Uncover the rich and often misunderstood Naga food culture with an immersive journey through a local market in Kohima. Guided by a local expert, this experience invites you to delve into the vibrant heart of Naga cuisine and traditions. Starting at Kohima Local Ground, just a short walk from the market, you will enter a sensory feast of unique vegetables, greens, and exotic foods. This local market, bustling with vendors from various tribes, showcases the profound food knowledge and traditions of the Naga people.
As you wander through the lively aisles, you’ll encounter an array of nutritious insects like grasshoppers, crickets, termites, and cicadas, now gaining recognition for their health benefits worldwide. Discover a variety of wild mushrooms, frogs, local honey, snails, and the prized hornet larvae—each stall presenting a new discovery as you continue your walk. The market also offers highly medicinal foods such as white rats, bamboo rats, woodworms, and even dog meat, highlighting the Naga community’s deep understanding of the resources around them. This journey through the market is not just about looking at or tasting food; it’s about appreciating the intricate relationship between the Naga tribes and their environment.
Predominantly run by women, the market is a testament to the rich culinary heritage and deep-rooted traditions of Nagaland. These women bring their cultural wisdom to life, offering insights into how different foods are sourced, prepared, and enjoyed within their communities. From traditional meats like mithun, beef, and pork to the unique preparation methods passed down through generations, you’ll gain a profound appreciation for the Naga way of life. This vibrant market scene, with its symphony of sights, sounds, and smells, provides an authentic glimpse into the daily lives and traditions of the local tribes.
Guided by our knowledgeable local expert, you’ll learn about the significance of these foods and how they contribute to the health and vitality of the Naga people. This experience is a celebration of the Naga tribes’ mastery of living in harmony with nature, showcasing their remarkable culinary heritage. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or someone interested in natural and healthy eating, this journey promises to leave you with a deeper understanding and appreciation of Naga food culture.
You’ll walk through a vibrant local market in Kohima, guided by a local expert, exploring stalls with Naga produce, wild and traditional foods — from fresh vegetables and herbs, to more exotic/unusual ingredients like snails, frogs, insects, fermented products, and local mushrooms.
It’s not just about looking — you’ll learn about how these ingredients are used in everyday Naga cooking, tribal cuisines, and traditional methods of preparation.
Yes — part of the experience is about tasting or sampling local flavours. Naga cuisine is defined by its unique combination of smoked meats, fermented foods, bamboo-shoot dishes, local herbs, and fiery spices like their famous king chillies (e.g. “Raja Mircha” / ghost chilli).
You may also get to try vegetarian or milder traditional preparations (for those less used to strong flavours), including vegetable and herb-based dishes.
Yes — Naga cuisine, and hence the market, offers a variety of vegetables, herbs, and plant-based dishes. The tour allows you to explore both meat-based and vegetarian options, so you can choose what you try or skip.
Local vendors are used to dealing with visitors. If you want to taste anything (especially fermented or wild-food items), pick dishes cooked/stewed or prepped by locals rather than raw wild meat. Avoid raw sampling of unfamiliar meats or forest produce unless confirmed fresh/clean.
You can expect to see a diverse range of fresh produce, unique vegetables, traditional meats, edible insects, local superfoods, and medicinal foods.
