Mangsho Pitha is popularly referred to as flesh pancakes in the culture of the Lodha tribe. Mangsho is meat, for which of course the dish is prepared. They are called pancakes because in some cases they are cooked flat and thin, as well as round. This is a savoury pancake showing the skills of the…

Gur Pitha, literally meaning jaggery pancakes, is adored among the Lodha tribes as a traditional dish. It speaks of their cuisine and resources in its broader sense. Quite sweet and fragrant, this showcase of culinary ingenuity and local materials is prepared preferably on religious occasions and…

Handia is a traditional fermented beverage popular mainly among the Lodha tribe, being valued for its refreshing quality and cultural importance. A slightly alcoholic drink, it is often served at social and celebratory gatherings. Handia symbolizes the soul of the tribe's agricultural…

Curry from Jeerhol flower is an inherited dish of these Birhor people, closely speaking for their association with nature as well as its compulsion for seasonal foods. This representative colourful dish employs local materials, predominantly from the Jeerhol flower, which comes out during spring…

Bamboo shoot, which is also called Helta locally, is a common foods item of the Birhor tribe. The delicacy is considered special due to its flavour and the ability to prepare it in several ways. The shoots of bamboo are prepared into several dishes by the Birhor people. Bamboo is very much a part…

Eu is a traditional fermented beverage for the Toto tribe known for its uncommon flavour and nutritional benefits. The beverage is primarily made from marua, a minor millet, enhancing the agricultural practices of the tribe with a deep cultural-spiritual connection to their local crops. The…

Bamboo chicken is a traditional dish of the Toto tribe, showcasing their unique culinary heritage and resourcefulness. Chicken is cooked in bamboo tubes, giving a distinct taste and aroma. The Toto people feel a strong bond with the environment, and being that bamboo grows abundantly in their…

Roselle, locally known as Chingsai, is a popular ingredient in the cuisine of the Toto tribe, celebrated for its vibrant colour and tangy flavour. This dish typically features the petals of the roselle plant, which are not only visually striking but also packed with nutrients. The use of roselle…

Doodh Killadi is a traditional and creamy dessert enjoyed in the Jammu-Gujjar culture of India. The main ingredients of this sweet dish are milk and sugar, and at times flavored with cardamom or garnished with nuts such as almonds and pistachios. This sweet dish is usually prepared during festivals…

Helta dishes feature bamboo shoots only during the months of early spring, when they are new, and they are soft or tender. Other ingredients include potatoes, tomatoes, ginger paste, garlic, green chilies, and spices, like turmeric and cumin added to enhance the flavour of bamboo shoots. Mustard…