Traditional culinary delicacies from region formed an integral part of the Northeast food showcase at the Republic Day high tea hosted by the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday evening. The official menu comprised delicacies from Assam, Tripura, Nagaland, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.
Sharing a video on social media, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju stated, “Delicious North-East food and colourful culture welcomed the guests in Rashtrapati Bhavan “At Home” on the occasion of Republic Day.
“European Council President António Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan ji, Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji and top officials attended,” Rijiju stated, as he shared one of the tables with other Ministers and dignitaries at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The curated spread prominently featured Assamese specialities such as Til Pitha, Til Laru and Narikol Laru, all closely associated with Magh Bihu and harvest traditions in Assam. Black Rice Kheer made from indigenous black rice, widely consumed in Assam and also popular in Nagaland and Manipur, was highlighted for its cultural and nutritional significance. Pati Sapta, a winter delicacy common to both Assam and Tripura, was also served, reflecting the shared culinary heritage of the two neighboring states. From Tripura, the GI-tagged Matabari Peda found a place of honor on the menu. Known for its distinctive cardamom-infused caramelised flavor and soft texture, the sweet originates from the revered Matabari region and is closely linked to local traditions and community-based production.
Fresh-cut fruits sourced from the region complemented the dessert offerings. The menu also included Khapse, a traditional snack from Arunachal Pradesh, underscoring the cultural diversity of the eastern Himalayan belt. The overall selection was designed to represent indigenous ingredients, festive foods and time-honored recipes from across the North-East. The inclusion of these dishes at Rashtrapati Bhavan was viewed as a significant recognition of Assam’s food culture and the wider North-Eastern identity at a national celebration. Artistes from the Northeast also performed cultural dance to add the region’s flavor to the occasion. The Republic Day high tea, attended by dignitaries and invited guests, used cuisine as a medium to highlight India’s cultural diversity, with Assam’s traditional flavors leading the regional narrative.
