Tripura, although is known for its rich, spicy cuisine and a variety of curries but it is still a less explored food destination for many . Apart from food , Chauk or rice beer is also a popular drink in this region which people have on some special occasions. The cuisine of the state has a lot to offer and hence Tripura’s street food business if developed can strike the right chord with the customers very soon.But when it comes to street food many of just love to relish it but many people are found skeptical to have it citing hygiene reasons.
Debasish Basu, Health Secretary , Tripura said-“ The state government has now taken the initiative to certify the street food stalls which are safe. The street vendors who have their temporary stalls in the Battala to Paradise road will now get documented and they will have to follow some guidelines from the departments”.
The Battala to Paradise Chowmuhani road in Agartala will now be dedicated as the clean street food lane as decided by the state government. Which means that all the street vendors who have put their stalls in that particular road will now be certified by the state government .
While was speaking at a training program of the street vendors held at TB Association Hall , Debapriya Bardhan , District Magistrate West Tripura said “All the food makers have to follow and adapt extra precautions. The food has to be prepared to maintain hygiene. With this initiative to prepare and present clean and safe food will help build confidence among the people who have a fondness for street foods and can consume the street food from these stalls without any reluctance”.
During the program Health Secretary Debasish Basu and Director of Health and Family Welfare Radha Debbarma were also present.
Now since the talk is all about street food lane in Agartala, Tripura, lets have a look at some of the famous street food of Tripura-
- Chauk – Local Drink of Tripura
Chauk or Rice beer is a popular exotic drink of Tripura. It is the traditional rice beer of Tripura prepared with fermented rice. Chuak is very popular beer among the locals.
2. Bhangui
Bhangui is a delicious food made with Sun-dried Rice which is mixed with Ghee, ginger, and Onion. Then this mix is filled with cone-shaped banana leaves. This cone is tied properly and put inside the hot for boiling. Banana leaf gives an amazing aroma and flavor to this food. Now food is ready to eat. Food is served hot.
3.Muya Bai Wahan Chakhwi- A Non Veg dish of Tripura
Muya bai wahan chakhwi is a famous and unique dish of having a combination of Non-veg and vegetables, pork that is cooked with bamboo shots, jackfruit and papaya. Firstly the pork meat is chopped in medium size, and then it is seasoned with lemon leaves and chillies.
4.Mosdeng Serma- A Popular Chutney of Tripura
Mosdeng serma is a spicy and tangy side dish made using tomato with red chilli, garlic and berma or fermented fish. A famous dish of tripura served either with rotis or with rice.
5.Mui Borok- Fermented fish dish of Tripura
Mui borok is a very popular dish here in Tripura.One of the healthiest food in Tripura prepared without oil. Berma or fermented fish is used in this recipe.
6. Kosoi Bwtwi
Kosoi bwtwi is another renowned oil-free dish which is prepared with beans and garlic. The beans are half boiled and cooked with chillies and garlic and served with rice.
7.Gudok -Traditional dish of Tripura
This semi-solid dish Gudok is popular in functions & ceremonies . It is made with boiled vegetables and fermented fish. This food is also oil-free.
8.Muya awandru -Bamboo Shoots Dish of Tripura
Muya awandru is a dish with rice flour-based gravy prepared with bamboo shoots, berma (fermented fish), parsley, and green chillies. Snails can be added as an optional to the dish. One of the unique features of this dish is that minimalistic oil is used in the dish.
9.Chuwarak
Chuwarak is also a famous drink of the state. Pineapple, jackfruit and rice are the main ingredients of the drink. Besides these, some of the local ingredients like Thakotor leaves and Tokhiseleng leaves are also used in the preparation of Chuwarak.
So next time when you visit Tripura, don’t just limit your vacation to the natural beauty, infact get yourself indulged in the street food and traditional recipes of the state as Tripura cuisine is known to be not only delicious but also good for health.
