What makes Mizoram's food special is its traditional style of serving on the banana leaves, which makes the flavour and fragrance of the dish enticingly irresistible. Interestingly, the food here is prepared using mustard oil that gives a distinct flavour to the dishes, especially fish that is loved by the people in this state. We list down some of the Mizoram special delicacies you shouldn't be missing any time you visit the beautiful state.
1. Koat Pitha
Koat Pitha is fried fritters made using rice flour, jaggery and bananas. It makes for a delicious dessert which is enjoyed during special occasions. These fritters have crisp exteriors with melt-in-the-mouth interiors. Some people add fish to these fritters, considering it is a staple food there.
2. Misa Mach Poora
If you are a shrimp lover, then this grilled shrimp dish is just the perfect delicacy for you. It is prepared using peppercorns, mustard oil, coriander powder, pepper powder and a dash of lime juice to give it a tang. If you are open to zesty and bold flavours, this one's for you.
3. Paanch Phoron Torkari
One of the most popular dishes in Mizoram, Paanch Phoron Torkari is made in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian fashion. In the vegetarian version, brinjal, pumpkins and potatoes are used to make this dry dish and in the non-vegetarian version, it is mostly prepared with chicken.
4. Mizo Vawksa
This dish is made with stir fried smoked pork with baby spinach and oyster mushrooms along with crushed garlic, ginger, green chilli and pepper. This dry dish makes for a popular dish in Mizoram that is eaten with steamed or sticky rice.
5. Chhum Han
It is a popular vegetarian dish which is made with mixed steam vegetables. It tastes the best when paired with rice. The nutritional dish is made with broccoli, cabbage, carrots, tomatoes and ginger. This dish will surely make for a healthy treat!
6. Bai
This popular Mizo dish is made using steamed vegetables with pork, spinach and bamboo shoot spiced with local herbs. It is generally prepared with pork sauce made with pork and mustard sauce. Its vegetarian version has cauliflower stalks, florets, potatoes, beans, chillies and cooked rice. Bai is one of the most easily available dishes in Mizoram.
7. Bamboo Shoot Fry
This one's for all vegetarian lovers out there. This bamboo shoot delicacy has fried bamboo tossed with herbs. In some cases, shitake mushrooms and other vegetables are added to the amazing delicacy. Known to be as a light snack in Mizoram, it is generally enjoyed in the evening along with tea.
Apart from these amazing dishes, Zu or local tea makes for an important part of every meal in Mizoram. Another is Lubrusca grape wine that is a favourite among locals. If you are planning to visit Mizoram, do try these special delicacies that make an integral part of the state.