Top 10 Food to Try in Siwan

Siwan
Posted on | by Anuj

Siwan, located in the state of Bihar, India, is a city with a rich culture and a variety of traditional foods that reflect its local cuisine. If you’re planning to visit Siwan and want to explore its food scene, here is a detailed list of the top 10 foods to try, along with descriptions and why they are a must-try for every visitor:

1. Chana Ghugni

  • What it is: A spicy and tangy chickpea curry, Ghugni is typically served with bread or rice. It’s prepared with boiled chickpeas cooked in a tangy sauce made of onions, tomatoes, and spices.
  • Why try it: Ghugni is a great option for vegetarians. It’s flavorful, filling, and the spices used in its preparation provide a delicious kick.
  • Where to find it: Often served as a street food, you can find this in local markets and eateries across Siwan.

2. Sattu Paratha

  • What it is: Sattu Paratha is a stuffed flatbread made with sattu, spices, and sometimes onions. It’s rolled and cooked on a griddle, creating a crispy, savory delight.
  • Why try it: This nutritious and energy-packed food is a great choice for breakfast or as a snack. It’s a popular food item in Siwan and throughout Bihar, known for its filling and refreshing taste.
  • Where to find it: Most local eateries and dhabas (roadside restaurants) in Siwan.

3. Litti Chokha

  • What it is: A traditional dish of Bihar, Litti Chokha is made with roasted wheat flour balls stuffed with sattu (roasted gram flour) and served with chokha, which is mashed vegetables (typically eggplant, tomatoes, and potatoes) mixed with mustard oil, garlic, and green chilies.
  • Why try it: Litti Chokha is the quintessential Bihari dish and a must-try for anyone visiting the region. It’s hearty, flavorful, and represents the local culture beautifully.
  • Where to find it: Available at roadside eateries and local markets, especially during festivals and local events.

4. Bihari Kebab

  • What it is: Bihari Kebab is a variety of skewered meat marinated with spices and then grilled or roasted to perfection. It’s made from mutton, chicken, or beef, and served with green chutney and onions.
  • Why try it: This flavorful, tender kebab reflects the rich history of Mughal and Bihari cuisine, offering a perfect balance of spices and smoky flavors.
  • Where to find it: Local kebab shops or restaurants specializing in non-vegetarian dishes.

5. Thekua

  • What it is: Thekua is a traditional sweet made from wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee, deep-fried into small, crispy discs. It’s usually enjoyed during festivals like Chhath Puja.
  • Why try it: Thekua is not just a sweet treat, but an integral part of Bihari culture. Its crunchy texture and the sweetness of jaggery make it irresistible.
  • Where to find it: Commonly found in sweet shops and local markets, especially around festival times.

6. Mithila Paan

  • What it is: Mithila Paan is a special type of betel leaf preparation found in the Mithila region of Bihar. It is stuffed with a mix of ingredients like sweet fillings, spices, and sometimes slaked lime.
  • Why try it: A traditional after-meal snack, Mithila Paan offers a unique flavor combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy. It’s a must-try for those who want to explore Bihari customs.
  • Where to find it: Available at local paan shops across Siwan.

7. Khaja

  • What it is: Khaja is a sweet dish made of thin layers of dough, fried and dipped in sugar syrup. It’s crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and has a rich sugary flavor.
  • Why try it: Khaja is another traditional sweet from Bihar, often enjoyed during special occasions. Its sweet and crispy texture makes it a delightful treat.
  • Where to find it: Found in sweet shops and local food vendors throughout Siwan.

8. Aloo Kachalu

  • What it is: Aloo Kachalu is a popular snack in Bihar, consisting of boiled potatoes and colocasia (arbi) served with a spicy chutney made from mustard oil, cumin, and other spices.
  • Why try it: The tangy and spicy flavor combination makes it an excellent street food, perfect for quick bites.
  • Where to find it: Street vendors and small eateries in Siwan.

9. Dahi Sattu

  • What it is: Dahi Sattu is a cooling and nutritious dish made from sattu and yogurt, mixed with spices and herbs like cumin, coriander, and black salt.
  • Why try it: This dish is perfect for the hot summer months, providing a refreshing and healthy option. It’s also light on the stomach while being filling.
  • Where to find it: Found in most local homes and restaurants that serve traditional Bihari meals.

10. Pakhala Bhata

  • What it is: Though originally from Odisha, Pakhala Bhata (fermented rice) has also become a staple in Bihar. It consists of rice soaked in water, fermented, and served with fried fish or vegetables.
  • Why try it: A perfect dish for cooling down during the summer, Pakhala Bhata offers a fresh, sour flavor and is often paired with various side dishes.
  • Where to find it: While more common in Odisha, it’s available in some local eateries in Siwan.

Additional Tips for Food Lovers in Siwan:

  • Street Food: Siwan is rich in street food culture. Don’t miss out on pani puri (golgappa), samosas, and chole-bhature, which are available at various roadside stalls.
  • Famous Local Restaurants: Look for local food joints like Hotel Raj Mandir or Bihar Bhojan for an authentic Bihari food experience.
  • Try during Festivals: Bihari cuisine shines during festivals like Chhath Puja, Makar Sankranti, and Tihar, where traditional dishes like Thekua, Sattu preparations, and Litti Chokha are especially prevalent.

Siwan is a food lover’s paradise, where you can indulge in both sweet and savory treats that capture the essence of Bihar’s culinary traditions. Whether you’re visiting the city for a short time or staying longer, make sure to try these 10 must-eat dishes to experience the local flavors in their fullest form.

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