, make mornings shine brighter. Pair the jalebis with their samosas or kachoris for a burst of flavours and energy to fuel your day, if you don't mind the calories. As evenings roll around, head back to Netaji Chowk for a Mastana Bhel fix.
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This decades-old bhel stall whips up innovative flavours that will tantalize your tastebuds. Their bhel is a Raipur legend for good reason - it's irresistibly tasty and creatively crafted. With Netaji Chowk's morning and evening snacks, your tastebuds will be dancing in delight.
Restaurant Recommendations: Chaat Bazar, Netaji Chowk, Katora Talab, Civil Lines, Raipur
Type: Non-Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200–300 approx.
