The traditional food of Jharkhand promises several hidden delights for those who are foodies and love tasting earthy cuisine. Jharkhand is one of India’s biggest treasure troves of tasty and appealing recipes and the cuisine of the state has similarities with Bihar, the neighboring state. A common meal in any Jharkhandi household is usually rice, Sabzi, Roti, and Achar, while there are several other delicious items that you should not miss trying on your visit to the state.
Top Traditional Food of Jharkhand
When it comes to consuming the traditional food of Jharkhand, here are some delicacies that you should definitely try.
1. Litti Chokha
Litti Chokha is one of the most famous items that you should try in Jharkhand. It is also hugely popular in the neighboring state of Bihar. A sumptuous vegetarian meal, it combines the Litti with Alu Bharta or Baigan Bharta (Chokha). Have it with Papad and Yogurt for a fabulous experience with a mix of delectable flavors.
2. Pitha
Pittha is a famous dish in several states of India like Odisha and West Bengal and it is the same in Jharkhand. You will love the amazing dish with its traditional flavors which is slightly different in Jharkhand as compared to many other regions.
3. Handia
Handia is a local traditional food of Jharkhand that you should definitely not miss! This is a local brew or rice beer which is a hit in the local community here. The Ranu tablet is a core ingredient for its preparation, containing several herbs. This fuses with the boiled rice and a fermentation process takes place accordingly. The beverage will be ready in just a week and the alcohol content is comparatively lower than many other country liquor brands.
4. Rugra
You should taste the delicious Rugra vegetarian dish that has a taste similar to mushrooms. It is a local vegetable that contains minerals and protein along with offering the right blend of taste and health. You will find this dish readily available throughout Jharkhand, especially during the monsoon. The locals prefer this dish during festivals as well.
5. Chilka Roti
Chilka Roti is another Jharkhandi specialty that draws inspiration from the neighboring state of Bihar. Both these states were once part of the same region and rice is one of the biggest staples here. Besan and rice flour are the main ingredients for this item which is a festive season treat. People here have it with the distinct Chana Daal Chutney and it is quite like the Dosa made in South India, although with a unique flavor and taste of its own.
6. Malpua
Malpua or a desi-style pancake is a popular item in Jharkhand for Holi and many other festivals. Locals here are fond of this dish and multiple versions are also available throughout the country. Yet, the Jharkhand version is truly unique, to say the least. Don’t miss having the traditional version that is a hit in Ranchi. It makes use of ripe bananas along with flour and condensed milk. Deep-frying is the key method of preparing this mixture and medium-sized pancakes ultimately result from the process. Several eateries in Ranchi also make use of multiple flavors like pineapple and mango. Sugar syrup is the final ingredient for dipping the Malpua.
7. Bamboo Shoots
Bamboo shoots are staples in Jharkhand and are delicious, to say the least. The shoots have a tough exterior texture while the flavor is sweet and unique. Locals make several items using bamboo shoots and it is majorly a vegetarian meal that they prefer consuming regularly. The flavors are simply amazing, while it is also a healthy preparation in most cases. Mustard seeds and garlic are the key ingredients that go into the making of this fabulous dish.
8. Thekua
Thekua is another dish that continues to be a popular dish in Jharkhand even after separating from Bihar. It is a fabulously delicious and sweet snack item that has been popular in the region since ancient times and is also a Prasad offering during the famous Chatth Puja. Key ingredients for this dish include wheat flour and sugar or jaggery. Wheat flour goes through a long deep-frying process and the cooking has to be done on a low to medium flame. The signature attribute of the item is its crumbly and crunchy texture. It is an irresistible traditional food of Jharkhand that you should definitely try with a cup of hot tea.
9. Aloo Chokha
Aloo Chokha is a staple dish in Northern India. It also has a signature version that is available in Jharkhand where the main ingredients use spices, mashed potatoes, and fried onions. This meal offers a burst of delightful flavors and you can have it with either Roti or rice for dinner or lunch.
10. Dhuska
Dhuska is another hugely popular dish in Jharkhand. The dish is a popular breakfast meal and uses ingredients like lentil batter and rice. The former also goes through an intensive frying process, while you can have the dish with Ghugni or a simple black chickpea curry. You should not miss trying the Dhuska and Ghugni combination for a sumptuous experience.
11. Til Barfi
This traditional food of Jharkhand is a yummy and tempting dessert that the locals make during festivals like Makar Sankranti. The state is hugely fond of this nutritious and tasty delight which you will not be able to resist!
