Chhattisgarh, a state located in the heart of India, is not only known for its rich culture and vibrant traditions but also for its mouthwatering and unique cuisine.
In this article, We will explore some of the most famous Famous food of Chhattisgarh and delve into the essence of Chhattisgarhi cuisine.
Must Try Famous food of Chhattisgarh
Rice is a widely used grain in the State. It is a Staple food of Chhattisgarh. In Chhattisgarh food, you will find sweet dishes based on Rice. Chhattisgarh is the largest producer of rice in the country. The state is also known as the Rice Bowl of India’
1. Muthia- Local Snacks of Chhattisgarh
“Muthia is a popular snack in the list of famous foods of Chhattisgarh. It is prepared with rice batter and cooked through steaming. Sesame seeds and coriander are used to garnish this delicious dish, making it visually appealing. Muthia is a popular breakfast choice and is also commonly enjoyed during tea time.”
2. Aamat- A sour dish of Chhattisgarh
Aamat is a vegetable curry prepared using a mix of vegetables and spices. This traditional dish from Chhattisgarh also incorporates bamboo shoots, adding a unique and distinct flavour. In some ways, it can be likened to a “Sambar” of the region, but the use of bamboo sets it apart, giving it its own special identity.
3. Chila
“It is a traditional food of Chhattisgarh. Chila is a flatbread prepared with rice and Urad dal. This delightful dish holds immense popularity in Chhattisgarh and is commonly served during breakfast. Its easy preparation and light texture make it an amazing breakfast option. Chila is usually enjoyed with chutney or pickles, adding a burst of flavours to the meal.”
4. Bara- Famous Street food of Chhattisgarh
“Bara is a Chhattisgarhi Vada, prepared with fermented Urad lentils. It is enhanced with various spices and vegetables to elevate its taste. This mouth-watering dish is fried with a little amount of oil, giving it a crispy texture. Bara’s delectable flavours have made it famous all over Chhattisgarh, becoming a beloved snack among locals and visitors alike.”
5. Dubki Kadi – Tangy Curry dish of Chhattisgarh
“You can find a variety of Chhattisgarh food, and among the amazing curry dishes is the famous “Dubki.” Dubki refers to pakoras prepared with gram flour, which are added into a spicy and tangy curry made with curd and spices. I highly recommend everyone to try this traditional and flavoursome food of Chhattisgarh, as it promises a delightful culinary experience.”
6. Dal Pithi
‘When it comes to healthy dishes from Chhattisgarh, Dal Pithi stands out as a nutritious option. Pithis are small rounds of flour dough, which are added to the dal and cooked together. This dish is not only extremely healthy but also offers a simple recipe that is easy and quick to cook. Packed with protein, Dal Pithi makes for a delicious and wholesome meal choice, showcasing the goodness of Chhattisgarhi cuisine.”
7. Bafauri
Bafauri is a tasty and healthy traditional food of Chhattisgarh. If you are health-conscious and looking for oil-free dishes, this one is perfect for you. Made with vegetables and Chana dal, this steamed cooked dish is not only extremely healthy but also delicious.
Embracing the goodness of nutritious ingredients, Bafauri offers a delightful culinary experience that will satisfy both your taste buds and your health-conscious choices.
8. Idhar- Traditional food of Chhattisgarh
In the list of famous foods from Chhattisgarh, Idhar holds the top position. This delectable dish is made with Urad Dal and the leaves of Colocasia. Known for its rich and flavorful gravy, Idhar is especially popular during festivals and special occasions.
The preparation involves wrapping Urad dal paste in Colocasia leaves, which are then steamed and fried to perfection. Served with hot rice, this thick and luscious gravy dish boasts a most delicious and distinct taste, making it a true culinary delight in Chhattisgarh’s cuisine.
9. Sabudana Khichdi
Khichdi means “mixture,” and Sabudana refers to tapioca pearls. This dish is prepared by soaking Sabudana in water and then cooking it with potatoes and various spices. It stands out as one of the healthiest dishes available. It is particularly popular during holy fasts in the Hindu community across the entire country, and it can be served as a breakfast or snack option.
