Top 10 Foods to Try in Katihar

Katihar

Katihar, a culturally rich town of Bihar, offers simple, authentic, and deeply satisfying food rooted in local traditions. This guide covers the must-try foods, how they taste, when locals eat them, and why they matter—so a new visitor won’t need to look anywhere else.


1. Sattu Paratha

  • A paratha stuffed with roasted gram flour mixed with onion, green chilli, coriander, lemon, and mustard oil. Usually served with curd or pickle.
  • Best time to eat: Breakfast or brunch
  • Why try it: High-protein, filling, and distinctly local.

2. Litti Chokha

  • Litti is a wheat ball stuffed with roasted gram flour, spices, garlic, and mustard oil, traditionally roasted over coal or wood fire for a smoky flavor.
  • Chokha is a mash of roasted brinjal, tomato, potato, green chilli, and mustard oil.
  • Best time to eat: Lunch or dinner
  • Why try it: The most authentic and iconic taste of Bihar.

3. Katihar-Style Biryani

  • Katihar biryani is lighter than Mughlai versions, mildly spiced, and aromatic. It uses local rice varieties and tender chicken or mutton with minimal oil.
  • Best time to eat: Afternoon meal
  • Why try it: Balanced flavors that suit most palates.

4. Ghugni Chaat

  • Made from boiled yellow peas cooked with ginger and spices, topped with onion, green chilli, lemon juice, and coriander.
  • Best time to eat: Evening snack
  • Why try it: Light, spicy, and a popular street food.

5. Thekua

  • A traditional sweet snack made from wheat flour, jaggery, ghee, and coconut, deep-fried until crisp.
  • Best time to eat: Anytime
  • Why try it: Long-lasting, crunchy, and festival-famous.

6. Malpua (Bihari Style)

  • Soft pancakes prepared with flour, milk, jaggery or sugar, and fennel seeds, fried in ghee or oil.
  • Best time to eat: Evening or as dessert
  • Why try it: Rich taste without being overly sweet.

7. Local Vegetable Curry with Rice

  • Seasonal vegetables cooked in simple mustard-based gravy, served with plain rice and dal.
  • Best time to eat: Lunch
  • Why try it: Comfort food that reflects everyday Katihar meals.

8. Khaja

  • A layered, crispy sweet made from refined flour and soaked lightly in sugar syrup. Katihar-style khaja is less sugary and more crunchy.
  • Best time to eat: Tea time
  • Why try it: A classic local sweet with a satisfying texture.

9. Jalebi with Rabri

  • Freshly fried jalebis served with thick rabri made from slow-boiled milk. Commonly eaten in the morning.
  • Best time to eat: Early morning
  • Why try it: A timeless combination loved by locals.


10. Chura Dahi

  • Flattened rice mixed with fresh curd, sugar or jaggery, sometimes served with banana. A common summer and festival dish.
  • Best time to eat: Breakfast or midday
  • Why try it: Cooling, light, and nutritious.

Helpful Food Tips for Visitors

  • Spice level is usually medium, and vendors can reduce chilli on request.
  • The railway area, local markets, and evening street stalls are popular food zones.
  • Vegetarian options are widely available across the town.
  • For hygiene, prefer busy stalls and shops frequented by locals.

Final Words

Katihar’s food is simple, filling, and rooted in tradition. It focuses on real flavors rather than presentation. Trying these ten dishes will give you a complete local food experience of the city.