The cuisine of Gaya is influenced by the local Bihari cuisine, which is known for its rich flavors and diverse culinary traditions. Some of the famous foods of Gaya include:
Litti Chokha
Litti Chokha is a traditional dish of Bihar and is a popular food in Gaya as well. It consists of round wheat flour balls (litti) that are stuffed with roasted gram flour (sattu) and spices, and then baked over a charcoal fire until crispy. It is typically served with chokha, a spicy mashed vegetable dish made with roasted eggplant, tomatoes, and spices.
Sattu Paratha
Sattu Paratha is a popular flatbread made with wheat flour and stuffed with roasted gram flour (sattu) and spices. It is cooked on a griddle until crispy and served with ghee (clarified butter), yogurt, or pickles. Sattu Paratha is a nutritious and filling food and is a favorite among locals in Gaya.
Khaja
Khaja is a popular sweet dish of Gaya and is made with layers of deep-fried dough that are soaked in sugar syrup. It is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside and is often flavored with cardamom and saffron. Khaja is a famous sweet treat during festivals and special occasions in Gaya.
Tilkut
Tilkut is a sweet dish made with sesame seeds and jaggery, and it is a popular delicacy in Gaya. Sesame seeds are roasted and ground into a paste, which is then mixed with jaggery to form small, round balls. Tilkut is a rich source of nutrients and is often consumed during winter months for its warming properties.
Anarsa
Anarsa is a traditional sweet dish made with rice flour and jaggery, and it is popular in Gaya during festivals like Diwali and Chhath Puja. Rice flour is mixed with jaggery, cardamom, and ghee to form a dough, which is then shaped into small discs and deep-fried until crispy. Anarsa is a crispy and sweet treat that is enjoyed by locals in Gaya.
Dal Puri
Dal Puri is a popular deep-fried bread made with lentil flour and spices. It is crispy and flavorful, and it is often served with potato curry, yogurt, or pickles. Dal Puri is a popular breakfast or lunch option in Gaya and is loved for its delicious taste and crunchy texture.
Final Thoughts
Gaya’s cuisine offers a delightful range of sweet and savory dishes that are worth trying for a taste of the local flavors during your visit.