Sabudana offers several benefits, including:
High-calorie and high-carb food source.
Gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Rich in dietary fibre, promoting good digestive health.
With its nutritional advantages and delicious taste, Sabudana Khichdi has become a beloved and wholesome choice for many people, not only during fasts but also as a nutritious addition to their regular meals.
10. Bhajia/ Bhajji -Street food of Chhattigarh
A list of famous food in Chhattisgarh is incomplete without Bhajia or Bhajji. It is made of Gram flour. It is a deep-fried dish. Various variants you can find in Bhajia like onion bhajia, Chilli Bhajia, Brinjal Bhajia Aloo Bhajia. The main ingredient is dipped into gram flour paste & deep-fried into the oil. It gives an amazing spicy taste with chilli & Tea. This famous dish is the popular street food of Chhattisgarh.
11. Khurma
Khurma is a popular snack made by frying wheat flour and coating it with sugar, resulting in a sweet and delicious treat. This dish is particularly favored during festivals, and it shares similarities with Shakkar para, a famous dish from Punjab. Not only popular in Chhattisgarh, but Khurma is also well-loved in states like Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and others. Its delectable taste and festive association make it a beloved choice among snack enthusiasts across different regions.
12. Tasmai
“Tasmai is another famous sweet dish from Chhattisgarh. It is essentially kheer made with rice, where the rice and milk are cooked together to create a delightful rice pudding. This sweet and thick-textured dish is commonly served as a dessert, making it a popular choice among those with a sweet tooth in Chhattisgarh.”
13. Papchi
“Papchi is a famous dish from Chhattisgarh, made with wheat flour. The dough is shaped into round disks and then fried until golden-brown. After frying, it is coated with sugar, though jaggery can also be used as an alternative sweetener. The cuisine of Chhattisgarh is known for its simplicity and delightful flavors, making Papchi a beloved and delicious treat enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.”
14. Chutney of Red Aunt- Peculiar food of chhattisgarh
Yes, it may sound peculiar in India, but it is indeed true. In the Bastar district, a Tribal area of Chhattisgarh, “Red Aunt Chutney” holds significant fame. This unusual chutney is prepared using red ants and their eggs, locally known as “Chapda.” Surprisingly, it has gained popularity, especially among the Dhuruva Tribe community.
The dish gained even more recognition when the renowned international celebrity chef, Gordon Ramsay, personally visited the area and tasted it. Impressed by its unique flavours, he even added it to his restaurant menu. Undoubtedly, Red Aunt Chutney stands out as one of the most distinctive and unusual delicacies consumed in Chhattisgarh.
15. Chousela
Chousela is another most famous Traditional food of Chhattisgarh. It is a Puri made with Rice flour. Generally prepared with the new paddy. It does not require much effort to make it. It hardens when cooled. Therefore, it is mostly served hot.
16. Alloo Gunda- Famous Street food of Chhattisgarh
Alloo Gunda is famous street food in Chhattisgarh, and it bears similarities to vatata bada. This delectable dish is prepared with boiled potatoes. Once the potatoes are boiled, they are mashed, and medium-sized balls are formed by adding a dash of spices and salt.
These potato balls are then coated in a gram flour batter and deep-fried until they turn crispy and golden-brown. To enhance the flavor, Alloo Gunda is served with a variety of chutneys and deep-fried chillies. Undoubtedly, this dish has earned its fame as one of the must-try delicacies in the rich culinary landscape of Chhattisgarh.
17. Bore Baasi
“Bore Basi is a simple yet popular Chhattisgarh food, especially among people engaged in physical work. It involves soaking rice in water overnight, and the next morning, it is consumed for breakfast.
This dish is commonly enjoyed with a side of chilli, pickle, or onion, adding to its delightful taste. Notably, Bore Basi is also popular in the regions of Odisha and Bengal, besides being a famous dish in the rural areas of Chhattisgarh.”.
