Cuisines of Nalanda

Nalanda, located in north-India is famous as ‘The Land of Knowledge, Peace and Culture’ and is well-known for the ruins of the world’s most ancient university and for its association with Lord Buddha and Lord Mahavira. It is famous for its various tourist attractions and religious hotspots. Apart from its varied attractions, the state is also known for its luscious mouth- watering cuisine, with sweets forming a major specialty.

Traditional Food of Nalanda

The tiny hamlet of Nalanda located in the state of Bihar is one of the few Indian places that can boast of retaining its Indian roots and culture, untainted by the Western influence. Likewise, the people of Nalanda are simple in their thoughts as well as practices. Their simplicity is reflected in their food habits as well.The cuisines are mainly vegetarian as the culture is influenced much by Buddhism. One can also find variety of North Indian and South Indian dishes prepared using natural ingredients. Bengali cuisine are also popular but are is seasonal in nature and depends upon the availability of vegetables. A typical thali is simple, yet healthy and is mainly composed of rice, roti, dal and vegetables.

Snacks of Nalanda

Nalanda is quite popular for its wide variety of evening snacks. Litti chokha is a specialty of this region. It is actually wheat flour cake that has been salted and baked. Litti is a ball-shaped stuffed preparation and Chokha, a preparation of smoked brinjal or tomato, accompanies litti. Dalpuri (a type of bread, made of salted wheat flour, filled with boiled gram pulse that has been fried with special spices) is another lip-smacking delicacy that is not to be missed. Some of the other popular local snacks samosa, kachori, aalu kachaalu, bhooja, ghughni, choora, dahi choora, jhaal moodhi etc.

Sweets in Nalanda

Khaja one of the famous sweet dish that one should try in Nalanda. It is a mouth-watering crisp-fried oblong sweet made of layers of kneaded flour dipped in syrup. The fresh, hot ones taste divine and are quite popular among the tourists. Khaja is available in many varieties- chandshahi, round, palvidar and gandhi topa. Amongst these the one with rectangular shape is the most popular.


Sweets, especially peda and kalakand, which are preparations of condensed milk are a must try. Tilkut (made with sesame seeds and sugar), anarsa (a combination of rice flour, white sesame seeds and sugar) are other specialities of this region that tourists enjoy. Malpua, thekua, gulab jamun and Bengali sweets like rasogulla, chamcham, cream chop are some of the other culinary delights that can be experienced in and around Nalanda.

Beverages in Nalanda

Sattu-paani is a popular drink among the locals as well as tourists. It is healthy and is made from seven types of roasted grains to make sure one is never dehydrated. Lassi made up of yoghurt, dry fruits & sugar is also a very tasty and refreshing drink, quite popular among the tourists. Aaam Jhor is yet another popular item and is highly preferable during summer as protects the person from dehydration and sun strokes. There are very few multi-cuisine restaurants in Nalanda. Tourists often prefer going to Rajgir or nearby areas. However, small eating joints and fast food centres are found here in abundance. One could grab a samosa and chaat if looking for a quick meal. Sweet shops are also quite popular here.