Patna has its own unique tradition of food habits. The feeding habits of Patnaites have an impression of its demographical position and cultural attributions. The prominent foods here reflect an evolved fine blend of North and East Indian tastes.
The taste buds of Patna's connoisseurs have been tickled since long by different culinary artists and establishments of which a few have survived to serve till today. City's old timers could not forget the taste of one such culinary artist Mahangu Sao. The preparations of Sao were so popular that the hotel was christened Mahangu Hotel by the people. Located in shanty lanes of Naya Tola of Patna the old establishment known for its non vegetarian preparation specially mutton (Red Meat) curry is now run by the grandchildren of Mahangu Sao.
Now sexagenarian, then a frequent youth visitor to hotel retired PWD engineer Ashok Sinha fills with joy reminding the taste of Mahangu's mutton curry cooked in earthen pots. He says, "The taste of Mahangu Hotel can't be replicated. Even the taste of preparations today is not that as was earlier."
Another such spot is the 80 year old sweet shop of Late Ramashray Prasad in the heart of old part of city, Patna Saheb. The shop is known for its sweet preparation popularly known as "Khurchan". Prepared from milk solids, the sweet has connoisseurs ranging from the common man to the legendary leaders like Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Despite its high price the demand-supply gap remains wide. The Khurchan costs Rs 600 for a kilogram. Old timers say that it used to cost Rs 15 for a kilogram in its early phases which evolved through the time but the taste still remains the same. The shop today is run by the great great grandchild of Prasad, Prabhat.
Soda Fountain, near Gandhi Maidan is another prominent establishment which has evolved and maintained the tradition of Patna's feeding habits. "Soda Fountain was known for its Dosa and Ras Malais. Then it used to be one of the few reputed brands unlike today and there used to be queue outside for savouring on their preparations on holidays. The place has memories of our college life", recalls retired Patna University Professor Dr Snehlata Prasad.
Located in Kadamkuan locality Mahadev's Gulabjamun is another name on the list followed by Sadhu's "Bam" of Danapur. These age old establishments have won the hearts of generations in Patna and continue to do so. They justify the one-liner used in an old advertisement "Naani Se Lekar Dohtirani Tak" (From Grandmother to Grandchildren, serving across generations).
Bharat Coffee House at Fraser Road, Pintu Hotel, Neetai Cafe and Blue Moon are a few prominent names that could not stand with changing times and market.
The taste buds of Patna's connoisseurs have been tickled since long by different culinary artists and establishments of which a few have survived to serve till today. City's old timers could not forget the taste of one such culinary artist Mahangu Sao. The preparations of Sao were so popular that the hotel was christened Mahangu Hotel by the people. Located in shanty lanes of Naya Tola of Patna the old establishment known for its non vegetarian preparation specially mutton (Red Meat) curry is now run by the grandchildren of Mahangu Sao.
Now sexagenarian, then a frequent youth visitor to hotel retired PWD engineer Ashok Sinha fills with joy reminding the taste of Mahangu's mutton curry cooked in earthen pots. He says, "The taste of Mahangu Hotel can't be replicated. Even the taste of preparations today is not that as was earlier."
Another such spot is the 80 year old sweet shop of Late Ramashray Prasad in the heart of old part of city, Patna Saheb. The shop is known for its sweet preparation popularly known as "Khurchan". Prepared from milk solids, the sweet has connoisseurs ranging from the common man to the legendary leaders like Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Despite its high price the demand-supply gap remains wide. The Khurchan costs Rs 600 for a kilogram. Old timers say that it used to cost Rs 15 for a kilogram in its early phases which evolved through the time but the taste still remains the same. The shop today is run by the great great grandchild of Prasad, Prabhat.
Soda Fountain, near Gandhi Maidan is another prominent establishment which has evolved and maintained the tradition of Patna's feeding habits. "Soda Fountain was known for its Dosa and Ras Malais. Then it used to be one of the few reputed brands unlike today and there used to be queue outside for savouring on their preparations on holidays. The place has memories of our college life", recalls retired Patna University Professor Dr Snehlata Prasad.
Located in Kadamkuan locality Mahadev's Gulabjamun is another name on the list followed by Sadhu's "Bam" of Danapur. These age old establishments have won the hearts of generations in Patna and continue to do so. They justify the one-liner used in an old advertisement "Naani Se Lekar Dohtirani Tak" (From Grandmother to Grandchildren, serving across generations).
Bharat Coffee House at Fraser Road, Pintu Hotel, Neetai Cafe and Blue Moon are a few prominent names that could not stand with changing times and market.
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