Chhattisgarh, though being a small state in size, has huge potential as a tourist destination and ropes in thousands of tourists from various parts of India and the world at large. Apart from the quaint tourist attractions of this place, another thing it is equally popular for is its cuisine. Since Chhattisgarh is inhabited by many people belonging to the different ethnic communities, one can find considerable Influences on Chhattisgarh Cuisine. The people of Chhattisgarh have a penchant for the sweets and therefore the dishes prepared here feature a diverse range of sweets and namkeens as well.
Wheat, Jowar and Maize find a prominent place in the food of Chhattisgarh and you will come across the hotels and restaurants having chefs who dish out the delectable range of dishes from these items. Many people from the other states of the country whose staple food is rice and dal came and settled in some parts of Chhattisgarh. Thus one can see Influences on Chhattisgarh Cuisine, which is in the form of several culinary delights that are inclusive of the rice and dal items in particular.
The meals prepared also incorporate lentils to a large extent owing to their richness in proteins. The people of the state are very much fond of the sweets and likewise the items made up of such items. Arhar ki dal is also a much favored one by the people of Chhattisgarh. One of the popular dishes is made from Chana dal called as bafauri. The food of Chhatisgarh borrows quite a bit from the surrounding states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa, rendering the cuisine of Chhattisgarh a taste that is unique yet familiar. The dishes that are prepared from the dairy products are quite common in Gwalior and Indore districts. Some of the much sought after dishes of Chhattisgarh are:
- Kusli
- Lavang Lata
- Cashew Barfi
- Jalebi
- Khurma
- Moong Dal Ka Halwa (Lentil Pudding)
- Sabudana ki Khichadi
- Shikanji