12. Mitha Khaja
Mitha Khaja is another dessert that is hugely famous in Jharkhand. It trumps even the other favorites like Gujia, Kheer, Halwa, and others. Almost every house in the state makes this dish and it is a treat given to relatives and friends on every occasion. If you are visiting Jharkhand during the festival of Diwali, don’t miss trying this delightful sweet. For those with a sweet tooth, it is a must-have!
13. Chhana or Atom Bombs
Chhana is a popular dish in Jharkhand, including regions like Kuru and others. The local name for the preparation is atom bombs due to the massive size of the Chhana that uses curdled milk with sour substances. The traditional recipe goes back several decades and is hugely popular among locals and tourists alike.
14. Raiwali Bhindi
Raiwali Bhindi is a flavorful and sumptuous meal which involves cooking Okra with mustard powder (freshly ground). Amchur or dry mango powder is another key ingredients and the end-result is a tasty and flavorful item that you will definitely enjoy trying! Have it with hot rice and Kulthi Daal for an amazing lunch or dinner when you are in the state.
15. Kulthi Daal
Kulthi Daal is a traditional food of Jharkhand that is essentially Horsegram lentils. The preparation method involves soaking the lentils throughout the night and then cooking it after removing the outer skin (varies as per the household or eatery). You will love the wholesome and appealing taste of this dish. It is a must-have with Roti or rice if you are in Jharkhand.
16. Dehati Chicken
Dehati Chicken is one traditional food of Jharkhand that gives you a taste of the delicious flavors of the state’s villages and interiors. It is a curry that you can have with Roti or rice and uses whole green chillies, red chillies, and chilli powder for a fabulously spicy taste!
17. Dudhori
Dudhori is a traditional food of Jharkhand that people usually consume during festivals like Durga Puja. It is a staple item in the whole Navratra season and stands out for its delicious flavors. It is basically Gulab Jamun in a desi style with milk, rice, and sugar syrup.
18. Goda-Chawal
Sonachur rice from the Simdega region goes into the making of the flavorful and hit dish Goda-Chawal. It is healthy and nutritious while there is a lower glycemic index at the same time. Most villagers also consume it before they start working in the fields.
19. Hara Mutton
Hara or green mutton is a famous Khunti specialty which has a unique style of cooking. The goats forage on grass and eventually have a black and glossy coat which has a greenish tinge when you look at it under sunlight. The dish is also made with Charboda or the small intestine that wraps around the rib cage.
20. Balushahi
Balushahi is another local traditional food of Jharkhand that is also available in many other states. There are several versions of the dish, with one containing a lovely custard with basil leaves, rose syrup flavors, and other herbs. It is subtle yet appealing, while being a staple delight for sweet lovers.
21. Arsa Roti or Anarsa
Arsa Roti or Anarsa is one festive treat that you will greatly enjoy consuming. Consuming it is a must for various festivals like Diwali and Holi, with the main ingredients being rice flour and jaggery or sugar. Local people in Jharkhand feel that this dish is their representation of prayers for a bountiful harvest. It is thus a dish that has a lot of symbolic value.
22. Jharkhandi Thecha
Locals in Jharkhand usually enjoy their meals with Chutney or Achar. You will actually find the Thecha to be a tempting dish, which is a chutney using mustard seeds, garlic, green chillies, and many other ingredients. This fabulous item is a must-have with several snack and main course items.
23. Murgi Chakri
Chicken or Murgi Chakri is a non-vegetarian dish that is tasty and uses chicken pieces that go through an extensive marination process in local spices and curd. Roasting is then the main process for the chicken and it has a heavenly and fabulous taste. You will love the local flavors bursting in your mouth.
24. Koinaar Dishes
Koinaar Saag is a traditional food of Jharkhand that you should not miss during your visit to the state. Jharkhand has several beautiful forests where these trees grow and ripen every monsoon. Kachnar Phool or the local flower of the tree has rich calcium, iron, zinc, protein, and vitamin content. People usually use it for making Saag, chutney, vegetable, and even deep-fried fritters. Many also use it for flavoring meat in the state.
25. Sanai or Jute Flower Dishes
Sanai flower meals are another traditional food of Jharkhand that you should not miss. This is used for preparing delicious and filling stews and local curries. It is a flower that also has rich calcium, iron, and vitamin content, making it a great option for flavorful and tempting dishes.
Real Also: Traditional Food of Karnataka
Enjoying the Traditional Food of Jharkhand
The traditional food of Jharkhand is rich in flavors and there are several vegetarian and non-vegetarian items that you can try on your next visit to the state. You will love the subtle flavors along with the use of local ingredients in many of these dishes. Do not miss trying the items listed above if you love earthy cuisine with distinct and unique flavors.
