Indian city's cow dung ban leaves a bitter taste for street food vendors

Stall owners fear for livelihoods, saying burning dung essential to flavour of Bihari favourites

The tantalising scent of freshly cooked dough rises from Brij Bihari Rai's food stall outside Patna zoo. Sitting on top of the grill is Rai's specialty, litti chokha, stuffed wheat flour balls tossed in ghee and served with mashed aubergine or potato on the side. But there is another ingredient, Rai says, that is essential to the dish's distinctive flavour.

"Cow dung flame, smoke and ashes add a special taste to this dish and that's why food lovers rush to our stall to relish the food," he said.