Santhali Tribal Food, Jharkhand l Zil Pitha (Chicken Pancake) + Chicken Leto + Spiny Gourd Bhujia

Today’s episode from our Jharkhand Food Series unfolds in the lush green expanse of Ghatshila, where we journeyed to Chengjora Heritage Village to experience the soulful cuisine and traditions of the Santhal tribe, one of Jharkhand’s largest and most vibrant indigenous communities. This trip was beautifully curated by Jyoti Shukla in association with Open Farm. Our journey began early from Patna, with a hearty breakfast stop at Panchwati Hotel. Hot parathas loaded with butter and steaming cups of chai set the perfect tone for the day. From there, we drove straight to Chengjora, passing through rain-soaked fields and green avenues. The landscape seemed to hum with the rhythm of the monsoon and the pulse of rural life. At Chengjora Heritage Village, a community-run stay and restaurant initiative led by Santhal women, we were greeted by a spirited team who welcomed us with warmth and enthusiasm. Dressed in traditional Santhal attire, we sat down for a home-style lunch of jil pitha, bilyeti reppa, dhaniya chutney, and leto. The food had spicy, smoky, and earthy flavours, cooked over a wood fire in wooden utensils, just as it has been done for generations. Later, we made our way to the local haat, walking through puddles and rain to explore the vegetables and ingredients that form the base of Santhal cooking. Amidst the bustle, the aroma of freshly fried samosas drew us in. They were simple and comforting, just perfect for that rainy afternoon. Back at the village, we joined the women as they prepared dinner. We watched the making of jil uttu desi chicken curry and other dishes. Dinner that night was a soulful spread of rice, kheksa bhaja, mixed sabzi, and leto, each bite carrying a story of the land and its people. The evening ended with Santhal songs and dance, their rhythms filling the rain-washed night. It was a beautiful finale to a day filled with flavour, friendship and discovery. About the host: https://anubhavsapra.com/ Also follow us on Facebook:   / delhifoodwalks   Twitter:   / delhifoodwalks   Instagram:   / delhifoodwalks   Design and filmed by Rahul Singh Texts by Swetaleena Nayak