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Bengaluru has slowly evolved into a melting pot of various cultures and cuisines from around the world. I have witnessed that transformation in the last 15 years of my stay here.

Surprisingly, apart from few small time eateries, roadside kiosks and restaurants, that focussed primarily on Litti Chokha and its variants, there was real dearth of Bihari Cuisine specialty restaurant in the city earlier.But now things have changed in 2020 and Bengaluru can boast of having their first exclusive Bihari restaurant, The Pot Belly Divine, right in the heart of Indiranagar.

Part of famed Potbelly chain of Delhi NCR, it serves a flavorful Bihari and Jharkhand fare. It is much more than Litti Chokha, contrary to popular notion among people.

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While going through the menu, I found it quite exhaustive,with dishes around the bihar, for vegetarians and non vegetarians alike. Started with a vegetarian duo of starters, Bagia basket and Ghugni Chooda, both very typical of Bihar and Jharkhand.

Then came the big surprise, The Bihari Kabab, a lip smacking dish not many outside are aware. Served with flaky paratha and relishes,this kabab is highly recommended for all non vegetarians.It is delicious, melt-in-the mouth texture, infused with spices, yogurt and tenderising papaya, cooked in mustard oil.

Dehati Chokha Marua Roti, small rotis made of Marua flour which is a millet flour, topped with mashed fish and shrimps with spices, is a fusion starter, one must try here.

The main course here has a plethora of interesting offerings, with vegetarian platters called Madhubani Thali, Dana Jhamaura and the Makhana Thali, along with the Sattu paratha platter.

For the Litti Chokha lovers, this place also serves delicious Litti combinations with mutton and chicken curries apart from the regular vegetarian one. All three combinations are served with two styles of chokha, namely baigan and potato ones.

Meat lovers too can rejoice with an array of sumptuous homely dishes like Khada Masala Chicken, Sarson Machali and Champaran Mutton.The last one from Champaran, served with palak (spinach) puris, being my favourite hands down.

Due to lockdown these days , they are delivering food through online delivery platforms like Zomato and Swiggy.

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Through “The Pot Belly Divine” menu, one can experience the culinary trail of Bihar , including quintessential dishes from Bhojpuri, Magahi, and Maithil regions. In Spite of the Bihari diaspora everywhere, this food largely remains the unexplored avenue of Indian cuisine. And I’m glad that this place is contributing to the cause of popularising the food from Bihar and Jharkhand.

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