
Motihari, a city in Bihar, India, offers a delightful mix of traditional Indian flavors with a unique local twist. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or a tourist looking to indulge in authentic flavors, here’s a comprehensive guide to the Top 10 Foods to Try in Motihari. This list will ensure that you experience the best of the city’s culinary offerings!
1. Macher Jhol (Fish Curry)
For seafood lovers, Macher Jhol, a traditional Bihari fish curry, is a must-try. Made with fresh fish, tomatoes, and a mix of spices, this curry is typically served with rice. The combination of flavors from mustard oil and freshly ground spices makes this dish a delicacy.
Best place to try: Local restaurants near water bodies or seafood-specialty joints.
2. Sattu Paratha
Sattu, made from roasted gram flour, is a staple in Bihar. Sattu Paratha is a filling paratha made with a stuffing of sattu, seasoned with spices and herbs, and then cooked on a tawa. It’s typically served with chutney or yogurt.
Best place to try: Breakfast stalls and local eateries.
3. Chana Ghugni
This is a spicy and tangy dish made from boiled chickpeas, seasoned with a blend of spices, mustard oil, and garnished with onions and chilies. Chana Ghugni is often eaten as a snack and pairs well with rice or puri.
Best place to try: Street food stalls or small local restaurants.
4. Litti Chokha
A famous dish from Bihar, Litti Chokha is a traditional and hearty meal. Litti is a round wheat flour dough ball stuffed with roasted gram flour and spices, baked on open flames. It is typically served with chokha, which is a mashed mix of roasted vegetables like brinjal, tomato, and potatoes. The spicy and smoky flavor of Litti Chokha is an absolute must-try.
Best place to try: Local street vendors and traditional Bihari restaurants in Motihari.
5. Kadhi-Badi
Kadhi-Badi is a popular dish in Bihar, consisting of gram flour dumplings (badi) soaked in a spicy yogurt-based gravy (kadhi). The dish is typically served with rice and is known for its tangy, creamy flavor.
Best place to try: Traditional Bihari restaurants.
6. Thekua
Thekua is a traditional Bihari sweet that is crispy, dry, and packed with flavors of coconut, jaggery, and cardamom. This sweet is typically made during festivals like Chhath and is enjoyed with tea.
Best place to try: Sweet shops and local vendors.
7. Lassi
A classic drink in Bihar, Lassi is a yogurt-based beverage that is sweet and refreshing. It can be served plain or flavored with fruit, and often garnished with nuts and spices. It’s the perfect drink to cool off on a hot day.
Best place to try: Street vendors and local milk shops.
8. Chhath Paratha
This special type of paratha is made during the Chhath festival in Bihar. It is a deep-fried bread, often served with vegetables or simple achar (pickle). The unique flavor comes from the use of mustard oil and the fried dough.
Best place to try: Special festivals like Chhath or local markets during the festival season.
9. Mithila Thali
For those who want to experience a complete Bihari meal, the Mithila Thali is a traditional platter that offers a variety of dishes from the region, including dal, rice, sabzi, roti, achar, and sweets. This is a great option to sample multiple local flavors in one sitting.
Best place to try: Traditional Bihari restaurants or Mithila-style eateries in Motihari.

10. Dahi-Phulki
A light, refreshing snack, Dahi-Phulki consists of small fried dough balls soaked in spiced yogurt and garnished with various chutneys. It’s tangy, spicy, and perfect for hot summer days.
Best place to try: Street vendors during evening hours.
Conclusion
Motihari’s food culture is a delightful blend of traditional Bihari flavors and unique local ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal, a sweet treat, or a refreshing drink, Motihari offers a range of options for all tastes. Make sure to try these 10 must-have foods to experience the true essence of this charming city.
I am a travel writer and regional storyteller dedicated to documenting the culture, heritage, daily life, and travel experiences of Bihar. Through Mera Apna Bihar, I share local insights, real travel stories, and on-ground experiences that highlight the true spirit of Bihar for readers, travelers, and culture enthusiasts.
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