Manipuri cuisine is the traditional food of the state of Manipur, located in North Eastern India. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the region's agrarian and fishing traditions. The staple food of Manipuri cuisine is rice, which is often served with a variety of meat, fish, and vegetable dishes. The cuisine is known for its use of locally-sourced ingredients, such as fish, vegetables, and a variety of herbs and spices.
Manipuri cuisine is known for its use of fish, which is caught from the many rivers and lakes in the state, it is prepared in different ways like smoked, dried, or cooked with different spices and herbs. Some popular Manipuri dishes include Chamthong (vegetable stew), Chak-hao kheer (black rice pudding), Ngari (fermented fish) and Iromba (mixture of boiled vegetables, fish, and mashed chilies). The food is generally mild in flavor and not very spicy, with a generous use of ginger, garlic, and chili peppers. The cuisine also includes a variety of fermented foods such as fish and vegetables, which adds a unique sourness to the dishes.
