Bilaspur is a city located in the Chhattisgarh state of India, with a population of approximately 450,000 people. The city is well known for its rich culture and vibrant food scene, with a variety of dishes and drinks that are enjoyed by both locals and visitors alike.
The people of Bilaspur lead a relatively relaxed lifestyle, with a strong emphasis on family and community. Meals are an important part of the day, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner being the main meals. The typical meal times are as follows: breakfast is usually eaten between 7-9 am, lunch between 12-2 pm, and dinner between 7-9 pm. Snacks are also commonly consumed throughout the day, especially during tea time, which is around 4 pm.
One of the most popular dishes in Bilaspur is the famous "bhajia," which is a type of fritter made from gram flour and a variety of vegetables such as onions, potatoes, and chilies. The ingredients are mixed together with spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric before being deep-fried to a golden brown. Bhajia is often served with a tangy chutney made from tamarind and mint, which provides a refreshing contrast to the spiciness of the fritters.
Another popular dish in Bilaspur is the "choley bhature," which is a spicy chickpea curry served with a fluffy fried bread known as "bhature." The curry is made with a blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, garam masala, and turmeric, along with tomatoes, onions, and garlic. The bhature is made from a dough of flour, water, and yogurt, which is then rolled out into small circles and deep-fried until golden brown. The combination of the spicy curry and fluffy bread makes for a filling and delicious meal.
For those with a sweet tooth, Bilaspur has plenty of desserts to choose from, including the "jalebi," which is a type of sweet pretzel made from a fermented batter of flour and yogurt. The batter is piped into hot oil in circular shapes and deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. The jalebis are then soaked in a sugar syrup flavored with saffron and cardamom, which gives them their distinct sweet and fragrant taste.
Bilaspur is also known for its refreshing drinks, such as the "lassi," which is a yogurt-based drink that comes in both sweet and savory varieties. The sweet lassi is made with yogurt, sugar, and flavored with rose water or cardamom, while the savory lassi is made with salt, cumin, and mint. Both are perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day.
Another popular drink in Bilaspur is the "thandai," which is a spiced milk drink that is often served during festivals and celebrations. The drink is made by soaking a blend of almonds, cashews, pistachios, and poppy seeds in water for several hours, before grinding the mixture into a fine paste. The paste is then mixed with milk, sugar, and a blend of spices such as cardamom, saffron, and black pepper to create a rich and flavorful drink.