18. Suran ki Sabji/ Jimikand ki kadhi
One of the famous foods of Chhattisgarh is Suran ki sabzi, also known as Jimikand. Suran, a highly popular vegetable in the state, is an integral part of Chhattisgarhi cuisine. It is particularly favored during the Diwali Festival, adding to the festive flavors.
To prepare this authentic Chhattisgarhi dish, boiled Suran is cut into small pieces and deep-fried until crisp in oil. Then, it is seasoned with mango powder and various spices, creating a burst of flavours. Served hot with rice, Suran ki sabzi is a delightful addition to any meal, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of Chhattisgarh.
List of Famous Sweet Dishes of Chhattisgarh
19. Arsa- Sweet dish of chhattisgarh
Arsa is one of the famous sweets from Chhattisgarh, and it is particularly enjoyed during the Holi festival, adding to the festive celebrations.
To prepare Arsa, rice is soaked in water for a day, allowing it to soften. The soaked rice is then mixed with jaggery to create a dough. This dough is carefully cooked over a gentle flame, resulting in a delightful and sweet delicacy loved by many during the festive season. Arsa’s unique taste and cultural significance make it a cherished sweet in Chhattisgarh’s culinary tradition.
20. Til Gud
Til Gud Famous dish of Chhatisgarh. Mostly consumed during winter season & Makar Sankranti. Til is actually a sesame seed. Til Gud is also called Till Ke Laddu. Famous sweet dish among all age a group. It is a famous dish of Chhattisgarh.
21. Kusli / Gujhhiya
Kusli is a Popular sweet dish in Chhattisgarh. A sweet dish very Popular on Holi. The dish is Made with White flour, ghee & Sooji. Its dough is Prepared with white flour & Ghee. The filling of the dish is done with Suji, raisins & Dry fruits. The stuffed dough is then fried in ghee. it is Served hot.
22. Lavang Latika
Lavang Latika is the famous sweet dish of Chhattisgarh. This delightful treat is a stuffed delicacy that is deep-fried to perfection and then soaked in sweet sugar syrup.
It enjoys immense popularity during all festivals, becoming a beloved choice among locals and visitors alike. With its delectable taste and association with festive celebrations, Lavang Latika has secured a special place in Chhattisgarh’s rich culinary heritage.
23. Dehrori : Sweet dish of Chhattisgarh
Dehrori is another popular sweet dish from Chhattisgarh. This delectable treat is made using rice as its main ingredient. The process begins by soaking the rice, followed by grinding it into a smooth paste and marinating it with curd.
The marinated mixture is then used to prepare the dough. The dough is fried until golden brown and then dipped into a sweet sugar syrup, adding a burst of sweetness to the dish.
Dehroriholds a special place as a traditional and cherished food of Chhattisgarh, celebrated for its unique taste and cultural significance.
24. Batkar Kadhi /Masoor Dal Ki Kadhi
Masoor dal ki kadhi is a staple food of Chhattisgarh, also known as Batkar kadhi. To make this dish, masoor dal is soaked overnight and then cooked with curd and spices. The result is a flavorful and creamy kadhi that pairs perfectly with hot rice.
This traditional Chhattisgarhi dish holds a special place in the hearts of locals, offering a delicious and comforting meal option that is enjoyed by many.
FAQ
It is Chutney prepared with Red aunt. You can also call it a red aunt chutney. It is the tribal food of Chhattisgarh.
The local alcoholic drinks of Chhattisgarh are” Handia” and “Mahua”.
Famous street foods of Chhattisgarh are Poha & Jalebi, Bhajiya, Samosa, and chutney, Chat, PakodasMoong Vada & Cheela, Faluda, Paav Bhaji, Dabeli, kachori, Dosam Momos, Chicken shawarma, Mirchi Bhajji, Aloo Gunda etc.
Read More:
The food of Chhattisgarh has the influence of Odissa, Jharkhand, U.P., and MP Cuisine. Chhattisgarh food Include many leafy vegetables like bohar bhaji, Kanda bhaji, cholai bhaji, chech bhaji, kheksi, Kochai Patta.
Source
- Red Ant Chutney- Atlas Obscura
- Chhattisgarh food
- Chhattisgarh Cuisine