Chhattisgarh Cuisine: Top 10 Must-Try Dishes Of Chhattisgarh (2024)

Are you a foodie? Do you have a special spot in your heart for rice? If yes, then out of the many states of the country, the Indian state of Chhattisgarh is a great match for you. Rice is such an important staple food among the local people of Chhattisgarh, that the state is even popularly referred to as the ‘Rice Bowl of India’. Chhattisgarh is a state which boasts of producing its staple food in abundance. Talking about the food culture of Chhattisgarh, one can say that the locals of this state are very much fond of a protein-rich food diet. The food of the state is said to be highly influenced and inspired by that of its neighbouring states. If you are wondering which all dishes to try, then we have brought for you 10 must-try dishes of Chhattisgarh. Continue reading to know more!

Chhattisgarh Cuisine: Top 10 Must-Try Dishes Of Chhattisgarh

Below Mentioned are 10 Top Dishes:

1. Muthia

Traditional Chhattisgarh Style Dumplings: If you call yourself a true fan of dumplings and have not yet tasted muthia, then you seriously need to relish this delicacy as soon as possible. Prepared and cooked in the traditional style of the state, these steamed dumplings serve as a delicious breakfast in many rural areas of Chhattisgarh, especially during the winter season. The dish is prepared using the rice batter which is then further seasoned with a plethora of spices and is lastly, beautifully garnished with sesame seeds as well as coriander leaves. Those foodies, who are a bit health conscious will be pleased to know that Muthia is not a fried dish, rather it is steamed.

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Fun fact: This finger-licking delicious dish is a popular part of the vast Gujarati cuisine as a snack but it is also widely loved by the rural people of Chhattisgarh and is relished by them as a breakfast dish.

2. Bhajia

A Crunchy Street Food: Popularly known by the name of Bhajji in the south region, the dish is immensely loved by the local people of Chhattisgarh as street food. Bhajia is available mainly in three different types which are Mirchi Bhajia, Onion Bhajia, and Aloo Bhajia. As you can assume from the name, while the first one is made using chilies, the second one is made up of onions and the last one is prepared with potato. The fact which makes the Bhajia of Chhattisgarh so popular among people is because the dish balances and blends the spices and aroma perfectly. For the best taste and experience, relish this Bhajia along with spicy green chutney while sipping in from a cup of hot tea.

 

Fun fact: While Bhajia is pretty much similar to Bhajji (the Southern variant of the dish) but both of these dishes vary in terms of their few ingredients. For instance, while one is made up of cornflour, the other one is cooked using gram flour. Despite these differences, the similarity is that both of them include ingredients that serve as a treat for your taste buds.

3. Aamat

The Delicious Chhattisgarh Sambhar: Also known by the name of Chhattisgarh Sambhar, Aamat is extremely loved by the local people of Bastar region of the state as sambhar. This unique delicacy of Chhattisgarh is prepared using mixed vegetables which is further cooked along with various spices and garlic paste in order to enhance the flavor of the dish. When talking about the traditional way of cooking, then the dish is prepared using bamboo shoots. This traditional way of cooking Aamat is still common in many remote areas of Bastar region in Chhattisgarh. This dish is undeniably one of the most unique dishes to try in Chhattisgarh.
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Fun fact: Using bamboo while cooking Aamat in the traditional way, helps in retaining the flavor of the ingredients and at the same time also add a pleasant aroma to the plate.

4. Sabudana ki Khichdi

A healthy delight: For all those foodies who are keeping a check on their health and are looking for some healthy delicacies, then Sabudana ki Khichdi is one of the must-try dishes in Chhattisgarh for you. The love for this dish is not just limited to Chhattisgarh but is eaten all over the country. The dish is prepared using soaked Sabudana balls. To enhance the flavor, taste, as well as aroma of the dish, assorted vegetables, and spices, are added to the plate. For the best taste, you can also consider adding onions and peanuts to the dish.
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Fun fact: This great delicacy is usually eaten fondly, especially during the time of fast but if you include it in your daily routine, it will be great for both your health as well as taste buds.

