Bina is a quaint town in the Northern part of Madhya Pradesh. Its old name was Etawa and some locals still use the old name. The town is very close to the Uttar Pradesh – Madhya Pradesh border. Wheat is grown in abundance here and is also a staple food of the people here. The cuisine of Bina Etawa is a mixture of many styles. Madhya Pradesh style with a huge influence of Uttar Pradesh’s ‘Awadhi’ brand of cooking can be clearly seen. Apart from that, a bit of Bihari style peeks out in the mix. The region has both traditional and modern cooking styles and dishes.

• Dal Roti: – Though Dal Roti seems like a common staple food, the Dal Roti combination of Bina is totally different. The roti is made from the highest quality of wheat grown locally and the dal is made extra thick with no useless or heavy frills. It makes a hearty meal.

• Kheer Puri: – Kheer Puri is an unusual, but enjoyable pairing of two dishes that is done here. Kheer or sweet rice pudding with cashew or almonds and a few strands of saffron is eaten along with deep fried wheat dough. This is not a typical breakfast and is usually eaten during festivals like Janmashtami.

• Daliya: – Daliya is a popular breakfast item of this region. Daliya literally means broken wheat. A savoury pudding is made with the broken wheat along with milk and salt. Spices like cumin and chilli powder are added, as well to give a taste. Daliya is a simple dish, usually eaten for breakfast with a glass of milk.

• Lapsi: – Lapsi is a sweet dish famous for its gentle taste and rich aroma. It has Gujarati roots, but it has become very popular around Bina. Broken wheat is cooked in pure ghee and sweetened with sugar. Cardamom powder gives the flavour and aroma to the dessert. Pistachios may be added if desired. It is a wholesome sweet.

• Bhutte ki Kheer: – Another dish that sets the cuisine of Bina apart, Bhutte ki Kheer uses corn as the main ingredient in a sweet dish. Fresh corn is grated and then pan fried in ghee. The usual recipe for Kheer is followed by adding milk and sugar to the mix. It has a different taste and must not be missed.

• Dal Bhari Puri: – This is a delectable little dish that is full of energy. Lentils are made into a thick preparation with consistency of a semi-solid. This is stuffed into wheat dough and deep fried until golden brown. Dal Bhari Puri dish doesn’t need any accompaniments, however, if you choose, you may use some fresh greens.

• Besan Laddoo: – Besan Laddoo is an interesting dessert dish that is quite popular in Bina. It is prepared for festivities and celebrations. The chief ingredient is gram flour, which is roasted in ghee. Sugar is added and the entire preparation is hand-rolled into small balls. Cashews and almonds may be used as decorations on the laddoos.

• Bhindi Masala: – Bhindi masala is dish that is a favourite of okra or ladyfinger lovers. Okras are cut and fried lightly along with chillies and gram flour. They are then dipped in spicy tomato based gravy with a hint of mint leaves. Bhindi masala is, usually, eaten with Chapatis, Rotis or any other kind of Indian bread.

• Khatta Meetha Chivda: – This chivda is a popular tea time snack of the region. It is made with fried beaten rice, which is given sweet and sour flavours using salt, sugar, groundnuts, oil and turmeric. A few raisins can also be added to enhance the taste of the snack.