Best Food In Raipur: A Guide To Explore The Culinary Delights Of Chhattisgarh

Chilla is one of the best food in Raipur for snacks among locals as well as tourists

The capital of Chhattisgarh, Raipur, is a lively metropolis that possesses a diverse culinary legacy. From the sweet delicacies of Khumri and Gulgula to the tangy flavours of Chilla and Anarsa, the best food in Raipur is a diverse tapestry of flavours. The food in this region combines Chhattisgarhi traditional flavours with North Indian delights, while at the same time embracing some elements from internationally respected gastronomy. Raipur takes you on a flavourful culinary journey filled with traditions and culture.

Best Food In Raipur- Top 13 Delicacies

Here is a list of best food in Raipur, known for its simplicity and usage of local products. Some of the mouth-watering dishes include:

1. Bafauri

This dish is a nutritious snack ideal for health conscious  visitors looking for a munch

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Bafauri is an age-old dish in Chhattisgarh made of gram flour (besan) and a combination of spices. The mixture is formed into tiny spheres before being boiled which makes it a nutritious snack. It has a soft body and a bit of nutty taste that goes well with green chutney. Bafauri remains in every Chhattisgarhi household as people prefer it during festivals and important celebrations.

Where To Find: At local eateries like Sukhsagar and Manju Mamta.

2. Muthiya

Muthiya is one of most popular dishes in the city served with tea among the locals

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Muthiya is one of the popular dishes made from a mixture of grated vegetables, gram flour and spices. The mixture is moulded into dumplings and either steamed or fried. Often, chutney or yoghurt accompanies it. This shows that in Chhattisgarhi cooking local ingredients are hugely used in their dishes. It’s a common snack enjoyed by locals and tourists with tea.

Where To Find: At Haldiram’s or local street vendors.

3. Fara

Fara is one of the best street food in Raipur, perfect for visitors searching for spicy flavours

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Fara is a dish made from rice flour dumplings filled with spices and lentils. They are steamed and served with coriander chutney to give it an extra kick. This dish is light in weight but rich in flavour, which makes it ideal for any time of day, breakfast or evening snacks. Fara is one of the best street foods in Raipur. It is cooked during family functions and celebrations, exemplifying the togetherness at the heart of Chhattisgarhi cooking traditions.

Where To Find: At Raipur’s local markets or at Girnar Restaurant.

4. Chilla

This is must-try dish while exploring the streets of the city offering  a perfect blend of flavours

Photo: Patelaahil / Wikimedia Commons

Chilla is a type of pancake made from gram flour or rice batter that has been left to ferment for some time, usually accompanied by chutney. People usually eat it for breakfast, but they can add different things to it. This food is considered one of the most popular breakfast foods in local homes indicating the point that local dishes are quite simple and healthy.

Where To Find: At local breakfast stalls or at Gadh Kalewa.

5. Aamat

This is one of the traditional foods of Chattisgarh prepared mainly during festivals

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Aamat is a Chhattisgarhi traditional food commonly cooked with several vegetables as well as a specific seasoning agent containing herbs and spices that resemble Sambar to a great extent, is served best with rice thereby making it ideal for lunch or breakfast. Aamat one of the best veg foods in Raipur symbolising the rich agricultural heritage of this area and is often prepared during festivals and important occasions.

Where To Find: At Manju Mamta Restaurant or Sukhsagar.

6. Anarsa

Anarsa is the ideal traditional dish for sweeth tooths  to try while exploring city's delicacies

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Anarsa is a sweet of traditional Chhattisgarh that is made out of rice flour, jaggery and grated coconut. It is usually shaped into small round pieces and then dropped in hot oil until a brownish-golden colour is achieved. It is mainly prepared during festivals and important occasions as it signifies the culture of these people.

Where To Find: At local sweet shops.

7. Chousela Roti

Chousela roti served with curry, a traditional dish loved by many locals  and visitors

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Chousela Roti is a rice flour-based bread that is generally served along with curries and chutneys. Its softness gives it a different feel in the mouth hence loved by many natives. Typically, this kind of bread appears during traditional meals and it demonstrates the dependence of the area on rice as a staple diet.

