Litti-chokha to compete with American, Thai cuisines at Manila food fest

Litti expert Dinesh Kumar from Darbhanga and tikki-chaat makers from Delhi, Dalchand and Rekha Devi, has been selected to represent the country under the banner of National Association of Streetfood Vendors of India (NASVI) at the five-day event. Hosted by World Streetfood Congress, Manila, the event will be attended by 17 countries and will have 30 stalls, two of which have been allotted to India.

“The best varieties on show will be given a certificate of excellence,” said Dinesh Kumar.

“If Bihari food gets rated the best, it will not only make the country proud, but street food vendors of the state too will feel encouraged,” he said.

“Mine is a rags to riches tale. I left my home in Darbhanga district in north Biharat quite a young age and came to the state capital, Patna, 127 km away, to earn money. For some time I worked at a roadside dhaaba (eatery) and sold nuts on pavements near Patna Museum and at Mauryalok shopping complex,” he said.

Soon he realised the growing popularity of street food among Patnaites and also the increasing population of people who needed readymade food.

“In 2004, I started a litti stall on Dak Bungalow road, which soon started drawing food lovers. Considering this popularity, NASVI invited me to its national food festival in Delhi. I offered a new dish’ litti-chicken’ prepared by my associate, Ashok, which became a rage among Delhites and even among foreign visitors,” he said.

All the best from our team!

Like us on Facebook for more stories: