The Comfort of Dal Chawal: Big B's Staple
For many of his fans, the revelation that Amitabh Bachchan's preferred meal is dal chawal—a simple combination of lentils and rice—is heartwarming. It’s a testament to his down-to-earth personality, a trait often mentioned by those who have worked with him. During episodes of his popular game show, Kaun Banega Crorepati, Bachchan has openly reminisced about his simple food preferences from childhood, solidifying the idea of dal chawal as his ultimate comfort food. Despite being exposed to the finest global cuisine, he has often opted for the familiar tastes of home-cooked Indian food. This preference for simplicity has defined his public image beyond the silver screen, showcasing a man who values tradition and health in his daily life.
A Sweet Tooth for Lapsi and Mithai
While his savory preference is clear, Amitabh Bachchan also possesses a well-documented sweet tooth, though he has largely had to curb it for health reasons. He once revealed his fondness for traditional Indian sweets, or mithai, like kheer, kulfi, and rabdi. His connection to sweets was highlighted publicly on his 80th birthday when his wife, Jaya Bachchan, treated him to lapsi on the sets of KBC. Lapsi, a popular dessert from his home state of Uttar Pradesh, is a wholesome sweet made from broken wheat, and holds a special place in his heart. This indulgence in traditional desserts showcases a fondness for his roots, but remains a rare treat due to his rigorous dietary discipline.
Delhi Chaat: A Nostalgic Craving
Another significant favorite food for Amitabh Bachchan is the street food delicacy of chaat, particularly from the famous Bengali Sweet House in Delhi. He has often shared his nostalgic memories of enjoying chaat, pani-puri, and other street eats during his youth. This love for street food contrasts with the strict, clean diet he now follows, revealing a more playful side to his food preferences. While he no longer partakes in such indulgences regularly, his affectionate recollections of these foods demonstrate a deep connection to the flavors and memories of his younger days.
The Modern, Disciplined Diet of a Superstar
In his current life, especially in recent years, Amitabh Bachchan follows a strict and healthy vegetarian diet, a transition driven by health concerns, including a long-term battle with liver issues. He begins his day with a routine that includes tulsi leaves, protein shakes, nuts, and specific juices like gooseberry (amla). For lunch, his meals are very simple and wholesome, consisting of dal, sabzi (green vegetables), and chapatis. He avoids sugar, processed foods, and fried items to maintain his health and energy levels. This disciplined approach, coupled with regular exercise and yoga, is key to his enduring vitality.
The Evolution of Amitabh Bachchan's Food Habits
Amitabh Bachchan's food journey is a story of transformation. In his youth, he ate meat, drank alcohol, and was a heavy smoker. However, a confluence of personal health crises and a desire for a healthier lifestyle led him to make radical changes. In a past interview, he explained his shift to vegetarianism was not religious, but pragmatic, as it was difficult to find vegetarian options while traveling abroad. His commitment to this change intensified after his accident on the sets of Coolie and subsequent diagnosis with liver cirrhosis, which significantly limited his dietary choices and forced him to prioritize his well-being. His story is an example of adapting to challenges and prioritizing health over indulgence. For more insights into his journey and health philosophy, you can visit the Times Now article that details his regimen.
Amitabh Bachchan's Diet: Then vs. Now
| Aspect | Past (Younger Days) | Present (Health-Conscious) |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Vegetarian Food | Consumed non-veg dishes | Strictly vegetarian |
| Sweets | Enjoyed Indian sweets (mithai) and desserts | Avoids sugary items and pastries |
| Alcohol/Smoking | Drank and smoked | Quit entirely |
| Breakfast | Varied, less structured | Fixed routine: tulsi leaves, nuts, gooseberry juice, protein shakes |
| Lunch | Traditional Indian meals | Simple dal, sabzi, chapati |
| Rice | Part of meals | Tends to avoid |
| Street Food | Loved Delhi chaat | Avoids for health reasons |
| Motivation | Taste and social habits | Health, discipline, and longevity |
Conclusion
Ultimately, what is Amitabh Bachchan's favorite food is not a single dish but a story of evolution. While dal chawal remains his emotional anchor, and chaat a nostalgic pleasure, his true preference is for a diet that supports his health and allows him to continue his long and distinguished career. His culinary journey from youthful indulgences to a disciplined, healthy vegetarian lifestyle is a powerful lesson in prioritizing wellness. It proves that even for the biggest stars, simplicity and health are the most satisfying ingredients for a long and vibrant life.
