Taste of Manipur now in Mumbai

If you are in the mood to sample some delicious preparations exclusive to Manipur mdash one of the seven states of Northeast India pay a visit to Kalina village in Santacruz The area packs a sizeable Thangkul and Meitei population from the Northeast Both these communities have unique food preparations each using the same ingredients in different ways But what really makes them stand apart is the use of the King Chilli rated among the worldrsquos fivehottest chilliesHarsa Kasathei at new King ChilliTwo restaurants named after the infamous King Chilli from this region are now offering a taste of the cuisine of the Meitei and Thangkul communities some dishes are off the menu and some as part of it for the first time in Mumbai The eateries are run by members of the Thangkul tribe of ManipurA Meitei style fish preparation served at the old King ChilliOur first stop was King Chilli located bang opposite the Monginis outlet in Kalina behind the Kalina Masjid The newest entrant in the market itrsquos run by the same group of people who were part of the original King Chilli located just a few hundred metres down the Air India Road Our server Worsem Zimik seemed excited as he took us through the menu Unimpressed with the Chinese fare we asked for something Northeastern After a brief interval he returned with a grin and the message that we were in luckThe new King Chilli above located opposite the Kalina Masjid bus stop is a few hundred metres before the original King Chilli PicsNimesh DaveZimik informed us that most items in Manipuri cuisine are meatbased and the King Chilli is the common ingredientamong all the dishes which is combined with ingredients like fermented fish and fermented soya beans forming the basis of all food items For example Ironba R70 a spicy preparation of boiled potato spring onions and the King Chilli was spicy but delicious and also used fermented fish Likewise Khaiko Kasathei R70 a salsalike preparation of roasted tomatoes and herbs contained thin strips of smoked chickenBut the focus was equally on vegetables in dishes like Green Beans Rs 70 cabbage and potatoes mostly eaten boiled ldquoIt helps bring a balance to the dietrdquo said Zimik Our order for the day also included a fusion item called North East Chicken Pot Rice Rs 155 and other offmenu items like Susa Salad Rs 200 and Alangsa a special preparation of chicken liver Rs 150Guests at the old King ChillyThe soul of Manipuri cuisine however is the ideology that believes in making optimal use of all ingredients said Tim owner of the older King Chilli established a few years before which we visited a day later ldquoWe believe everything in an animal or plant has a use and if itrsquos edible we should eat it In the Northeast you buy meat according to your choice but we donrsquot throw anythingrdquo he stated After a brief conversation we placed an order for Fish Curry Rs 220 Ironba R70 and a special Chicken preparation Rs 150 with steamed rice Rs 110During both the visits we had our Northeastern friends to guide us with the taste and originality and the older King Chilli won us over in terms of originality but the new King Chilli boasted of innovation in terms of serving its dishes So if you wish for a traditional taste go for the older King chilli or visit the new one for a unique twist to traditional Manipuri tasteAt King Chilli new near Kalina Masjid Santacruz E CALL 65564111At King Chilli old Air India Road Santacruz E CALL 65606770