From the tangy delights of Axone to the comforting warmth of smoked meats, We have explored the famous food of Nagaland and discovered what makes this region a paradise for food lovers.
Here is the name of 18 Famous food of Nagaland
- Samathu – Non-veg Special from Nagaland
- Hinkejvu –Coclocasia dish from Naga cuisine.
- Axone– Nagaland Special
- Amrusu– Rice Special
- Galho– Fermented Soybean Special
- Bamboo Steamed Fish –Nagaland Special
- Nashi Shi Lon –Special Chutney
- Bushmeat–Not for Dogs Lovers
- Akini Chokibo – Snail Special
- Pork Curry– Nagaland Special Pork Dish
- Rosep Aon–Traditional food
- Crabs Cakes -As the name Indicate
- Raja Mircha Pickle– Made of Special Chilli of Nagaland
- Ghost Chilli sauce
- Pumpkin Oambal
- Aikibeye –Pork Special dish
- Zutho– Beer of Nagaland
- Black Sticky Rice– a dessert from Naga cuisine
A Brief About Nagaland Food
Nagaland food is deeply connected to the region’s culture and plays a vital role in the lives of the Naga people. The Naga people take pride in their traditional foods, which often include locally sourced ingredients and are known for their spicy and flavorful nature.
List of Most Popular Food of Nagaland
Here are the details of 18 famous food fo Nagaland.
01. Samathu – Pork Based Nagaland dish
Samathu is a traditional dish from Nagaland, highlighting the rich flavour of pork meat. Originating from the Sema/Sumi district of the Sema tribe, this spicy pork curry boasts a delightful smoky taste.
The dish features tender smoked pork, slow-cooked with aromatic spices at a low temperature. What sets Samathu apart is the distinct taste derived from bamboo shoot vinegar.
It is Served with rice and ginger chutney, it forms an integral part of a traditional Nagaland meal. For pork lovers, Samathu is a must-try dish.
02. Hinkejvu
Hinkeju, a famous vegetarian dish from Nagaland, features a flavorful combination of colocasia and beans curry. Known for its health benefits, it’s a simple and easy-to-cook leafy dish prepared with cabbage leaves, mustard leaves, and French beans. Boiled with salt and chillies, Hinkeju offers a harmonious blend of flavours, an immensely popular food of Nagaland. Try it and be gratified!
03. Axone- Fermented dish from
Axone, also known as Akhuni, holds significant importance in Nagaland’s cuisine. It derives its name from the Sumi dialect, meaning ‘strong aroma’ or ‘deep smell’. Made from soybeans, this fermented paste adds a distinct taste and aroma to various dishes, enriching Nagaland’s culinary repertoire.
Embraced by different tribes, Axone’s popularity extends beyond the Sumi tribe. It is even used in pickles and chutneys, making it an iconic food of Nagaland and the Northeast region.
04. Amrusu
Amrusu, a renowned rice porridge, is highly nutritious and protein-rich, showcasing the unique flavours of the AO tribe. Prepared with rice and bamboo shoots, it can also include chicken, dried fish, or prawns to cater to different preferences.
The cooking style emphasizes boiling or steaming, with spices used sparingly, resulting in a hot and soupy delight. this is the traditional food of Nagaland.
05. Galho
Galho Khichdi, beloved in Nagaland’s cuisine, is treasured by the Angami tribe, its original creators. The flavorful khichdi harmoniously blends vegetables, green leaves, rice, and optional meat. An authentic experience includes fermented soybeans (axons) for a unique depth of flavour, and variations may feature fermented bamboo shoots.
Prepared in a single pot with salt, ginger-garlic paste, and chillies, Galho Khichdi offers a satisfying and healthy meal, cherished for lunch and dinner.
06. Bamboo Steamed Fish
In Nagaland, fish cooked in bamboo tubes celebrates the essence of bamboo shoots. The unique preparation involves marinating the fish and placing it inside a bamboo tube. Slow cooking with smoke infuses it with a distinct flavour and an enticing aroma.
This remarkable famous food of Nagaland reflects the tradition and authenticity of Nagaland’s culinary heritage, showcasing its resourcefulness. The use of bamboo tubes adds rustic charm, making it a truly special and tantalizing experience for food enthusiasts.
