Keywords
Bamboo Shoot, Fermented Fish, Berma, Rice-based Diet, Traditional Cooking Methods.
Abstract
The Tripuri community, indigenous to the northeastern Indian state of Tripura. Possesses a rich culinary heritage deeply intertwined with their agrarian lifestyle, shifting cultivation (jhum), and close connection to the region's biodiversity. Known collectively as Mui Borok, Tripuri cuisine reflects an organic, sustainable approach to food, emphasizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients with minimal processing. Rice serves as the staple, often accompanied by a variety of non-vegetarian and vegetarian dishes that highlight the community's non-vegetarian preferences, particularly pork, while incorporating fermented elements for distinctive tangy flavours.
Central to Tripuri food habits is the extensive use of berma (dried and fermented fish), a probiotic-rich ingredient that adds umami depth to many preparations. Fermentation is a hallmark technique, preserving foods and enhancing taste in the humid climate; bamboo shoots (muya), abundantly available in the hills, are fermented or fresh and feature prominently in dishes like Muya Awandru (bamboo shoots with rice flour and berma) and Chakhwi (pork stewed with bamboo shoots, jackfruit, papaya, and spices). Pork is a beloved protein, seen in specialties such as Wahan (roasted or boiled pork), Wahan Mosdeng (spicy pork salad with chilies and herbs), and Gudok (a traditional stew of vegetables, fermented fish, and pork cooked in bamboo pipes for smoky aroma).
Cooking methods prioritize health and simplicity: boiling, steaming, roasting, or grilling with little to no oil, resulting in nutritious, low-fat meals. Vegetables, wild greens, and herbs complement proteins, while spicy chutneys like Mosdeng Serma (pounded berma, tomatoes, chilies, and garlic) provide bold accompaniments. Beverages include Chuak, a traditional rice beer fermented for social and ceremonial occasions, symbolizing community bonding.
Tripuri cuisine not only sustains the body but also embodies cultural identity, seasonal rhythms, and communal feasts during festivals. In an era of modernization, it remains a testament to ecological harmony, offering flavourful, healthful alternatives that continue to evolve while preserving ancient traditions.
IJCRT's Publication Details
Unique Identification Number - IJCRT2601133
Paper ID - 299978
Page Number(s) - b125-b129
Pubished in - Volume 14 | Issue 1 | January 2026
DOI (Digital Object Identifier) -   
Publisher Name - IJCRT | www.ijcrt.org | ISSN : 2320-2882
E-ISSN Number - 2320-2882
Cite this article
  Sangit Debbarma,   
"Food Habits and Traditional Cuisine of the Tripuri Community", International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts (IJCRT), ISSN:2320-2882, Volume.14, Issue 1, pp.b125-b129, January 2026, Available at :
http://www.ijcrt.org/papers/IJCRT2601133.pdf