Thekua, a very representative sweet snack of Bihar and Jharkhand, Nepal too, recently gained special attention after it was presented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a gift to Richard Rai, speaker of the National Council of the Slovak Republic, when he visited India.
When golden-fried baingan, or eggplant, is coated in creamy roasted poppy seed paste and the preparation is finished with green chillies and mustard oil, you have the authentic taste of Bengal on your plate.
Ambila is a typical Odia mixed vegetable curry known for its sweet, tangy, delicately-spiced flavor. It's considered a comforting, satvik dish.
Senaga Pappu Kobbari Curry is a simple and comforting dish from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
An okra dish with peanuts and sesame that will win you over in a jiffy.
A simple, humble grain-based drink, popular in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, is the secret to better digestion and sustained energy in the height of summer.
Santula is a wholesome Odia vegetable dish, known for its subtle flavours. Unlike heavily-spiced curries, Santula relies on the natural taste of fresh vegetables enhanced only by minimal spices.
Ghanta Tarkari is a classic Odia dish prepared using a mix of seasonal vegetables, often cooked in large batches and shared with family and neighbours.
Dal Dulhan is a warming traditional dish from Bihar, says Pratibha Kumari Singh, often prepared on relaxed family days when something hearty yet homely is desired.