the culinary confluence: exploring the famous food in aurangabad

Aurangabad, officially renamed Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, is a city steeped in history, serving as the gateway to the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage sites of Ajanta and Ellora. But its rich past hasn't just shaped its architecture; it has profoundly influenced its food. The cuisine of this Marathwada region is a delightful and spicy confluence where the robust, rustic flavours of Maharashtra meet the creamy, aromatic luxury of Mughlai and Hyderabadi cooking.

If you’re planning a trip, be prepared to embark on a fiery and fulfilling culinary adventure. Here is a guide to the famous dishes you absolutely must try in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

1. Naan Qaliya: The Royal Signature Dish

The Naan Qaliya is arguably the most iconic dish of the city, tracing its roots back to the Mughal era when it was supposedly created to feed the royal army. It is a hearty, flavorful slow-cooked mutton curry (Qaliya) that is deeply spicy, rich in fat, and infused with traditional spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and bay leaves.

The "Naan" element refers to the accompanying bread, which is very distinct from the naan found in North Indian restaurants. The Aurangabadi Naan is typically round, fluffy, and thicker—almost like a soft, puffed-up bread roll, often prepared in a tandoor. It’s perfect for scooping up every last drop of the velvety, complex gravy. This dish offers a complete, authentic, and historically resonant meal.

2. Aurangabadi Biryani and Tahri

While Biryani is ubiquitous across India, the Aurangabadi Biryani has its own unique character. Unlike the moist, saffron-heavy Hyderabadi style, the local version often features a distinctive blend of regional spices and slow-cooked, tender marinated meat (usually mutton). It is known for its intense aroma and generous spice level, making it a favourite among local non-vegetarian enthusiasts.

For vegetarians, the city offers Tahri (or Tehri). This fragrant rice dish is similar to a light biryani but is typically prepared using fresh vegetables and aromatic spices like cumin and turmeric, offering a savoury, comforting, and meat-free alternative that remains highly popular in local households.

3. The Maharashtrian Staples: Pithla Bhakri and Thecha

Moving away from the royal kitchens, you find the soul of Marathwada in its traditional vegetarian staples.

• Pithla Bhakri: This is true Maharashtrian comfort food. Pithla is a simple yet incredibly flavorful curry or gravy made from besan (gram flour). It has a thick, creamy consistency and is often seasoned with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chillies. It is always served with Bhakri, a rustic flatbread made from jowar (sorghum) or bajra (pearl millet) flour. This combination reflects the simple, wholesome cuisine of the region's farmers.
• Thecha: If you enjoy heat, you must pair your Bhakri with Thecha. This is a fiery, coarsely ground chutney made primarily from raw green or red chillies, garlic, and sometimes peanuts. It delivers an immediate and intense burst of spice that is a hallmark of the regional palate.

4. Street Food Delights and Sweet Indulgences

The street food scene in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar provides endless opportunities for quick, savoury, and deep-fried gratification.

• Samosa Rice: A uniquely local fusion, this dish combines the classic crispiness of a crushed samosa (a fried pastry with spiced potato filling) with a mound of flavoured rice, all topped with a generous ladleful of spicy curry. It’s an interesting textural and flavour combination that's a street food speciality.
• Bhalla Tikki Chhole: This popular chaat item layers a soft, spongy bhalla (lentil dumpling) and a crisp aloo tikki (potato patty) with tangy chickpea curry (chhole), creamy yoghurt, and a medley of sweet and mint chutneys.
• Kachori and Moong Bhajiya: You’ll find stalls serving piping hot, deep-fried snacks like savoury lentil Kachori and fluffy Moong Bhajiya (fritters made from lentil batter), which are essential tea-time treats.

No food journey is complete without dessert. The city is famous for Khawa Jalebi and Sutarfeni. Khawa Jalebi is richer and darker than the common jalebi, infused with khawa (milk solids) for a luxurious texture. Sutarfeni is a fine, shredded, flaky dough, sweet, often flavoured with rose water and garnished with nuts—a delicate Mughal import.

Enjoy the Best of Aurangabad’s Food at Mangalam Resort 

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar is a city where every meal tells a story, blending royal history with regional heartiness. Whether you seek the complexity of a Mughlai curry or the comfort of a farmer’s meal, this city's cuisine promises to leave a lasting, spicy impression. If you’re wondering where you can have all these delicacies of Aurangabad, don’t worry. Mangalam Resort’s multicuisine F&B outlets have got you covered. From Naan Qaaliya to Aurangabadi Biryani to Kachori and Moong Bhajia, you can have everything at Verdura, our all-day dining restaurant.

So what are you waiting for? Book your table at our restaurant and explore the fine taste of Aurangabad.