Where To Find: At Girnar Restaurant or Sukhsagar.

8. Khurmi

Khurmi offers the perfect flavours for dessert lovers looking for a munch snack

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Khurmi is one of the sweetest dishes you can find made using wheat flour, jaggery, and sesame seeds. This dish comes shaped like small cookies that are then deep-fried till they become crispy. You will often find Khurmi being prepared during various occasions such as festivals for it is indicative of how much people in Raipur appreciate sweets.

Where To Find: At local sweet shops like New Delhi Sweets.

9. Gulgula

This is a sweet snack prominently prepared during the festive season of the state

Photo: Rahul Banrasi / Shutterstock

Gulgula, originating from wheat flour and jaggery, is a type of deep-fried confectionery that usually has a distinct taste of cardamom. This sweet delicacy is characterised by its soft texture accompanied by sweetness. In Chhattisgarh, it is seen as a favourite snack for many people, particularly during festive periods.

Where To Find: At local sweet shops and during festivals.

10. Chicken Kadai

This is one of the best food in Raipur for non veg lovers seeking north Indian flavours

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Chicken Kadai includes base ingredients, predominant spices, tomatoes and bell peppers used in crafting it. In addition to that, the food is prepared using standard Kadhai (traditional wok), a utensil whose shape lends itself to grounding flavour within this meal. Naans and rice are such great partners that accompany the North Indian dish like no other kadhai curries would know to match them.

Where To Find: At Ashoka Biryani or Hotel Al-Taha.

11. Biryani

Biryani is perfect for veg and non veg lovers, prepared as per the need of the customers

Photo: Mahi Tatavarty / Wikipedia

Raipur has an array of biryanis to offer such as chicken biryani, mutton biryani and vegetarian biryani. The dish is fragrant and tasty because the different spices used to prepare it are added to marinated meat with rice cooked in it.

Where To Find: Hotel Hyderabadi

12. Paneer Butter Masala

This is the ideal delicacy for vegetarians searching for a flavourful meal

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A typical North Indian dish, Paneer Butter Masala consists of small cubes of paneer (cottage cheese) that are fried in a tomato-based sauce which has a heavy consistency and is rich because it contains butter.Served at the Hotel Al-Taha, one of the best food restaurants in Raipur, this dish is very appreciated everywhere in the country and people usually eat it around festival days.

Where To Find: At Hotel Al-Taha or Mocha.

13. Poha

Poha is a famous breakfast dish among the locals reflecting their culinary traditions

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Poha includes flattened rice which is served for breakfast along with onions, mustard seeds, turmeric and other condiments like coriander leaves, lemon etc. It is considered to be light, full of nutrients yet delicious. Moreover, it acts as an everyday morning dish across various Indian states thereby reflecting simplicity and health within their culinary traditions.

Where To Find: At Jaistambh Chowk, known for its street food stalls.

Raipur’s culinary landscape is a patchwork of flavours that speaks of its rich cultural heritage. Ranging from traditional Chhattisgarhi delicacies like Muthiya, Anarsa, Khurmi and Aamat, to other popular cuisines like North Indian, Italian, or Mexican, there is something for every palate here. So get ready to explore the best food in Raipur and plan your trip today with TripXL.

Cover Photo: StockImageFactory.com / Shutterstock

Frequently Asked Questions

The cooler months from October to March are the best times for exploring food in Raipur, as they offer pleasant weather. Many festivals of food happen at this time which present local dishes.
Yes, there are several restaurants in Raipur serving major international cuisines like Chinese, Italian and Continental. Places such as Yo China and Mocha are famous for their expansive menus.
A meal for two persons at a mid-range restaurant costs about ₹300 to ₹800 on average. However, street food is cheaper, with snacks costing between ₹20 to ₹100.
Raipur serves a diverse range of vegetarian dishes like Chilla, Paneer butter masala, Muthiya, Anarsa and Biryani.
Food can be ordered online with ease using different food ordering apps such as Swiggy or Zomato. In addition, several local eateries provide delivery options hence bringing your favourite dishes right to your doorstep.

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