Manipur’s food is like that quiet friend who doesn’t try too hard to impress but ends up stealing the show anyway. It’s subtle, packed with flavor, and deeply rooted in tradition. Unlike the spice-heavy gravies you find in other parts of India, Manipuri cuisine is all about fresh ingredients, gentle seasoning, and a kind of simplicity that makes you wonder why you ever needed so much masala in the first place. So, let’s check about the best food in Manipur, or rather, where can we find them in Imphal.
Straight from the Garden to the Plate
In Manipur, food doesn’t come from supermarket shelves—from backyard gardens, bustling local markets, and sometimes straight from the wild. Rice is life here, forming the foundation of every meal, whether as a fluffy steamed side or turned into delicate rice cakes perfect for snacking. Add to that a generous helping of seasonal vegetables, herbs, and a bit of fermented magic, and you’ve got yourself a plate that tells a story of the land.
Fermentation: the keyword in Manipuri cuisine
Now, while searching for the best food in Imphal, Manipur, let’s talk about fermentation. If you’ve ever had the pleasure (or the shock) of tasting ngari—Manipur’s famous fermented fish—you’ll know that this cuisine isn’t afraid of bold flavors. But it’s not just fish; bamboo shoots, soybeans, and even leafy greens are transformed through fermentation, giving dishes a unique depth of flavor. It’s the kind of food that keeps evolving even after it’s cooked, keeping your taste buds on their toes. Manipuri cooking isn’t about drowning food in spices. Instead of the usual turmeric-cumin-coriander trio, you’ll find fresh ginger, garlic, chilies, and local herbs doing all the heavy lifting. It’s a refreshing change—like stepping into clean mountain air after being stuck in city traffic. The flavors are clean, distinct, and perfectly balanced.
Fish (even dried fish in local markets) is heavily used, along with rice, which is a staple food here. There is something known as Ngori- the famous fermented fish of Manipur. It’s used in many dishes to give them a tangy dizzy aftertaste. And like most of the North Eastern states of India, spices (and spice mix) in powdered form are not used, or Garam masala. This was a revelation.
Slow Cooking, Big Rewards
Patience is a virtue, and Manipuri cooking takes that very seriously. Vegetables are slow-cooked to keep their natural crunch, stews are gently simmered to coax out all the goodness, and even the simplest boiled dishes come alive with the right side condiments. Roasting, steaming, and stir-frying take center stage, ensuring that food stays light but never boring. At its heart, Manipuri cuisine is comfort food. It doesn’t try to be flashy—it just wants to feed you well. Whether it’s a steaming bowl of rice with a delicate stew or a fiery chutney that wakes up your senses, every meal feels like it was made with care. And honestly, isn’t that what great food is all about?
Now, while searching for the best food in Imphal, Manipur- I have been to 2 places- one pice hotel (probably the most well-known one) and one restaurant. Also, one roadside local dhaba. But, let’s discuss on that one by one.
Luxmi Kitchen, Imphal – A Taste of Authentic Manipuri Cuisine
If you’re in Imphal and looking for an authentic Manipuri meal, Luxmi Kitchen is the place to be. Tucked away in Wahengbam Leikai, Sagolband, this small, no-frills eatery has earned a stellar reputation for serving traditional Manipuri thalis that truly capture the essence of the region’s flavors.
Please check the location on Google map here
The moment you step in, you’ll notice the simplicity of the place—clean, homely, and inviting. The highlight here is the fixed-menu thali, which offers a wholesome mix of local delicacies. Whether you choose the vegetarian or non-vegetarian option, you’re in for a treat. The thali typically includes a variety of seasonal vegetables, dal, chutneys, and Manipur’s signature sticky rice, but the real star is their fish curry—flavorful, comforting, and cooked with traditional spices.
