Tripura, a northeastern state of India, is known for its rich and diverse culture, which is also reflected in its cuisine. The food of Tripura is a unique blend of influences from neighboring Bengal and Bangladesh, as well as from the indigenous Tripuri people.
Staple foods
The staple food of Tripura is rice, which is typically served with a variety of meat, fish, and vegetable dishes. Some popular Tripuri dishes include:
- Mui Borok: A traditional Tripura dish made from smoked fish and vegetables.
- Wahan: A dish made with rice flour and chicken, often served with a spicy chili sauce.
- Panch Phoron Tarka: A dish made with five spices (fennel seeds, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, nigella seeds, and fenugreek seeds) and vegetables.
- Chhanar Dal: A dish made with cottage cheese and lentils.
- Kopu: A dish made with fermented fish and vegetables.
- Masor Tenga: A dish made with fish and sour vegetables.
Meat and fish
Tripura is known for its love of meat and fish. Some popular meats include chicken, mutton, pork, and beef. Some popular fish dishes include:
- Bhut Jolokia: A dish made with the infamous ghost chili pepper, one of the hottest in the world.
- Khichdi: A dish made with rice and lentils, often served with meat or vegetables.
- Chakma Khichdi: A dish made with rice, lentils, and vegetables, popular among the Chakma people, one of the indigenous groups of Tripura.
- Bamboo Shoot Curry: A dish made with bamboo shoots and vegetables, often served with meat or fish.
- Fish Curry: A dish made with fish and vegetables, cooked in a variety of spices.
Side dishes and desserts
Tripura has a variety of side dishes and desserts to complement its main courses. Some popular side dishes include:
- Chauk: A fermented rice beer, popular among the Tripuri people.
- Mosdeng Serma: A dish made with tomato, red chili, garlic, and berma (fermented fish).
- Bhangui: A type of fermented bamboo shoot.
- Kosoi Bwtwi: A dish made with fiddlehead ferns and vegetables.
Some popular desserts include:
- Chak-hao kheer: A black rice pudding.
- Bamboo Shoot Payesh: A pudding made with bamboo shoots, milk, and sugar.
- Kheer Komola: A sweet made with rice flour, milk, and sugar.
Where to eat in Tripura
If you are visiting Tripura, be sure to try some of the local cuisine. There are many great restaurants in Agartala, the capital city, where you can sample a variety of Tripuri dishes. You can also find Tripuri food in other parts of the state, especially in areas with a large Tripuri population.
Conclusion
The food of Tripura is a delicious and unique culinary experience. With its rich and diverse flavors, Tripuri cuisine is sure to please even the most discerning palate. So next time you are in Tripura, be sure to try some of the local food.
Myma… Ghar jaisa nahi, Ghar ka khana!
