Share
Northeast India is the most unexplored region of the nation. Whether you are exploring the landscapes, culture or food, Northeast India is extremely underrated. Manipur is one of the "seven sisters" which defines a distinct culture and food habits. Imphal, the capital of Manipur, is a city that beautifully adds rich culture with vibrant history.
Celebrated for its rich scenery, traditional arts, and varied communities, Imphal is a city that welcomes guests with open arms. Deeply ingrained in Maniprian culture is food that reflects the rich legacy and customs of the area. Often made with locally grown foods, Manipuri cuisine is a wonderful mix of basic yet savoury dishes. Here, food is a fundamental component of the culture and reflects the core of Manipuri life.
Video Credit: YouTube | Manipuri Recipes
Imphal's streets are a veritable gold mine of gastronomic pleasures with distinctive tastes hard to get anywhere in India. Vendors offering a range of snacks and meals, each more tempting than the next, bring the busy streets alive. The aroma of spices, the sizzling of food being cooked, and the lively atmosphere make street food in Imphal an experience to remember. Here are some of the must-try street foods that should be on every visitor’s list.
Street Foods To Try While Visiting Imphal, Manipur
Eromba
Eromba, often referred to as "Imphal Egg," is a dish that one must not miss. Boiled eggs, fried potato slices, onions, chillies, and tamarind sauce come together in this well-liked street food. With the tamarind adding a sour twist, these components together produce a rainbow of tastes in every mouthful. Eromba is served by vendors all around the city, and this meal really embodies Maniprian street cuisine.
Morok Metpa
In Imphal, a distinctive street meal with a thick texture and fiery taste is morok metpa. Made from rice flour mixed with water and then fried in oil, this rice cake Usually presented alongside a range of dips, such bean, pea, or potato curry, which accentuate the cake's spicy flavour, it Both residents and tourists choose Morok Metpa mostly because of its simplicity and price range.
Paaknam
Paaknam is a beloved dish among the locals in Imphal. Made with minced meat and vegetables, this basic yet filling curry is presented alongside rice. Usually eaten with an Imphal chopper or fork, the dish is quick and simple for those on the run. Widely available at street vendors all around the city, paaknam provides a taste of home-cooked comfort cuisine in a street food context.
Singju
Singju is another must-try street food in Imphal, offering a unique taste and texture. This snack is made by mixing potato with green chilli paste, which is then stuffed into a cleaned bamboo shoot. The bamboo shoot is boiled until the potato inside becomes soft, creating a dish that is both spicy and satisfying. Singju is an authentic Manipuri cuisine, turning simple ingredients into a delicious snack.
Alu Kangmet
Alu Kangmet is a popular street food in Imphal, found at almost every roadside eatery. This dish consists of fried potato balls stuffed with a spicy mix of vegetables and meat. The potato balls are dipped in an egg batter before being deep-fried, for a crispy outer layer with a flavorful filling inside. Alu Kangmet is usually served with chopped onions and tomatoes on the side, adding a fresh crunch to the dish.
Video Credit: YouTube | Bluebell Recipes
Nga-thongba
Nga-thongba is a traditional Manipuri dish that has found its way into the street food scene in Imphal. This dish features minced meat marinated in a blend of spices, including ginger, garlic, and red chilli powder. The meat is then cooked with onions, tomatoes, and vegetables such as carrots and peas. Nga-thongba is versatile, enjoyed as a snack or as part of a meal, and is a favourite among those who love a bit of spice in their food.
Video Credit: YouTube | Bluebell Recipes
Chak-hao Kheer
Chak-hao Kheer is a sweet street food that stands out in Imphal’s diverse culinary landscape. This dessert is made from rice flour (chak), sugarcane juice (hao), ghee, cardamom seeds, and a mix of spices like cloves and cinnamon. It is served hot, especially during the winter season, making it a comforting treat on a chilly evening. Chak-hao Kheer is a delicious example of how street food in Imphal extends beyond savoury snacks to include delightful sweets as well.
Video Credit: YouTube | Bluebell Recipes
Imphal’s street food scene is a true reflection of its rich culture and traditions. The city’s streets offer a variety of unique and flavorful dishes that are sure to leave a lasting impression on any visitor. From the tangy Eromba to the sweet Chak-hao Kheer, the street food of Imphal is a culinary journey that everyone should experience. The next time you visit Imphal, make sure to explore the streets and indulge in these must-try foods. They are not just meals but a glimpse into the vibrant life of Manipur.
