Chole bhature is a North Indian comfort meal: a bowl of spiced chickpea curry (chole) served with big, puffy fried bread (bhature). It comes from Punjab and Delhi, where it's a favorite for weekend brunch, family outings and anytime you want something hearty.

We're best known for South Indian food, but chole bhature is one of the North Indian dishes we serve at Ananda Kitchen in Langley Park, alongside chole puri, aloo bhaji puri and a Punjabi thali.

What is chole?

Chole is a chickpea curry. The chickpeas are typically simmered in a spiced, tomato-based gravy until they're soft and the sauce is rich. A good chole is tangy, a little spicy and deeply savory. It's the kind of dish people describe as tasting like home.

What is bhatura?

Bhatura (plural: bhature) is a soft, leavened dough that's rolled out and deep-fried until it puffs up like a balloon. It's crisp at the edges, chewy in the middle and a bit indulgent. It's bigger and softer than puri, which is a smaller, thinner fried bread.

How do you eat chole bhature?

Tear off a piece of bhatura with your hand, scoop up some chole with it, and eat. That's it. Onions, a squeeze of lemon and a bit of pickle on the side make every bite better. A cold sweet or salty lassi is the classic drink alongside it.

Tip: eat bhature while they're hot and puffed. If you're getting takeout, keep the bag open a crack on the way home so they don't steam and go soft.

Chole bhature vs. chole puri: what's the difference?

Both pair chole with fried bread. The difference is the bread:

  • Bhature: larger, softer, chewier and richer.
  • Puri: smaller, thinner and lighter.

If you want the full indulgent experience, go for chole bhature. If you'd like something a little lighter, chole puri is a great choice. You can add an extra bhatura or extra puri if you're extra hungry.

What is aloo bhaji puri?

Aloo bhaji puri swaps the chickpeas for a simple, spiced potato curry. It's mild, comforting and very popular with kids and anyone who prefers less heat. In many homes, puri with potato bhaji is a classic festival and weekend breakfast.

What's in a Punjabi thali?

A thali is a platter with several small portions on one plate, so you can taste a little of everything in one meal. Our Punjabi thali is a good choice if you can't decide or want a complete, balanced North Indian meal. If you love paneer or dal, there are versions with double paneer and double dal too. The exact items are listed on our full menu.

Which one should I order?

  • Want the classic? Chole bhature.
  • Want something lighter? Chole puri.
  • Prefer mild? Aloo bhaji puri.
  • Want variety? Punjabi thali.

Feeding a group? Chole, aloo bhaji, bhature and puri are all available as sharing trays. See our catering page and our guide to ordering catering trays.

Is chole bhature vegetarian?

Yes. Everything at Ananda Kitchen is vegetarian and cooked in a separate, dedicated vegetarian kitchen. If you're ordering vegan, tell the counter so we can guide you, since breads and curries can vary. Swaminarayan-friendly versions of some items, like extra bhature and extra puri, are on our Swaminarayan-friendly menu.

Where to get chole bhature in Langley Park

Ananda Kitchen is inside BITES Food Court + Bar at 8046 New Hampshire Ave, Hyattsville, MD 20783, in the Langley Park Shopping Center. Parking is free.

We're open daily 11am to 9pm, and until 10pm on Friday and Saturday. Walk up to the counter or order online for pickup. Most orders are ready in about 30 minutes.