Ranchi, the colourful capital of Jharkhand is as famous for its beautiful sceneries and diverse culture as for its tempting street food. The urban streets of the city are very much appealing in terms of food options and various snacks available to match every kind of palette. Ranging from the indigenous historic foods which give a glimpse of Ranchi’s culture to modern changing trends, the eateries in Ranchi present a clear picture. Get ready for a gastronomic experience of a lifetime as Ranchi entices food lovers with its rich palette.
Best Street Food In Ranchi
As anyone would expect, the best street food in Ranchi is as wide-ranging and appetising as they come, painting an accurate picture of the city in terms of flavours:
1. Litti Chokha
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Litti Chokha is not merely sensational food but it also represents the flavour of Ranchi. Litti is a traditional dish of Bihar prepared by using wheat flour balls stuffed with roasted gram flour known as ‘sattu’ and mixed with spices. The litti is complemented with a chokha, a side dish made out of mashed potatoes, tomatoes and eggplants that gives the dish a successful combination of flavours and textures. This dish, being one of the most famous street foods in Ranchi, will be a great beginning for those who want to discover the traditional tastes of Ranchi.
Where To Eat: HEC Market, Main Road
Price: ₹30 – ₹50 per plate
2. Golgappa
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Pani Puri or Golgappa is one of the best street foods in Ranchi which never goes unnoticed and is highly appreciated. These crispy hollow puris are stuffed with a sour spicy water prepared from tamarind and different spices, and a mash of potato and chickpea with spices. The burst of the spicy water and the crunchy puris make the whole experience of eating a truly explosive journey for the taste buds.
Where To Eat: Kanke Road, Lalpur Chowk
Price: ₹10 – ₹20 per plate
3. Chaat
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Chaat is a common street snack available in different types, and each type has its own distinctive flavour. In Ranchi, you can have all kinds of chaats including Aloo Chaat, Papdi Chaat, and Samosa Chaat. They usually come in different textures such as crispy and tender, unique flavours such as tangy and spicy, and a variety of ingredients. The combination of tastes and textures do well to make chaat an appetising snack at any part of the day.
Where To Eat: GEL Church Complex, Firayalal Chowk
Price: ₹20-₹40 per plate
4. Momos
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Authentic Tibetan ‘Momos,’ the steamed dumplings, have found their niche among Ranchi food lovers. These are soft, steamed or crispy fried dumplings which can be filled with vegetables or meat. Momos served in a spicy and tangy chutney is perhaps one of the greatest culinary experiences one can have. The presence of momos in Ranchi can be seen as an indication of the city’s ability to embrace various forms of culinary trends all around the world.
Where To Eat: Kutchery Road, Ratu Road
Price: ₹30-₹50 per plate
5. Rolls
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Kathi rolls are tasty and filling, and they can easily be found on the streets of Ranchi which makes it easier for people to grab a quick tasty snack. These rolls are made from a flat or paratha bread where it can be stuffed with spiced chicken, eggs or vegetables. The rolls can then be topped with fresh salad and sauces, which introduces further elements to the taste and texture.
Where To Eat: Main Road, Near Albert Ekka Chowk
Price: ₹40-₹70 per roll
6. Chowmein
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Chowmein, an Indo- Chinese noodle preparation is the most favourite street food of Ranchi. The noodles are stir-fried and may be prepared with vegetables and sometimes meat all garnished with soy sauce and several spices. The combination of the ingredients and the crispness of vegetables make chowmein not only delicious but also satisfying as a snack or meal.In Ranchi, anyone in search of tasty and fast food options is likely to turn to chowmein.y
Where To Eat: Min Mins, near Shree Gopal Complex; Raju Chinese Stall, Circular Road
Price: ₹15-₹55 per plate
7. Dhuska
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Dhuska is one of the traditional dishes of the Jharkhand state of India, which is prepared using rice and lentil paste and then fried in hot oil until crispy and brown. This delicious snack is usually eaten with aloo-kala chana which is a combination of potato and black chickpea curry for those extra flavours. The combination of crispy dhuska accompanied with the spicy tangy curry gives a perfect blend. For those who seek to try something local and unique, this dish is one of the best veg street foods in Ranchi.
Where To Eat: Daily Market, Upper Bazar
Price: ₹20-₹30 per plate
8. Thekua
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Thekua is one of the most delightful sweets that have become synonymous with Jharkhand’s cuisine, especially during festival seasons like the Chhath Puja. Prepared using wheat flour, jaggery and ghee, Thekua is a brittle, crisp, golden brown preparation. Due to its extended shell life and unique taste, this product is particularly popular during the festive period and eaten on its own or used as an offering (prasad) during some rituals.
Where To Eat: Local sweet shops, especially during Chhath Puja
Price: ₹10-₹20 per piece
9. Pithas
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Pithas are rice based dumplings which can be either sweet or spicy and are consumed in Ranchi during festival seasons. These dumplings are cooked in steam and it is commonly filled with sugar cane jaggery or with other savoury fillings. Pithas are best eaten when served hot with jaggery syrup or with a spicy curry base, which makes this dish a delightful dish for everyone.
Where To Eat: Weekly Haat, Village Fairs
Price: ₹20-₹40 per plate
10. Ghugni Chaat
Photo: Flickr: Ghugni / Wikimedia Commons
Ghugni Chaat is a popular street food in India prepared with dried yellow peas which are cooked with spices to prepare a mouth-watering food item. Additional toppings of chopped onions, tomatoes, and coriander gives Ghugni Chaat a perfect blend of flavours and textures. This dish is very filling and many people like it as a snack, as it requires no time to prepare and it is also very healthy.
Where To Eat: Local markets, Gossner College Road
Price: ₹20 – ₹30 per plate
The cuisine that one gets to taste on the streets of Ranchi is a combination of traditional and modern flavours. These street food delicacies offer different experiences and show how diverse the palate of the city is. Starting from the tangy Golgappa to the traditional Litti Chokha, Ranchi’s street food is a combination of flavour and culture. Plan your next trip to Ranchi with TripXL and immerse yourself in flavours!
Cover Photo: Priya dwivedi / Shutterstock