India is home to diverse cultures and cuisine. Each region in the country brings a plethora of traditional dishes that can steal the hearts of any foodie. Speaking particularly about Mizoram, this north-east state is known for its beautiful landscapes and lush greenery. There are several other reasons to visit Mizoram and traditional food is one of them.
Their cuisine is a delicious blend of Chinese and North Indian elements, which gives Mizo food a unique taste and flavour. Being popular for their non-vegetarian preparations, lots of bamboo is used in their kitchens. If you are also planning a trip to Mizoram, here are seven traditional foods you must try in the state:
Bai
This is the signature delight of Mizo cuisine. Bai is a delectable stew that features tender pork combined with bamboo shoots and steamed seasonal vegetables. Being a popular household dish, it is a comforting and nourishing option on the dining table. The highlights of this dish are leafy greens such as spinach and mustard, which give it a punch of nutrition and taste to it.
Bamboo Shoot Fry
As mentioned earlier, bamboo shoots are an integral part of Mizoram kitchens, and there is a delightful way to relish them in the form of a snack. Fried with local herbs and spices, this dish is also served with steamed rice. Sometimes shiitake mushrooms and other seasonal vegetables are also added to the recipe to make it healthier and tastier.
Koat Pitha
This is a tea-time snack of Mizoram that is made using rice flour and bananas. This fried delight has a crispy outer layer with a soft and warm texture on the inside. Koat pitha has a mild sweet taste, which comes from the use of bananas in the recipe. Locals also add fish to the recipe, as it is a staple in the state.
Panch Phoran Tarkari
This is another flavourful dish of Mizoram that every tourist must try. It can be cooked in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions. Brinjals, pumpkins, and potatoes are the highlights of the vegetarian panch phoran tarkari, while the non-veg version is commonly prepared with chicken. The ‘panch phoran’ spice mix consists of five whole spices that flavours the dish, particularly fenugreek seeds, nigella seeds, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and fennel seeds.
Chhum Han
If you think there are no options for vegetarians in Mizoram, you might be wrong. Here is a healthy dish called chhum han that is loaded with the goodness of vegetables. Made with steamed cabbage, broccoli, and carrots, it is flavoured with tomatoes and ginger. This delight is light on the stomach and is perfect for weight watchers.
Vawksa Rep
This is another non-vegetarian preparation of Mizoram that brings the tribe culture of the state to your plate. Vawksa rep is a smoked pork dish made with a delightful blend of spices, such as chilli flakes and ginger and is also a renowned street food that can be found in every region. It is generally grilled over a hot flame to bring out the unique, smoky flavour of the dish.
Misa Mach Poora
If you are a seafood lover, then here is a special delight that features grilled shrimp cooked in mustard oil. Misa mach poora is seasoned with lemon juice, orange zest, and assorted spices like peppercorns and coriander powder, which give the dish a tangy flavour. It is usually served as an appetiser or as a side dish with steamed rice.