5. Faraa/Pharaa

The Desi Styled Momos: If you are on your Chhattisgarh vacation and are suddenly craving some momos, then Faraa is one of the best dishes to try out of Chhattisgarh cuisine. This dish is basically a desi version of your regular momos perfect to satisfy your taste. With rice being the main ingredient, the dish is made in the form of a dumpling. A soft dough of rice is kneaded, which is further seasoned with minimum spices and coriander leaves. Once this is done, the dumpling is then steamed for about 10 to 15 minutes to turn it into a light, healthy and yummy snack.

Fun fact: The dish is best served hot with spicy chili sauce or aloo gobi ki khurma and ghee.

6. Tilgur

Perfect To Satisfy A Sweet Tooth: Also known by the name of Til Ke Ladoo, Til ghur is one sweet which is now fondly eaten all over the country but you will be surprised to know that the dish actually finds its origin in the state of Chhattisgarh. This famous sweet of Chhattisgarh is prepared by roasting sesame seeds and then mixing it with peanuts and jaggery. The batter is then mixed very well and then is finally shaped in the form of Ladoos. Til Ke Laddo are one of the must-served dishes in the state, especially during a special occasion or festival including Makar Sakranti.
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Fun fact: While the dish is quite healthy in itself, but if you are looking for something even healthier, then there are several alternatives in the same available.

7. Dubki Kadi

A Yummy Delicious Of Chhattisgarh Cuisine: Dubki kadi is one of the top dishes of Chattisgarh. This is basically a pulse-like dish which is cooked mainly using two ingredients- curd and besan or gram flour. Best complemented with the tangy curry of curd and plethora of spices, the dish is considered incomplete without adding the yummy and crispy pakodas made up of gram flour. The taste of the dish will stay with you for a long.

Fun fact: Dubki kadi is just the tip of the iceberg. There are several other variants of the dishes available in the state which are equally mouth-watering including Arbi Kadi, Bhindi Kadi, and so on.

8. Bara

A Significant Dish In Every Chhattisgarh Festival: A unique variant of the usual vada which is fondly eaten in Southern India, Bara is a delicious snack of Chhattisgarh. This is one light snack prepared using lentils or fermented Urad millets. A plethora of spices and various vegetables are further added along with the fermented lentils to provide the dish its perfect taste. Since the dish is cooked using minimum oil, it makes it one super light and healthiest snacks in the state. The dish is best served with sweet and tangy tamarind chutney or tomato chutney.
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Fun fact: This dish serves as one of the significant dishes during the festivals and village fairs of Chhattisgarh. Other than that, it is an important tradition in the Bastar region to serve Bara to the guests during a marriage ceremony.

9. Hatphodva

Chhattisgarh Idli: You may have eaten Idli across the country, but the Chhattisgarh idli is a completely unique experience. Usually prepared using rice batter, the dish is often cooked in the steam of an earthen pan. The main reason people love Hatphodva is that it is healthy and extremely delicious. The dish is mostly available in two contrasting flavors- salty and sweet.
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Fun fact: For the best experience, the dish is served along with milk or any chutney depending upon the flavor of the dish you are having.

10. Bafauri

Healthy Steamed Pakoras: This is another perfectly healthy and lip-smacking alternative to those oily pakoras which are a favorite snack of every Indian irrespective of their state. Prepared using Channa dal flour, it is nicely cooked along with a variety of spices and vegetables. Then the dough is shaped in the form of small balls and is steamed well.
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Fun fact: Since the dish is cooked without adding oil, it is actually the perfect healthy snack to relish.

Comprising of mouth – water meal dishes and crispy snacks, the Chhattisgarh cuisine is definitely worth trying.

FAQ’s

Q1. What Are Some Of The Top Staple Diet Ingredients of Chhattisgarh?

Ans. Some of the popular staple diet ingredients preferred in the territory apart from rice include maize, jawar, bajra, and wheat.

Q2. What is the Best Time To Visit Chhattisgarh?

Ans. For the best sightseeing experience, visit the state in between the months of November and February.

Q3. Which Are The Top Sweets To Try In Chhattisgarh?

Ans. Some popular sweet dishes of the state include Jalebi, Khurma, Til Ke Ladoo, Petha, and so on.