6 Irresistible Assamese Pithas That Make Bihu Extra Special

Bihu, the biggest festival of Assam, is a time of joy, music, dance, and, most importantly, food. Among the many delicacies prepared during this festival, pithas hold a special place. These rice-based sweets and snacks are deeply rooted in Assamese tradition, bringing families together to celebrate the harvest.

From crispy rolls to soft, syrupy dumplings, each variety of pitha has a unique texture and flavour that makes it an irreplaceable part of the Bihu celebrations.

Til Pitha – The Crispy Sesame Roll

Til Pitha is one of the most iconic Assamese pithas, instantly recognised for its crispy texture and delicious sesame-jaggery filling. It is made by rolling a thin rice flour crêpe around a stuffing of black sesame seeds and jaggery. The natural oils from the sesame give the pitha a rich, nutty flavour.

The secret to perfect Til Pitha is in slow-roasting the roll so that the outer layer remains crunchy while the inside stays moist and flavourful. It is often enjoyed with a cup of tea, making it a winter and Bihu favourite.

Narikol Pitha – Coconut-Stuffed Goodness

Narikol Pitha (or Coconut Pitha) is for those who love sweet, coconut-filled treats. It consists of a soft rice flour covering with a filling of grated coconut, jaggery, and cardamom.

Unlike Til Pitha, this one is either steamed or deep-fried, depending on the variation. The fried version develops a golden-brown crispy shell, while the steamed version remains soft and chewy. Either way, the combination of coconut and jaggery makes it irresistibly sweet.

Ghila Pitha – The Deep-Fried Delight

Ghila Pitha is a deep-fried rice cake, slightly sweet and with a hint of jaggery. The batter is prepared by mixing rice flour, jaggery, and a little bit of baking soda, giving the pitha a light and fluffy texture inside while staying crispy outside.

This pitha gets its name from its distinct round shape, which resembles a knee cap ('Ghila' in Assamese). It is easy to prepare and doesn’t require any stuffing, making it one of the simplest yet most delicious Bihu pithas.

Sunga Pitha – The Bamboo-Flavoured Specialty

Sunga Pitha is one of the most traditional Assamese pithas, cooked in bamboo tubes over an open fire. The rice flour mixture is packed inside the bamboo, allowing the pitha to absorb the subtle earthy and smoky flavours from the bamboo itself.

Once cooked, the bamboo is cut open to reveal the soft, log-shaped rice cake, which is then sliced and served with honey, jaggery, or cream. The unique cooking technique and the aromatic flavour make this one of the most special pithas of Assam.

Tekeli Pitha – The Steamed Rice Cake

Tekeli Pitha is named after the 'Tekeli' or small pitcher in which it is traditionally steamed. A smooth batter of rice flour and coconut-jaggery filling is poured inside a cloth and placed inside a steaming tekeli.

Once cooked, the pitha has a spongy and soft texture, with the sweet coconut filling blending perfectly with the mild taste of rice. It is a favourite breakfast or snack during Bihu, often served with a drizzle of honey.

Lau Pitha – Syrupy Bottle Gourd Dumplings

Lau Pitha is one of the lesser-known Assamese pithas but is a true gem. It is made by mixing grated bottle gourd (lauki), rice flour, and jaggery into a dough, shaping it into dumplings, and deep-frying them.

The dumplings are then soaked in jaggery syrup, absorbing all the sweet, caramel-like flavours while maintaining a slightly crispy outer layer. This pitha is a delicious fusion of vegetable and dessert, proving that Assamese cuisine is both creative and flavourful.

Where to Buy Assamese Pithas Online

If you're looking to savour these traditional Assamese pithas without the effort of making them at home, here are five online platforms where you can order authentic pithas:

1. Bhogali Jalpan

A renowned Assamese brand specialising in traditional snacks and sweets, Bhogali Jalpan offers a variety of authentic pithas made using age-old recipes and high-quality ingredients.

Products Available: Til Pitha, Narikol Pitha, Assorted Pitha Packs and more

Price Range: Rs. 85 – Rs. 130

2. Assam Online Bazaar

An online marketplace dedicated to bringing Assamese delicacies to a broader audience, Assam Online Bazaar features pithas crafted by local artisans and home chefs.

Products Available: Black Rice Til Pitha, Til Ladu, Poka Mithoi and more

Price Range: Rs. 180 – Rs. 190

3. Foodwalas

Collaborating with local vendors, Foodwalas offers a curated selection of Assamese sweets and snacks, ensuring authenticity and quality in every bite.

Products Available: Coconut Pitha, Til Pitha, Assorted Traditional Sweets and more

Price Range: Rs. 195 – Rs. 500

4. Asomi Cart

A platform dedicated to Assamese cultural products, Asomi Cart offers a range of homemade pithas and other regional delicacies.

Products Available: Jeng Pitha, Tekeli Pitha, Sunga Pitha and more

Price Range: Rs. 30 – Rs. 400