10 Famous Sweets in Bihar: You Must Try in Patna

Bihar’s sweets are a testament to its rich culinary heritage and cultural traditions. Each sweet offers a unique taste experience, reflecting the diverse flavors and ingredients of the region. Whether you have a deep love for sweets or are just exploring new cuisines, Bihari sweets are a must-try. So, the next time you crave something sweet, dive into the delightful world of Bihari confections and let your taste buds celebrate!

 

Each sweet carries a unique flavor of Bihar and tradition, making Bihar a paradise for anyone with a sweet tooth. Let’s take a delightful journey through ten of the most famous sweets from Bihar that you simply must try!

 

 

1. Laddoo (Laddu)

 

Image Courtesy: Mahavir Mandir

 

Laddoo is a beloved Indian sweet made from various flours, sugar, and ghee, shaped into round balls. In Bihar, Bundi Laddo is particularly popular, crafted from tiny pearls of batter fried and soaked in sugar syrup. These are often enjoyed during celebrations like Diwali and weddings, bringing bursts of flavor and joy with every bite.

 

One of the most famous laddoos in Bihar is the Naivedyam Laddu from the Mahavir Mandir at Patna Junction. Known as the “Hanuman Mandir Laddoo,” this sweet is offered as prasad (sacred offering) and is cherished by devotees and visitors alike. The Naivedyam Laddu is not just a treat for the taste buds but also holds spiritual significance, symbolizing blessings and prosperity.

 

2. Anarsa

 

Anarsa is a crispy, deep-fried sweet made from a dough of soaked rice and jaggery, garnished with sesame seeds. Its unique preparation gives it a delightful crunch, making it a popular choice during festivals like Diwali and Chhath Puja. Anarsa's distinctive taste comes from the blend of rice and jaggery, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. You will get the famous and best anarsa in gaya, but if you walk in the streets of Patna city, you can also have the best Anarsa in the world. 

 

3. Malpua

Malpua is a traditional Indian pancake soaked in sugar syrup. In Bihar, it’s made with flour, milk, and sometimes mashed bananas, then fried to a golden brown. This sweet is a staple during the festival of Holi and is loved for its soft, fluffy texture and rich, sweet taste. Often garnished with chopped nuts, Malpua is a treat for the eyes and the taste buds.

 

4. Lai

Image Courtesy: Vandana Cook

Lai is a unique sweet from the town of Barh in Bihar, made from puffed rice, jaggery, and spices. These ingredients are shaped into crunchy balls, making Lai a delightful snack. It’s a perfect blend of sweetness and spice, enjoyed especially during local festivals and fairs. The simplicity of its ingredients makes it a wholesome and flavorful treat.

 

5. Soan Papdi

 

Soan Papdi is a flaky, melt-in-your-mouth sweet, made from gram flour, sugar, and ghee. It has a light, airy texture and is often infused with cardamom and garnished with nuts. This sweet is popular not just in Bihar but across India, often given as a gift during festivals. Its delicate, crispy layers make Soan Papdi a delightful experience.

 

6. Perukia (Gujiya)

Perukia is a traditional Bihari sweet made from a dough of flour and ghee, filled with a mixture of jaggery and coconut. These stuffed pastries are deep-fried to a golden crisp. They are especially enjoyed during the festival of Teej. Perukia’s rich, sweet filling and crunchy exterior make it an irresistible treat.

 

7. Balushahi

 

Balushahi is often compared to glazed doughnuts but has a unique taste and texture. Made from flour, yogurt, and ghee, and then deep-fried and dipped in sugar syrup, Balushahi is rich and flaky. This sweet is a festive delicacy, enjoyed for its buttery flavor and soft, crumbly texture. It’s a must-try for anyone looking to explore Bihari sweets.

 

8. Makhana Kheer

Image courtesy: Milkmaid

 

Makhana Kheer is a creamy dessert made from fox nuts (makhana), milk, and sugar, flavored with cardamom and garnished with nuts. This kheer is not only delicious but also nutritious, as fox nuts are rich in protein and fiber. Makhana Kheer is a popular dish during fasting and festivals, cherished for its rich and soothing taste.

 

9. Parwal Ki Mithai

Image courtesy: Cooksfood

Parwal Ki Mithai is a unique sweet made from pointed gourd (parwal) stuffed with khoya (thickened milk) and flavored with cardamom. The parwal is first boiled, then stuffed and soaked in sugar syrup. This sweet is a specialty of Bihar, offering a delightful combination of the vegetable’s slight bitterness with the sweetness of the filling. It’s a fascinating and delicious sweet to try.

 

10. Thekua

 

Thekua is a rustic, deep-fried cookie made from wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee. It’s a traditional sweet, particularly associated with the festival of Chhath Puja. Thekua has a crispy exterior and a soft, sweet interior, making it a beloved snack in Bihari households. Its simple ingredients and robust flavor make it a comforting and satisfying treat.