Bengal's Culinary Charms
Bengal, the heart of Durga Puja, offers a tempting array of street food. Begin your culinary journey with 'Kathi Rolls,' a flavorful wrap filled with marinated
meat and vegetables. Next, savor the 'Telebhaja,' a variety of deep-fried snacks like begun bhaja (fried eggplant) and aloo chop (potato cutlet). Don't miss the iconic 'Puchka,' also known as 'Golgappa' or 'Pani Puri' elsewhere, a crispy hollow ball filled with tangy tamarind water, potatoes, and chickpeas. For a sweet treat, indulge in 'Mishti Doi,' a creamy, sweet yogurt dessert. Try 'Chop' and 'Cutlet,' which are deep-fried snacks, usually made from meat or vegetables, coated in breadcrumbs and served with mustard sauce. Conclude your experience with 'Jhalmuri,' a puffed rice snack mixed with spices, mustard oil, and vegetables. These flavors represent the essence of Bengali street food during Durga Puja.
Bihar's Flavorful Offerings
Venture into Bihar to discover its own unique street food treasures during Durga Puja. Start with 'Litti Chokha,' a baked wheat ball (litti) served with mashed vegetables (chokha), a classic Bihari combo that is both filling and flavorful. Sample the crispy 'Samosas' and 'Jalebis,' enjoying the savory and sweet contrast. Try 'Chana Ghugni,' a flavorful chickpea curry, a popular street food in Bihar. Explore the diverse tastes of Bihar with 'Khaja,' a deep-fried, layered sweet pastry, and 'Thekua,' a sweet, deep-fried snack made with wheat flour, sugar, and dry fruits. These foods capture the essence of Bihari culinary tradition during the festivities.
Delhi's Street Food Scene
Delhi, a melting pot of cultures, boasts a dynamic street food scene during Durga Puja. Begin your Delhi street food adventure with 'Chole Bhature,' a popular dish of fluffy fried bread (bhature) served with spicy chickpea curry (chole). Indulge in 'Aloo Tikki,' a potato cutlet served with chutneys and yogurt, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Sample the famous 'Dahi Bhalla,' soft lentil fritters soaked in yogurt and topped with chutneys, and 'Pav Bhaji,' a flavorful vegetable curry served with buttered bread rolls. Try the savory 'Ram Ladoo,' crispy moong dal fritters, and 'Kulfi,' a traditional Indian ice cream, a perfect end to your Delhi food exploration.
More Regional Delights
Beyond these major regions, Durga Puja offers more diverse street food options. In some areas, try the classic 'Momos,' steamed dumplings served with a spicy dipping sauce, a favorite across various parts of India. Explore 'Poha,' a flattened rice dish, light and flavorful, often spiced with mustard seeds and curry leaves. Discover 'Idli Sambar,' a South Indian dish, which consists of steamed rice cakes (idli) and lentil-based vegetable stew (sambar). Lastly, explore the flavors of 'Vada Pav,' a potato fritter (vada) served in a bun (pav), another great option for a fulfilling experience.
Sweet Treats to End
The Durga Puja celebrations are not complete without indulging in the many sweet treats offered during the festival. Consider the 'Gulab Jamun,' a milk-solid-based sweet. Try 'Rasgulla,' a spongy ball of cheese dipped in sweet syrup. Explore the flavours of 'Barfi,' a dense milk-based sweet often flavored with nuts and cardamom. Conclude your culinary journey with these sweets and experience the ultimate taste of Durga Puja.
