North East India, which is a culturally rich region which is nestled in the easternmost corner of the country, has a diverse and rich variety of traditional sweets. These sweets oozing with layers of flavors are also healthy and its preparation makes use of the rich produce that abounds this charming region known for its lush greenery and exotic fauna.
Here are some unique yet delicious sweets of North East India-
1. Pitha (Assam)
One of the most important and cherished sweet of Assam is pitha. Pitha is prepared especially during festivals such as Magh Bihu and is commonly consumed by the Assamese people. It is also prepared for daily consumption and is served with tea. It is mainly made from rice flour and is often filled with ingredients such as sesame seeds, lentils, jaggery and coconut. Pithas are of different types and can be steamed, fried, or roasted, with various types of ingredients. The Assamese people prepares different varieties of pithas such as narikol pitha, ghila pitha, tilpitha, sungapitha, telpitha and tekelipitha. Pitha is not just a sweet or food item but it also represents Assamese culture, hospitality, and the joy of celebrating together.
2. Matabari Peda (Tripura)
Matabari peda is a rich milk-based sweet that is very famously distributed as offerings (prashad) in the Tripurasundari Temple in Matabari, Udaipur in the Tripura. The peda is basically made by reducing cow’s milk with suger and cardamon and tastes very soft, grainy, and deeply caramelized in flavor. It is prepared using traditional methods and is one of Tripura’s most iconic sweets. Matabari peda is popular among both pilgrims and tourists. This iconic sweet is a registered Geographical Indication (GI) product of the state.
3.Pukhlein (Meghalaya)
Pukhlein is a famous khasi tea-time snack of Meghalaya. It is basically a traditional sweet bread that is made using only two primary ingredients(powdered local rice and jaggery). Due to its chewy, subtly, sweet snack, pukhlein can be perfectly paired with black tea. It is commonly prepared during festivals, family gatherings, and special occasions, and is often enjoyed with tea. Pukhlein is a rich cultural snack that reflects the rich culinary heritage of Meghalaya. It remains as a favorite snack among locals and visitors.
4. Sel Roti (Sikkim)
Sel roti, the most popular sweet of Sikkim, is a ring-shaped, fried bread that is sweet and is made from fermented rice batter, ghee, spices and sugar. The sel roti is crispy from the outer layer and soft from the inside layer. It is a staple food or sweet during festivals in Sikkim. Sel Roti can be served with tea, curries or yogurt and is widely spread among the Nepali communities. It is one of the most cherished delicacies of Sikkim.
5. Koat Pitha (Mizoram)
The most cherished delicacy of Mizoram, Koat pitha is made from a batter of rice flour, jaggery and mashed bananas, fried in mustard oil to achieve a caramalized flavour. It is a deep fried snack that is enjoyed as a tea time snack by the people of Mizoram and is commonly prepared during festivals and occasions. Koat pitha, which has a has a crispy exterior and soft and sweet interior, reflects the rich culinary of the state and is a important part of the Mizo cuisine.
6. Khapse(Arunachal Pradesh)
Khapse is a traditional deep fried biscuit or pastry. It is the staple sweet of Arunachal Pradesh. This sweet is basically served during Loser (Tibetian New Year). These are lightly sweetened and are crunchy. It is made from flour, oil or butter, sugar and may also include eggs and milk. Khapse can be served with butter tea and is prepared during special occasions and festivals.
7. Nap Naang (Nagaland)
Nap Naang is a black rice pudding which is rich in nutrients and is traditionally prepared by the Naga tribes. In simple words, it can be named or refered as black rice kheer. Nap Naang is dark blue in colour, sweetened with gur (jaggery), comprises of a natural nutty flavor and has a creamy texture. This traditional pudding usually served during occasions and festivals in Nagaland.