North East Indian cuisine

North East India or the Seven Sisters of North East as they are fondly called boast of rare natural beauty and amazing God given wonders. However one facet of North East that is rarely publicized in their tourist adverts is the range of delectable cuisine which they offer. Each state in North East has something special to offer to the culinary landscape of India. Most of the dishes are made of locally sourced ingredients and therefore make for a wonderful change of taste to the average jaded palette.

Sometimes taste of casual street food is better than a glamorous night out at a fine dining restaurant. And Northeast India has a street food culture that is as vibrant as its heritage and as beautiful as its people. From lanes packed with humble carts serving speciality dishes, to rows of eateries that overflow onto roads, the streets of Northeast India are a gastronomic kaleidoscope.

Order any dish from a street eatery in the Northeast and it’s likely to be packed with an abundance of flavours that come at a minimal price. Contrary to popular perception, Northeast food is way more varied than just momos and noodles, although these too can taste divine.

Manipur is known for its simple seasonal stews while Meghalaya is more famous for its spicy meat and fish preparations. Nagaland, on the other hand, is better known for its bamboo and pork fare and Mizoram prefers subtly flavoured, boiled food rather than the fried kind. The influence of neighbours like China, Myanmar and Thailand can easily be seen in the cuisines of Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, while Tripura is better known for its bursting masalas, a trait it shares with the rest of the country. Assamese food ranges from spicy to bland, with rice being the centrepiece of this cuisine.

In short, the street food in Northeast India is extraordinary but you definitely need some prior knowledge about what the region is best known for. Here are 8 amazing local delights from Northeast India that will leave your palate demanding more. Let the culinary adventure begin!