Unlocking the Tourism potential of Manipur through Gastronomy Tour

Khuman *

Japanese Team Visiting Ima Market Vegetables Stall

The industry of travel and tourism keeps on changing from time to time to cater the requirements of travellers. The write-up is all about the promotion of Gastronomy tourism in Manipur. Manipur is one of the most comfortable holiday locations in the northeast region of the country. The state offers many interesting places to visit and things to do to the visitors. So, it is the time to promote Gastronomy Tourism in the state.

"Gastronomy Tourism as a type of tourism activity which is characterized by the visitor's experience linked with food and related products and activities while travelling." - defined by the Committee on Tourism and Competitiveness (CTC) of the UN Tourism. Gastronomy can be defined as the study of the relationship between food and the culture of a region. A gastronomy tour involves participation in the consumption, preparation, and presentation of foods, meals, and cuisines of a particular region.

The tourism potential of Manipur not only lies in its geography but also in its Food and Culinary. The history of the state is embedded in its various cuisines depicting its culture, heritage, destination, people, values and many more. Local and regional food is a quality that can add value to a destination. Different types of cuisines are available in the state of Manipur. Each community in the state has its own way of preparation, taste and presentation.

The said tourism is totally based on the traditional aspects of the local cuisines of a region. The following points must be considered while organizing the gastronomy tours:-

1. To taste the varieties of local cuisine
2. To witness the local food production activities
3. To know the food production companies
4. To experience the local culture based on foods
5. To get knowledge of the history and heritage of local cuisine

Tourists From Maharashtra Eating Local Manipuri Chak Luk

In addition to the above mentioned points; the gastronomy tour also includes some interesting activities such as:-

1. Experiencing the distinctive horticulture and agricultural practices of a region: Tourists can participate in many hands-on activities to gain experience about our horticulture and agricultural practices.

2. Attending the cooking activities: This is one of the most interesting activities. Let the visitors be a part of buying vegetables from the markets, preparation, and presentation.

3. Visiting farms and gardens: Visiting the farms and gardens will inform the travelers about our local vegetables and other different ingredients that we use in the preparation of our traditional cuisines.

4. Visiting local markets: This is a very interesting activity. Tourists will be aware of the varieties of things (like vegetables, spices, etc.) available in the local market. They will also understand the nature of our local markets.

5. Witnessing the food production process: Manipur is in its peak stage of promoting local food items. Make an arrangement to visit local production companies to understand and experience the local food production process thoroughly.

6. Interacting with farmers, fishmongers, etc. will help a lot in exploring more for the future.

A gastronomy tour offers a great experience to travellers in their lifetime because the tour will help them understand the history and recipes of traditional foods. The well-known and hygienic gastronomic places offer many interesting things.

For example, in Manipur, there are many communities, and each community has its own traditional foods and cuisines.

For the Meitei community, the most popular traditional cuisines are Eromba, Utti, Kangsoi, Maroi Thongba, and many more. The Manipuri traditional thali is served on banana leaves. There are many lip-smacking side dishes, along with rice.

The processes for the preparation of these cuisines are quite different and have a wow-feeling taste. Manipuri cuisine is marked by the abundant use of rice, leafy green vegetables, and fish.

Many aromatic herbs and roots are used to give foods a unique taste. While conducting the tour, brief the history and introduce the ingredients used in the foods. Provide the sample foods and encourage them to taste them. And also, make the visitors mingle with the regional food culture of a place.

Tourists Having Wonderful Time at Local Manipuri Chak Hotel

Some important areas to be considered while organizing the Gastronomy tour are:-

1. Comprehending customer's exact culinary requirements.
2. Coordinating the local gastronomy tourism community.
3. Arrangement for the gastronomy activities in a good and hygienic ambiance.
4. Friendly communication with the tourists.
5. Leading the tour and other recreational activities.
6. Working beyond the expectation of tourists.

Therefore, it is the right time to promote gastronomy tourism in the state by offering a more professional and proficient plan. It is important to design the gastronomy tour in an enticing manner. And make sure that the tourists can embrace the culinary heritage of Manipur wholeheartedly. Our food is our culture.

See a full Photo Gallery of Gastonomy tour in Manipur here