Jul 24, 2025

8 Ancient Indian Dishes That Were Lost and Now Rediscovered

Aanya Mehta

Mahni (Himachal Pradesh)

A tangy black gram and mango pulp curry. Once fading from households, it was revived by Himachali chefs as part of temple and wedding cuisines.

Source: Google Images

Chandrakala and Suryakala (Bihar)

These sweets resemble the moon and sun and were once part of royal Mithila desserts. They have returned in festive thalis thanks to culinary storytellers.

Source: Google Images

Bhuna Kukda (Madhya Pradesh)

A slow cooked chicken dish from the royal kitchens of Malwa. Now rediscovered through old handwritten recipe scrolls.

Source: Google Images

Sael Roti (Uttarakhand)

A deep fried fermented rice bread once fading in urban homes. It's making a comeback in village homestays and mountain food festivals.

Source: Google Images

Patoleo (Goa)

A steamed sweet rice dumpling wrapped in turmeric leaves. Nearly forgotten but now revived as a heritage monsoon delicacy.

Source: Google Images

Mangodi Sabzi (Rajasthan)

Dried lentil dumplings once made only in drought seasons. Now back in menus for their protein punch and long shelf life.

Source: Google Images

Amba Khatta (Odisha)

A sweet and sour raw mango chutney made during Raja Parba. Vanishing for years, now back via cultural revivalists and Odia home chefs.

Source: Google Images

Pakhala Bhata (Odisha)

Fermented rice soaked in water, it is an ancient farmer's gut-friendly food. Now celebrated with a dedicated “Pakhala Dibasa” (Day) in Odisha.

Source: Google Images

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