Bodh Gaya, located in the state of Bihar, India, is one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world, as it is believed to be the place where Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. While Bodh Gaya is primarily known for its spiritual and historical significance, it also offers a variety of delicious foods.
Here are some famous foods you can savour in Bodh Gaya:
- Litti Chokha: Litti Chokha is a traditional Bihari dish and a local favorite. Litti is a round wheat flour ball stuffed with roasted gram flour (sattu) and spices. Chokha is a spicy mixture of mashed vegetables, typically eggplant, tomatoes, and potatoes. Litti Chokha is often served with a dollop of ghee (clarified butter) and can be found at local eateries and street food stalls.
- Chaat: Like many Indian cities, Bodh Gaya has a thriving street food scene, and chaat is a popular choice. You can enjoy various types of chaat, including aloo chaat (spicy potato snack), pani puri (hollow crispy shells filled with flavored water and ingredients), and papri chaat (crispy fried dough wafers with yogurt and chutneys).
- Bihari Thali: A Bihari thali offers a diverse range of vegetarian dishes. It typically includes items like dal (lentil curry), sabzi (vegetable curry), rice, chapati (flatbread), and various chutneys. Each thali may have regional variations and flavors.
- Sattu Paratha: Sattu, roasted gram flour, is a staple ingredient in Bihari cuisine. Sattu paratha is a stuffed flatbread made with a filling of sattu mixed with spices. It’s usually served with chutney and a side of curd.
- Chana Ghugni: Chana Ghugni is a popular street food made from dried white peas or chickpeas. The peas are cooked with spices and served with garnishes like onions, coriander, and tamarind chutney.
- Bihari Lassi: Lassi, a traditional Indian yogurt-based drink, is commonly enjoyed in Bodh Gaya. Bihari lassi is often thick, sweet, and flavored with various ingredients like cardamom or rosewater. It’s a refreshing way to beat the heat.
- Malpua: Malpua is a sweet treat that you can find in Bodh Gaya. It’s a deep-fried pancake made from a batter of milk, flour, and sugar. Malpua is then dipped in sugar syrup, making it a delectable dessert.
- Sweets: Bodh Gaya offers a variety of Indian sweets, including classics like gulab jamun (fried dough balls soaked in sugar syrup), rasgulla (soft cheese balls in sugar syrup), and sandesh (sweetened cottage cheese).
- Street Side Teas and Chai: Tea is a quintessential part of Indian culture. In Bodh Gaya, you can enjoy cups of chai (Indian spiced tea) at local tea stalls. It’s a great way to take a break and relax.
- International Cuisines: Due to the diverse array of visitors worldwide, Bodh Gaya also has restaurants that serve international cuisines, catering to travellers’ tastes.
Bodh Gaya’s culinary offerings reflect the flavours of Bihar and the diversity of India’s street food scene. While you explore the spiritual and historical treasures of this sacred city, remember to treat your taste buds to the delightful local foods and snacks.
Where to eat in Bodh Gaya
Here are some of the best places to eat in Bodh Gaya:
- The Great Buddha Restaurant: This restaurant offers a variety of Indian and international cuisine, as well as a full bar. It is located near the Mahabodhi Temple.
- The Mahabodhi Restaurant: This restaurant serves traditional Indian dishes, such as dal bhat, chole bhature, and litti chokha. It is located near the Mahabodhi Temple.
- The Malaiyo Restaurant: This restaurant is known for its delicious malaiyo. It is located near the Mahabodhi Temple.
- The Thali Restaurant: This restaurant offers a variety of thalis, including a dal bhat thali, a chole bhature thali, and a litti chokha thali. It is located near the Mahabodhi Temple.