From Bihar to Pune: The Heartwarming Journey of Litti Chokha — And Where to Try It

As Pune grows into a melting pot of people from across India, the city’s food lanes tell stories of migration, comfort, and nostalgia. Among the many flavours that have travelled here, one dish from Bihar has quietly found its home, the hearty and wholesome Litti Chokha. What was once a simple village meal is now a favourite among students, professionals, and food lovers across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.

The Taste of Home Away From Home

Over the last few years, thousands of students and professionals from Bihar have made Pune their second home, coming here for studies, IT jobs, and new beginnings. With them came their food habits, flavours, and the craving for the smoky, earthy taste of Litti Chokha. Slowly, small eateries, handcarts, and messes began adding this dish to their menus. Today, it’s common to spot a steaming plate of Litti Chokha even in busy areas like Hinjawadi, Viman Nagar, and Pimpri. What started as comfort food for homesick Biharis has now turned into a dish Punekars too can’t resist.

The History Behind the Classic

Litti Chokha has deep roots in Bihar’s culture and history. Long before modern restaurants, this dish kept travellers full and happy for days. Made from wheat dough stuffed with roasted gram flour (sattu) and simple spices, litti balls were easy to cook and lasted long, perfect for people who worked outdoors. The chokha, a smoky mash of roasted brinjal, tomato, and boiled potato,  added the perfect balance of flavour. Together, they created a dish that was tasty, nutritious, and filling without using much oil or fancy ingredients.

The Making of Magic

The recipe is as simple as it is soulful. First, wheat flour is kneaded into soft dough. A mix of sattu, spices, salt, and a touch of mustard oil is prepared for stuffing. Small balls of dough are filled with this mixture and roasted slowly over coal until they turn golden brown and crisp. Once cooked, they’re dipped briefly in melted ghee to soften the crust and add that rich aroma. The chokha, made by mixing roasted brinjal, tomato, and boiled potato with salt, chilli, coriander, and mustard oil, completes the dish. The first bite brings smoky, tangy, and earthy flavours that linger long after the meal ends.

Litti in Pune’s Food Scene

Today, Pune’s love for this Bihari delicacy can be seen in every corner, from college areas to IT parks. Some restaurants even bring in chefs from Bihar to keep the flavour authentic. Many serve it with onion, lemon, mint chutney, and pickle, while meat lovers often enjoy it with special sides like Champaran Chicken or Kalika Mutton, both known for their bold, spicy flavours. The dish, once found only in small handcarts, is now part of Pune’s expanding list of regional favourites.

Where to Try It in Pune

If you’re new to Litti Chokha, there are several places in Pune that serve it with love and care.

• House of Patna is believed to be one of the first to introduce Litti Chokha in the city. Their hot, coal-roasted littis and perfectly spiced chokha make for a comforting meal, especially on a cool evening.
• The Litti Express is another popular stop, always buzzing with customers who swear by its authentic flavours. Their litti is crisp on the outside and soft inside, paired with a tangy chokha that tastes straight from Bihar.
• At Vaishnavi Litti Bhandar in Viman Nagar, the cooks themselves hail from Bihar, ensuring the dish tastes just right. The small eatery has become a crowd favourite for its simplicity and soulful food.
• Then there’s Litticous, where the litti is roasted to perfection, making it slightly different from the rest, soft, smoky, and full of flavour.