Tucked away in the far northeast corner of India, the state of Manipur boasts a unique and vibrant cuisine that is a feast for all the senses. Influenced by its geography, history, and neighboring cultures, Manipuri cuisine offers an explosion of flavors, textures, and ingredients you won’t find anywhere else.
Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure as we delve into some of the most popular traditional dishes of Manipur. Let me be your guide in uncovering the secrets of this delicious and often under-explored culinary world.
1. Eromba
- Description: A quintessential Manipuri dish, Eromba is a delightful medley of boiled vegetables (potatoes, beans, carrots, etc.), mashed together with fermented fish (Ngari), and a fiery chili paste. Its texture is both chunky and comforting.
- Key Ingredients: Boiled vegetables, Ngari (fermented fish), chili peppers, fermented bamboo shoots, herbs.
- Popular Restaurant: Luxmi Kitchen (Imphal) – Highly rated on Google.
2. Chamthong or Kangsoi
- Description: Chamthong, also known as Kangsoi, is a hearty and satisfying stew featuring seasonal vegetables (cabbage, carrots, beans, onions, peas), herbs, and either dried fish or pulses for added protein.
- Key Ingredients: Seasonal vegetables, herbs, dried fish or pulses, ngari (optional).
- Popular Restaurant: Manipur Kitchen (Imphal) – Known for its authentic flavors.
3. Ngari
- Description: This pungent fermented fish is the heart and soul of many Manipuri dishes. Ngari adds an intense, umami flavor that is both unique and highly prized in the local cuisine.
- Key ingredients: Small, locally sourced fish, fermented with salt.
- Where to find it: Ngari is readily available in local markets and is often used in home cooking.
4. Morok Metpa
- Description: A fiery and beloved condiment, Morok Metpa is a chunky chili chutney made with green chilies, fermented fish, and herbs. It’s a flavor bomb that adds a spicy kick to any meal.
- Key Ingredients: Green chilies, Ngari, herbs (coriander, spring onions).
- Where to find it: Most restaurants serving Manipuri cuisine will offer Morok Metpa as a side.
5. Iromba
- Description: Similar to Eromba, Iromba is another delicious combination of boiled vegetables and fermented fish. However, Iromba features a finer consistency and often includes additional ingredients like mashed potatoes and fermented bamboo shoots.
- Key Ingredients: Boiled vegetables (potatoes, beans, carrots), Ngari, mashed potato, fermented bamboo shoots, herbs.
- Popular Restaurant: The Classic Hotel (Imphal) – Known for traditional Manipuri dishes.
6. Chak-hao Kheer
- Description: Chak-hao Kheer is a sweet and creamy dessert that showcases the unique flavor of Manipuri black rice (Chak-hao). The rice is cooked with milk, sugar, and aromatic spices, creating a comforting and satisfying treat with a beautiful purple hue.
- Key Ingredients: Chak-hao (black rice), milk, sugar, cardamom, bay leaf.
- Popular Restaurant: Sangai Restaurant (Imphal) – Offers authentic Manipuri desserts.
7. Kangshoi
- Description: Not to be confused with the savory Chamthong/Kangsoi, this second usage of ‘Kangshoi’ refers to a simple stir-fry dish. It typically features seasonal vegetables, herbs, and dried fish, creating a light and flavorful side dish or snack.
- Key ingredients: Seasonal vegetables, dried fish, herbs, onions, garlic.
- Where to find it: Kangshoi is widely available in Manipuri restaurants and as a common home-cooked meal.
8. Ooti
- Description: Ooti is a hearty and satisfying yellow pea curry, flavored with onions, garlic, and a touch of chili. It’s a vegetarian staple that provides a comforting and nutritious meal, often served with rice.
- Ingredients: Yellow split peas, onions, garlic, ginger, turmeric, chili powder, oil.
- Popular Restaurant: Yaiphaba Hotel (Imphal) – Known for their homestyle Ooti.
9. Singju
- Description: Singju is a refreshing and flavorful salad made with a variety of fresh vegetables like cabbage, green beans, lotus stem, and local herbs. It’s often seasoned with fermented fish, roasted perilla seeds, and chili flakes, creating a mix of textures and a burst of flavors.
- Key Ingredients: Cabbage, green beans, lotus stem, herbs (like coriander, spring onion), fermented fish, roasted perilla seeds, chili flakes.
- Popular Restaurant: Ema Keithel Market food stalls (Imphal) – Singju is a popular street food found at this bustling market.
10. Paknam
- Description: Paknam is a unique and flavorful dish consisting of a type of pancake often made with a batter of rice flour, besan (chickpea flour), herbs, onions, and fermented fish. It’s a savory and filling snack or light meal.
- Key Ingredients: Rice flour, besan, fermented fish, herbs, onions.
- Popular Restaurant: Ima Keithel Market – Paknam is often sold as a street food in markets.
11. Nga-Thongba
- Description:: Nga-Thongba is a classic Manipuri fish curry featuring locally caught fish cooked in a flavorful broth with onions, tomatoes, herbs, and spices. The fish takes center stage in this comforting and delicious dish.
- Key Ingredients: Fresh fish (often rohu or carp), onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, turmeric, chili powder, herbs.
- Popular Restaurant: Thong Nambarel Traditional Restaurant (Imphal) – Specializes in traditional fish dishes
Conclusion
I hope this culinary journey through Manipur has sparked your appetite and inspired you to explore the rich tapestry of flavors this northeastern Indian state has to offer. Remember, Manipuri cuisine is all about fresh ingredients, bold spices, and preserving tradition. Whether you explore local restaurants or attempt to recreate these dishes at home, the authentic flavors of Manipur are an adventure you won’t soon forget!