07. Nashi Shi Lon
Nashi Shi Lion, also known as Sukha Mangso, is a non-vegetarian chutney that tantalizes with rich flavours. Smoked beef, tomatoes, and chillies are roasted and pounded, creating a fragrant and spicy base.
The shredded beef is mixed with the pounded ingredients, resulting in a lip-smacking chutney gracing tables across Nagaland. Savour the robust flavours, embodying Nagaland’s culinary heritage, and adding a delightful twist to your dining experience.
08. Bushmeat
Dog meat, also known as bushmeat, is consumed in Nagaland, alongside beef and chicken, holding a significant place in the local cuisine. Dimapur Market is especially known for this.
However, it’s essential to acknowledge that the consumption of dog meat may be sensitive to some due to cultural, ethical, and animal welfare concerns.
09. Akini Chokibo
“Akini Chakini Chokibo” is an authentic non-vegetarian delicacy from Nagaland, with snail meat as the main ingredient. The dish gets its name from the local language, where “akini” stands for perilla seeds and “chokibo” denotes snails. Silam plant’s perilla seeds are cooked with snails to create this Nagaland speciality.
Variations may include pork and fermented soybeans, adding an extra layer of flavour to the dish. “Akini Chakini Chokibo” showcases the diverse culinary heritage of Nagaland, offering a distinctive and delightful taste experience.
10. Pork Curry
Curry dish based on Pork from Nagaland. This special pork curry dish is made of fermented bamboo or soybean with spices. It is consumed with hot rice.
11. Rosep Aon
Rosep Aon is a traditional mixed vegetable dish from Nagaland, comprising dried fish, vegetables, and bamboo shoots. The name “Rosep” signifies “dry,” while “Aon” refers to “dish.” It showcases the rich culinary heritage of Nagaland.
12. Crabs Cakes
Surprised, yes it is a crab cake. It is a Traditional dish of Nagaland. Crabmeat with some other herbs is used with the cake ingredient. This delicious sweet dish is quite distinct and amazing.
13. Raja Mircha Pickle
This pickle is truly extraordinary, showcasing the world-renowned “Naga Morich” chilli, also called “Bhut Jolokia,” known for its fiery heat. Skillfully blended with cumin, mustard, fennel, and various spices, it’s left to ferment in the sunlight, enhancing its flavours.
14. Ghost Chilli sauce
Prepare yourself for the spiciest sauce in the world, made from the famed “Bhut Jholakia” chilli found in Nagaland. This renowned sauce is skillfully prepared with garlic, onions, and various herbs, creating a fiery and flavorful concoction.
Traditionally served as a side dish with lunch, dinner, or breakfast, this famous sauce promises to excite your taste buds. Are you ready to take on the fiery challenge and savour its intense flavours?
15. Pumpkin Oambal
Another chutney hailing from Naga cuisine is made with pumpkin as its main ingredient. This delectable condiment also includes tamarind, Naga Mirch, mustard, and other flavorful ingredients. It is commonly enjoyed alongside pork dishes, complementing the rich flavours of the meat.
This chutney holds a significant place in the culinary traditions of Nagaland and is renowned as a famous delicacy in the region.
16. Aikibeye
In Nagaland’s cuisine, another spice-free delicacy centres around colocasia and pork, cherished by the Naga people. Created by the Sema community, it’s easy to prepare. After boiling colocasia, a flavorful gravy is cooked in a single pot without oil.
Traditionally, mustard leaf and salt are used, served with rice and a non-vegetarian pickle like Samuthu. Variations may include bamboo shoots or pork, adding depth and variety to this delightful dish.
17. Zutho
Zutho is the Local alcoholic drink of Nagaland. It is the local beer of the State. Zutho is made with fermented rice. It’s not only famous in the state, but all over the northeast as well. This beer is most popular among Angami Nagas.
18. Black Sticky Rice
Indulge in the delightful dessert of Naga Cuisine – Black Sticky Rice. This sweet dish, also known as black sticky rice pudding, is a perfect treat that comes with the addition of dry fruits for added flavour and richness. Satisfy your sweet cravings with this delectable dessert.
Conclusion :
Here are the 18 most famous food of Nagaland, It’s important to note that Naga cuisine can vary significantly between different tribes and regions within Nagaland, each having its own unique dishes and cooking styles.
The love for spices and the use of local ingredients are common threads that bind the cuisine together, making it a delightful and adventurous experience for those willing to explore Nagaland’s food culture.
Read More: Famous food of Sikkim
