World's Best Rice dishes by NAMSAI TAI KHAMPTI Tribe in Arunachal I Tribal Bazar + Golden Pagoda

Today, we are embarking on another culinary odyssey in Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh, revolving around Tai Khampti tribal cuisine, with our travel partner Our Guest Travels. Along with our gracious host Omanso, we first visited the Golden Pagoda a beacon of Buddhist heritage.

Next stop was the local market which was our window to the culinary culture of the place. Finally we reached our destination which was the wonderful homestay run by Nang Champa Mantow. Her culinary expertise unveiled the laborious yet captivating artistry behind Tai Khampti tribal cuisine.

Our journey commenced with Hang No Phan, a testament to meticulous preparation. Thin slices of bamboo shoot, tenderly boiled, intertwine with a symphony of minced ginger, green chilies, and indigenous herbs, echoing the delicate balance of flavors intrinsic to this region.

Moving forward, we ventured into the realm of Puchup, where boiled pork, tender and succulent, harmonizes with a medley of roasted green chilies, ginger, and garlic.

As we traversed further, Phak Kho Paseng unfolded, a testament to simplicity's allure. Oil-free and unassuming, this dish celebrates pesang leaves and fermented bamboo shoot, marrying simplicity with depth of flavor.

The culinary voyage culminated with Khao Lam, a spectacle of tradition. Within the hollow confines of bamboo, a symphony of red rice, peanuts, cashews, and raisins intertwine with the sweetness of sugar and milk. The cake like pudding was so delicious.

Tong Tep emerged as a testament to craftsmanship, with rice cakes cocooned within tong leaves, delicately steamed to perfection. Meanwhile, Khao Tom and Khao Ho, enigmatic in their simplicity, offer glimpses into the soul of the land, with bora rice and sticky rice, respectively, cocooned within tong leaves, imparting an essence of tradition with each fragrant parcel.

This food experience was not merely a meal; it was a celebration of the region's rich culinary tapestry, an invitation to immerse oneself in the essence of Tai Khampti tradition.