The Famous Food of East India is full of rich flavors, comforting spices, and traditional recipes that have been loved for generations.
Each state in this region—West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, and Jharkhand—has its own special dishes that make your mouth water.
From delicious sweets like Rasgulla and Thekua to hearty meals like Litti Chokha and Dalma, there’s something tasty for everyone.
The food here is often made with simple ingredients but cooked with a lot of care and love. Mustard oil, rice, fish, and lentils are common, but each dish has its own twist.
Whether you’re a fan of spicy, sweet, or savory food, East India has something to make you happy.
In this blog, let’s take a yummy journey through the most famous food of East India you must try!
Top 5 Famous Food in East India you must try
1.] Rasgulla (West Bengal)
Rasgulla is one of the most famous sweets from West Bengal, loved all over India.
These soft, round white balls are made from chhena (Indian cottage cheese) and soaked in sugar syrup.
They are light, spongy, and melt in your mouth. Rasgulla is often served during festivals, celebrations, and as a sweet treat after meals.
It is best enjoyed when chilled and fresh. The sweet is so iconic that it even received a GI tag for Bengal.
If you love sweets, Rasgulla is a must-try from East India!
2.] Litti Chokha (Bihar)
Image by Manraj16412, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Litti Chokha is a traditional and hearty dish from Bihar, full of smoky and earthy flavors.
Litti is made from whole wheat dough filled with spiced sattu (roasted gram flour).
It is baked or roasted over coal and served with chokha, a mashed mix of potato, brinjal, or tomato. The dish is simple but very filling and packed with taste.
It’s often enjoyed with a dollop of desi ghee on top. Litti Chokha is a symbol of Bihari pride and rural tradition.
People across India now enjoy it as a famous street food too.
3.] Dalma (Odisha)
Dalma is a famous and healthy dish from Odisha made with lentils and seasonal vegetables.
It is mildly spiced and often cooked without onion or garlic, especially during religious festivals.
Ingredients like pumpkin, raw banana, papaya, and beans are added for taste and nutrition.
Roasted cumin and red chilies are used to enhance the flavor. Dalma is usually eaten with rice and ghee, making it a simple but satisfying meal.
It’s also served as part of temple offerings like Mahaprasad. This dish shows how tasty healthy food can be.
4.] Thekua (Bihar & Jharkhand)
Image by Biswarup Ganguly, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 3.0
Thekua is a crispy and sweet snack from Bihar and Jharkhand, mostly made during the Chhath Puja festival.
It is prepared using wheat flour, jaggery (or sugar), and ghee, and then deep-fried until golden brown.
The dough is shaped into beautiful patterns using wooden molds. It has a rich, caramel-like taste and stays fresh for days without preservatives.
Thekua is both a festive offering and a favorite homemade treat. It’s perfect with tea or as a travel snack.
This traditional sweet brings a taste of home and culture in every bite.
5.] Pakhala Bhata (Odisha)
Pakhala Bhata is a traditional Odia dish made with fermented rice and water, often served with curd, fried vegetables, or fish.
It is a cooling and simple dish, mostly eaten in the summer. The rice is soaked overnight and eaten the next day for its slightly tangy flavor.
It is loved for its digestive benefits and refreshing taste. Pakhala is more than food—it’s an emotion for many Odia families.
There’s even a Pakhala Dibasa (Pakhala Day) celebrated every year! It’s a dish that connects people to their roots and traditions.
The Famous Food of East India is not just about taste, it’s about tradition, love, and cultural pride.
Every dish, whether sweet or spicy, carries a story from the heart of this vibrant region.
From temple offerings to everyday meals, the food here reflects the lifestyle and emotions of the people.
Whether you’re enjoying a plate of Machher Jhol with rice or biting into a crispy Thekua, you’re experiencing something truly special.
These recipes have been passed down through generations and are still made with the same care and joy.
Exploring East Indian food is like tasting history, heritage, and home in every bite.