Street food enthusiasts in the town of Balod, Chhattisgarh, are turning out in large numbers to savor the distinctive culinary flavors of Varanasi. Served at Bikaner Sweets situated near Ghadi Chowk, a special tikki chaat has captured significant local attention for its crisp texture, rich taste, and filling portions. Despite carrying an economical price tag of just 35 rupees per plate, the counter sees daily sales of approximately 150 plates. Footfall begins around 1 pm in the afternoon and continues steadily until 8 pm at night as residents gather to enjoy the delicacy.
Bringing the Culinary Heritage of Varanasi to Balod
The craftsman behind this local favorite is Premchand, a native of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. He emphasizes that the chaat culture of Varanasi carries a unique identity, balance of spices, and preparation style that stands out from standard regional snacks. For several years, he has been serving this exact traditional recipe to the people of Balod. His dedication has transformed the sweet shop frontage into a lively hub where food lovers, friends, and families arrive consistently throughout the afternoon and evening hours.
Recipe Built on Potatoes, Gram Flour, and Chana Dal
According to Premchand, the crisp patty is made primarily using a foundation of potatoes, gram flour, and chana dal. These staple ingredients are thoroughly mixed with cumin, common salt, and other necessary seasoning components before being formed into tikkis and cooked to precision. When dressed and presented, the combination of distinct textures and hearty ingredients delivers a satisfying experience. Customers regularly cite the generous portion size and balanced flavor profile as the reasons they return repeatedly.
Eighteen Years of Craft Refined from Assistant to Artisan
Premchand brings a solid 18 years of hands-on experience to his craft. He originally developed his culinary skills in his native village near Varanasi, starting his career at the grassroots level as a helper in a small local chaat outlet. By observing the trade closely and working consistently, he grasped the nuances of heat control, seasoning balance, and texture preparation. Eventually, he established this hard-earned craft as his independent vocation. Today, his decades-long dedication has established Banarasi tikki chaat as a beloved street food staple in Balod.
