Manipur is one of the most beautiful state in the North Eastern region of Republic of India. As much stunning its landscapes are, Manipuri cuisine is one step further. In Manipur, daily or staple meals include rice, with a few side dishes of vegetables, fishes and meat.
A normal Manipuri meal would have a vegetable stew called which is known as ensaang or also as athongba, which is then flavored with bunch of dried or fried fishes, along with it you will have stir fried vegetables popularly called as kanghou, any spicy item, which could be anything ffrom the vast variety of option such as morok metpa, a fiery chili paste that packs a punch, Eromba, a delightful combination of boiled and mashed vegetables seasoned with chili and fermented fish which you will find below in the post in details along with singju, a zesty and unique salad from Manipur. Accompanying these already flavorful side dishes are an bunch of fresh herbs collectively known as maroi, adding a refreshing touch to the culinary experience.
Central to the essence of Meitei cuisine and to some extent Kukki cuisines is the presence of ngari, a fermented fish that infuses its distinct flavor into many preparations. In addition to vegetarian dishes, the cuisine also boasts an array of meat based delicacies like Yen thongba, Nganu thongba, oak thongba, San thongba, & more, each prepared with unique recipes that showcase the rich culinary heritage of the region.
1. Chamthong or Kangshoi - Chamthong or Kangshoi is a vegetable stew. The stew features a bunch & tonne of boiled vegetables, combined with skinned cut sliced onions, & cloves, salt, garlic, maroi, & a touch of ginger; Chamthong or Kangshoi vegetable stew is served along with the rice or the fish and is generally consumed straight after the dish is ready as its hot, to get the real taste of it.
2. Eromba - Explore the flavors of Eromba, a culinary delight that showcases the vibrant essence of traditional Manipuri's cuisine. Eromba is incomplete without Ngari, a delectable fish variety. To prepare Eromba, a bunch of vegetables is collectively boiled together with fermented fish, resulting in a scrumpious blend of flavors. Through this process, the ingredients amalgamate into a paste-like texture, unveiling a truly unique and delightful culinary masterpiece. A final touch of maroi enhances the sensory journey, accompanied by a delicate sprinkle of coriander leaves, lending a refreshing & aromatic note to this exceptional dish.
3. Morok Metpa - Morok Metpa chutney, a sensation in Manipuri cuisine, captivates taste buds with its fiery appeal. This Morok Metpa chutney is prepared using dried green chillies, meticulously mashed into a smooth paste, & then simmered with the flavorsome Ngari fish which is boiled over for some time. Once again, it undergoes a gentle mashing process and is sprinkled with a pinch of salt, further enhancing its savory character. Whether accompanying a hearty meal or adding a kick to various dishes, this versatile chutney offers an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
4. Singju - Singju, a vibrant salad bursting with an bunch and tonnes of vegetables, takes delight in deviating from the conventional inclusion of tomatoes or onions as you will find in most salads all over India. On the contrary, it is made with ingredients such as cabbage, fresh coriander leaves, onions, ginger, lotus stems, the aromatic singju leaf, and an array of similar vegetables. The other slight variations of this dish is made with raw papaya, cabbage, banana flower, & lotus root, each lending its unique character and flavours to satify those taste buds. To elevate its taste, Singju is then flavored with besan, powdered perilla seeds, chili powder, & a harmonious blend of other aromatic herbs.
5. Paaknam - Paaknam, reminiscent of a pancake, presents itself as a delectable savory cake skillfully made from a thick batter comprising of the besan, few fragrant herbs, & vegetables, the lastly elevated by the fiery kick of chili and the traditional Ngari. This delightful and tasty dish is then lovingly encased in a banana leaf and steamed to perfection. Renowned as a culinary delicacy, Paaknam is equally famous and loved amongst both locals and tourists with its exquisite and scrumptious flavors. A quint essential evening snack that promises to satisfy taste buds to the fullest.
6. Chakhao kheer - Chak-hao Kheer is a delicious kheer that is prepared on special occasions in Manipur. It has a satisfying shade of purple and is made using rice, milk and cardamom powder. It is then generally garnished and topped with various types of dried fruits from raisins, cashew to other nuts. The flavour of this kheer is delicious.
7. Aloo kangmet - Aloo kangmet, a delightful accompaniment which in all senses exemplifies simplicity at its finest. The preparation starts by boiling the potatos and then skillfully mashing the already boiled potatoes & then combining them with sauted red chili, a sprinkle of salt, and tantalizing drizzles of mustard oil. This uncomplicated yet nourishing dish undoubtedly offers a wholesome culinary experience. This goes with any dish which can be served up on the dinning table.
8. Nga Atoiba Thongba - Fish curry holds a special place as a general comforting dish in Manipur, where the usage of fish is common across various and all the culinary preparations. Among the non vegetarian dishes enjoyed by the Meitei communities, one can commonly find the presence of Nga atoiba thongba. This delectable dish involves cutting the fish into bite sized small pieces & then gently crushing them to achieve a desired texture. To enhance its already aromatic flavors, crushed pepper and a blend of various other aromatic spices are delicately added, further enriching the overall taste experience.
