The state in Central India, Chhattisgarh is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations. With fascinating waterfalls and scenic views, the state has a lot to offer in terms of views and attractions. Fortunately, that’s not the only specialty of the state. Famous for its savoury and sweet dishes, Chhattisgarh has some of the best traditional recipes that taste incredibly delicious.
With rice being the staple food, the state offers tons of curries and cuisines that are served with plain rice. Most of the traditional food of Chhattisgarh is inspired by the nearby regions. They offer a great taste and just the right flavours. Below we’ve listed a few interesting and delicious Chhattisgarh-special delicacies that every tourist and local should try at least once. You can either order them on Swiggy or hit a local restaurant to try them.
Here are the best traditional food of Chhattisgarh.
1. Aamat
The Sambar of Chhattisgarh, Aamat is prepared by tossing all the vegetables into oil and cooking them with ginger garlic paste and all the essential spices to add flavour. What sets it apart from a traditional mixed vegetable recipe is the fact that Aamat is cooked in bamboo shoots, which helps retain the original flavour of all the spices while giving it a unique aroma and a fantastic taste.
This cooking method is quite common in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, although the popularity of the dish has encouraged chefs in the cities to serve Aamat at restaurants, except that in cities, Aamat is cooked in modern equipment.
2. Chila
This flat Chapati is made of rice batter and Urad Dal. Chila is enjoyed in different parts of India and is a dish native to Chhattisgarh. It resembles a pancake. You can add onions, coriander leaves, green chilies, and other spices of your choice.
Chila is fried in hot oil and is cooked just like dosa. You can have Chila for breakfast or as an evening snack. If you happen to be in Chhattisgarh, order Chila on Swiggy or visit the nearest restaurant to try this delicious delicacy of Chhattisgarh.
3. Muthia
Another traditional food of Chhattisgarh, Muthia is one of the delicious and savoury dishes that can fill your taste buds with a spicy and tangy flavour. Made of rice flour, sesame seeds, onion, coriander leaves, and a wide range of spices, Muthia is your go-to snack food. The recipe is quite famous in rural areas among the farmers who have Muthia for breakfast.
It’s believed that a few pieces of the dish can keep you full for a long time. The dough made of rice flour is steamed, instead of fried and is offered with different chutneys. Since there’s no oil involved, Muthia is a healthy recipe for diet-conscious foodies.
4. Bhajia
On a romantic, rainy evening, all you need is a plate of Bhajia with green chutney and a cup of tea and you are all set to enjoy the weather with your favourite people. Luckily, if you are in Chhattisgarh, you can enjoy delicious, spicy Bhajias at any time of the day and in just about any season. What makes it different from the regular Bhajias we eat in our hometown is that the ingredients used in the recipe are full of spicy, savoury, and tangy flavours.
It’s mostly prepared with gram flour, but there are multiple variants, each made of different materials and consisting of unique stuffing. For instance, you can have Aloo Bhajia, Mirchi Bhajia, Onion Bhajia, and so on. These are famous Chhattisgarh street foods that are best enjoyed with tea and spicy green chutney. If you are looking for an evening snack, try your favourite Bhajia in Chhattisgarh.
5. Sabudana Ki Khichdi
A popular Indian recipe that’s commonly eaten during the fast, Sabudana Ki Khichdi is famous in Chhattisgarh for the various spices added to the recipe, plus, its incredible taste. It also happens to be the healthiest dish on this list. It’s made of soaked sabudana balls, which are mixed with a whole range of vegetables and spices, rendering the dish a perfect flavour.
You can have it any day you like. It can also be your go-to evening snack, especially if you are a diet-conscious traveller. Order a plate of Sabudana Ki Khichdi in Chhattisgarh and enjoy this nutritious, healthy, and spicy dish at home.
6. Farra
Hailing from Chhattisgarh, Farra is another popular delicacy that resembles momos and is cooked in the same way. The dumplings are made of rice and are filled with Bengal Gram, garlic, cheese, coriander leaves, green chilies, and other ingredients, lending them a unique taste. These ingredients are combined until they are mixed well and stuffed into the rice dough.
The dumplings are steamed and the aroma generated is just too good. The dumplings are then cut into small rectangular pieces. You can have them with green chutney or coconut chutney, whatever you prefer.
7. Til Ke Laddoo
Commonly called Tilgur, Til Ke Laddoo hails from Chhattisgarh but has grown in popularity in different parts of India. These are a combination of sesame seeds, jaggery, and peanuts. All the ingredients are combined and mixed well. These are then shaped into small laddoos. Tilgur is a famous dish of Chhattisgarh and is served on many occasions, including special festivals and weddings. It’s most commonly prepared during Makar Sankranti.
8. Khurma
Also called Sewaiya, Khurma is widely prepared during Eid, but you don’t have to wait for the occasion to try it. Visit any city in Chhattisgarh and hit the nearest restaurant. You will most likely find Khurma on the menu. Made of milk and vermicelli, this sweet delicacy is soft in texture. Roasted vermicelli is added to the milk, which is thickened. Khurma is for all those who have got a sweet tooth and need something irresistible.
9. Dubki Kadi
If you are looking for something healthy and delicious for lunch, try Dubki Kadi in Chhattisgarh. There are many variants of the dish, including Bhindi Kadi and Arbi Kadi, but this one is absolutely delicious. The Kadi is made like usual with curd and all the spices.
Pakodas are made of gram flour and are dipped in the creamy, thick curry. Some restaurants garnish it with red chilies, mint, and coriander. It makes a perfect combination with plain rice.
10. Moong Bara
Although Moong Bara is a famous dish in many states, Chhattisgarh is known for its special style of making this delicious and spicy recipe. It’s made of green grams, which are soaked in water overnight and then ground with spices and coriander leaves to get a thick paste.
These are deep-fried until they turn golden brown and are served with different chutneys, including red and green chutneys. These crispy and crunchy Moong Bara are often cooked in winter and are people’s favourite snack-time recipe. You can have it with a cup of tea and other evening snacks.
Bottom Line
Chhattisgarh never disappoints its tourists and locals in terms of food. With so many spicy and delicious dishes, it sure has a rich culinary heritage. If you are in the mood for trying something local or a dish hailing from the state, consider Chhattisgarh’s traditional food. Order online on Swiggy and enjoy these lovely delicacies.