The price for the fish meal at Luxmi Hotel is 220/- and it’s pretty good. It’s a pre-plated meal as follows… Rice dal and black rice kheer were there- which is part of the thali. The rice is refilled, along with the dishes, other than the fish. But, we had been to another roadside dhaba, with almost a similar menu and a more rustic flavor. So, let’s check and after that, I’ll describe the dishes.
Hotel Elizabeth- on the way back from Loktak Lake
While coming back from Loktak Lake, which is a 1.5/2 hour drive, the driver took us to this place- Hotel Elizabeth. It’s one of those family-run eating houses on the road. We trusted the driver, as he is a regular there, and ordered their Fish meal. And it was a surprise. The challenge is, that the ladies serving there, didn’t understand English/ Hindi and you need the help of someone local. Rest is great.
Please check the location here on Google map
The meal was the usual Fish meal. But let me come to the unusual dishes here.
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Eromba: This is a comfort food dish, made with mashed boiled veggies like potatoes and pumpkins, often with a touch of fermented or dried fish. It’s mixed with mustard oil and chilies, giving it a lovely spicy kick that makes it a great side dish. It’s a mishmash of banana flower, with Ngari (basically dried fish, used to spice up the local cuisine at Manipur ). It’s pretty strong-flavored and has a pungent smell.
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Singju: Think of this as a fresh, crunchy salad with raw veggies, herbs, and sometimes fruits. It’s tossed in a tangy dressing of mustard oil, lime, and chili, making it a zesty and refreshing addition to any meal. This is more like a salad- zesty, tangy salad with raw veggies. Superb and earthy in taste, and made for someone with a strong palate.
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Kangsoi: This is a light, flavorful soup made with seasonal vegetables, fish, or meat. The broth is enriched with fermented fish and local herbs, giving it a savory and comforting flavor that’s perfect for a cozy meal.
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Ooti is the dal with cooking soda. It’s a traditional Manipuri dish made from boiled lentils, usually with a bit of cooking soda added to make it thicker and creamier. It’s typically served with rice and can be paired with vegetables or meats for a complete meal.
- Ngari Thongba: This traditional dish features fish heads (often from freshwater fish) cooked with peas, and it’s flavored with local spices, including fermented fish (Ngari), which imparts a distinct umami taste. It’s a comforting and savory dish, typically enjoyed with rice.
Regular restaurant food at Imphal
Okay, one question can come to mind. If somebody is not into Manipuri cuisine, what is the option for them? We have visited one restaurant cum cafe at Imphal, which we felt surprisingly good. King Cafe and Restaurant. Once I tried to find a restaurant on Google Maps, this came up with almost any search. It’s a decent small restaurant, serving some cool coffee and mocktails. The location is on the first floor, with no lift. But the interior is quite good, with a nice verandah sitting, overlooking the busy market.
Please check the location here on Google map.
Coming to the food, I was happily surprised. with no expectations (and it was my mistake underestimating these guys), I ordered one chicken ramen bowl and one chicken 65. And this Chicken 65 is probably the best, that I have tasted in a long long time. Those juicy chunks of chicken, with just the right crunchy super-fine coating and the thinly sliced garlic- great things would be written on them.
The Chicken ramen bowl had 2 halves of a chicken breast (in the pic, it’s the half portion) and with the correct amount of juiciness. The broth, with sufficient green veggies, had the right amount of chilly oil to make it spicy- not very very spicy- but quite enjoyable. Great great stuff.
I forgot the pricing of individual dishes, but it’s actually at a pretty decent price point and a meal for 2 hungry souls was around 700/-. but what I can say, King’s Cafe and Restaurant is a must-visit place, while searching for the best food in Imphal Manipur.
Overall, Manipur is not a place known for culinary adventures. And obviously, I agree that the cuisine may not suit everyone’s palate. But for an adventurer, it’s quite interesting. We have not been able to go through the entire Imphal, searching for the best food in Imphal Manipur… But will come back soon, that I can promise.
Bon appetite!!!
indrajit.lahiri@ymail.com
