Also referred to as the Steel City of Central India, Bhilai is situated in the state of Chhattisgarh. In addition to being a major industrial hub, the city is also famed for its greenery and ample natural beauty all around. With an array of rice fields all around, The Rice Bowl of India holds true to its name. With rice as the staple food item, you will be surprised with the wide assortment of delicious dishes and recipes that the city has in store for you.
The rich diversity and multiculturalism of the city is effectively depicted in its vibrant food culture and landscape. A number of local cuisines of the region receive its inspiration from the surrounding states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Orissa, and others. At the same time, the local dishes here retain their authenticity and native flavours. With so much to offer on its platter, Bhilai has managed to create a unique identity of its own, especially with respect to cuisines.
What are the Most Famous Food Items in Bhilai?
Bhilai is the second largest city of Chhattisgarh. Its rich diversity and multiculturalism have earned the nickname “Mini India.” The city is famous for its beautiful landscape and tranquil atmosphere. In addition to serving as the home of the world-renowned Bhilai Steel Plant, the city also houses various places of worship and historical landmarks.
Due to its immense importance as a technological, economic, and social hub, the area witnesses the inflow of a huge number of tourists from all around. If you are a food-lover, you can try out the rich cuisines of Bhilai taking inspiration from varied dishes and cuisines of the world. Here are some must-have food items in Bhilai:
1. Muthia
Muthia or Muthiya is a famous Gujarati snack that is quite widespread across the native cuisine of Bhilai as well. Sometimes featuring the goodness of fenugreek, the traditional version of this famous snack leverages the goodness and nutrition of bottle gourd and onions. The ingredients are mixed with whole wheat flour, semolina flour, and chickpea flour.
To enhance the flavour profile, a myriad of spices like cumin, turmeric, and fennel seeds are added to the mixture. The mixture is eventually steamed by giving the shape of a fist. It is one of the healthiest snacks available across leading eateries and snack shops of the city. Some shops also top the snack with sesame seeds to have with your evening tea.
2. Dehori
With its origin in Chhattisgarh, this local delicacy is a must-have when in Bhilai. It is a scrumptious dessert that is quite sought-after across neighbouring states like Bihar and Jharkhand as well. The mouth-watering recipe features the richness of simple ingredients like cardamom powder, rice, cashews, almonds, lemon juice, ghee, sugar, and yogurt.
Traditionally, Dehori is prepared in the form of a fried pancake with a coating made out of sugar syrup. To enhance the overall taste, the dessert is garnished with chopped nuts or dry fruits. This delectable recipe is quite famous on special occasions and festivities across the city.
3. Chila
Cheela or Chila is one of the most famous and sought-after breakfast recipes in Bhilai. The delicacy is prepared by mixing a batter of besan with other ingredients like chopped onions, tomatoes, and spices. The batter is then pan-fried and made in the form of a flatbread. The dish is best served hot with an array of delicious chutneys.
When in Bhilai, you can come across different variations of Chila to fulfill your breakfast cravings. For the best-ever taste, you can try out healthier versions like Moong Dal Chila as well. The popular recipe is readily available across leading eateries and sweet shops of Bhilai.
4. Aamat
Aamat is a famous Bamboo Shoot soup featuring the authentic flavours of the tribals of Chhattisgarh. It is a tangy soup that is filled with ample nutrition and health benefits. Bamboo shoots are known for their high nutrition profile that hosts a wide range of health benefits.
The recipe of Aamat in Bhilai is slightly modified to suit different palates. The preparation process is long and requires patience. Accompaniments like Pej or Rice are optional with the soup. In addition to being healthy, the soup-like dish is immensely delicious as well.
5. Bara or Vada
It is a popular snack item of Bhilai. The dish is prepared by mixing black gram, semolina, curry leaves, green chillies, and onions. The batter is prepared out of black gram or urad dal and other spices. The batter is then given the shape of a donut and eventually deep-fried. The dish is best served hot with different chutneys and sauces.
6. Bhajia
Bhajia is one of the most popular and sought-after snack recipes from the state of Maharashtra. While also known as Pakora in most other Indian states, Bhajias are quite prevalent across Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh, especially in the form of evening snacks. It is prepared out of a delicious besan batter that is deep-fried to perfection.
Also referred to as Pakoras, Bhajias are quite common street food items in Bhilai. Therefore, they are readily available across leading street food stalls and carts in the city. While the level of spices might vary from one eatery to another, the general take of the dish is quite similar. The range of accompaniments with the dish can also vary. Raitas and chutneys are common side dishes available with this popular snack. Onions, spinach, paneer, and potatoes are some of the chosen ingredients for preparing the rich, flavourful batter.
Conclusion
If you are fond of local, authentic dishes, Bhilai is your go-to place! The small, beautiful city is dotted with a number of quaint restaurants and happening street food stalls delivering a wide range of local delicacies that you must have. If you wish to give the local food here a try in the comfort of your home, you can now order food online in Bhilai. Have a great experience!
