Top 10 Meat Consuming States in India

India is a country of diverse food cultures and dietary habits vary from region to region. Some of the highest meat consuming regions are in the north-eastern and coastal states and this is due to traditional food practices, climate and local cuisine. These states have a huge consumption of pork, fish, chicken, mutton, seafood and smoked meat. Each region has its own special dishes, using local spices and methods of cooking.

Top 10 Meat Consuming States in India 

Nagaland 

Nagaland is one of the highest meat-consuming states in India and is especially famous for pork-based cuisine. Smoked Pork with Bamboo Shoot is among the most popular dishes in the state and is known for its smoky flavour and spicy taste. Traditional Naga cuisine uses fermented ingredients, local herbs, and extremely hot chilies to prepare meat dishes. Pork curries and smoked meats are commonly served with rice in households across the state.

Meghalaya

Meghalaya is a non-vegetarian food culture and pork, chicken and smoked meat are widely consumed. One of the most famous foods of the state is Jadoh, a popular dish of rice and pork. Meghalaya cuisine uses black sesame, local spices and preparation techniques of smoked meat. Dohneiiong, a dish of pork with black sesame gravy is another popular regional speciality.

Kerala

Kerala is famous for seafood, chicken, beef dishes, and spice-rich coastal cuisine. Kerala Fish Curry prepared with coconut and tamarind is one of the most iconic dishes of the state. Beef Fry served with parotta is highly popular in local restaurants and street food shops. Malabar Biryani, known for aromatic spices and flavorful rice, is also widely consumed across Kerala.

West Bengal 

West Bengal is known for its fish eating culture and traditional Bengali meat dishes. Machher Jhol: One of the most famous dishes in Bengal, Machher Jhol is a flavourful fish curry with mustard and spices. Spicy, slow cooked mutton curry, Kosha Mangsho is another iconic Bengali dish. Hilsa fish dishes are a favourite, particularly at festive times and family gatherings.

Assam 

Assam is famous for fish, duck meat, pork and the traditional Assamese cuisine cooked with mild spices and natural flavours. Ash gourd Duck Meat Curry is one of the most popular dishes of Assam. Masor Tenga, a tangy fish curry with a refreshing taste, is also a popular dish across the state. Assamese cuisine is about herbs and freshness, not heavy masala.

Goa

Goa’s trademarks are Portuguese-influenced food and seafood. Signature dishes of the state include Goan Fish Curry with coconut and spices. Pork Vindaloo is one of the most popular dishes of Goan cuisine that is famous for its spicy and tangy taste and has gained worldwide fame. Fans of seafood also like Prawn Balchão and Xacuti curries.

Tripura

Tripura is a land of tribes and its food culture is very rich . Pork , Fish and fermented ingredients are part of their food culture . Traditional dishes usually use bamboo shoots, herbs and smoked meat. Mui Borok is one of the popular cuisines of Tripura comprising different meat and fish preparations. Pork dishes continue to be very popular in everyday meals across the state.

Manipur 

Manipur is famous for its fish-based cuisine, fermented ingredients and smoked meat dishes. Eromba, a very famous dish of the state is a delicious mixture of vegetables, spices and fish. Smoked fish curries and pork dishes are usually eaten with rice. The hallmark of traditional Manipuri cuisine is its balanced flavours and fermented food culture.

Mizoram

Mizoram has a strong tradition of smoked meat in India. Pork is one of the State’s most popular meats and is often cooked with bamboo shoots and herbs. Bai is a favourite Mizo dish consisting of vegetables and pork and is consumed in every household. Preparation methods of smoked meat are still an important part of local cuisine.

Arunachal Pradesh 

Arunachal Pradesh is famous for its tribal cuisines which consist of pork, chicken, fish and yak meat. Tribal communities like to have smoked pork preparations very much, especially with herbs and bamboo shoots. In the colder regions of the state, meat stews and noodle dishes such as Thukpa are widely enjoyed. Heavy frying is not a traditional cooking method. 

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