Chhattisgarh, often referred to as the “rice bowl of India,” offers a rich and traditional cuisine that heavily features rice and rice-based dishes. The state’s food is simple, nutritious, and mostly prepared using locally available ingredients. One of the most popular dishes is Chana Samosa, a spicy snack stuffed with chickpeas and spices. Another unique and traditional food is Faraa, a steamed rice dumpling similar to momos, but made from rice flour and filled with seasoned lentils or vegetables. Thethri, Khurma, and Bara are also popular snacks enjoyed with tea. Tribal communities in Chhattisgarh commonly consume dishes made with mahua flowers, bamboo shoots, and forest greens. Bafauri, a healthy snack made from chana dal, is steamed rather than fried, reflecting the state’s focus on light and healthy cooking. Sweets like Dehrori, made from rice and curd, and Tilgur, made from sesame and jaggery, are common during festivals. Chhattisgarhi cuisine is deeply connected to its rural lifestyle and emphasizes traditional cooking techniques, seasonal ingredients, and a balance of taste and health.
Chhatisgadh-style Chila is slightly different from North Indian besan chilla. It usually uses rice batter, sometimes mixed with urad dal, curd, or gram flour, depending on the region or occasion.…