Ethnic Food Habits of the Sumi Tribe, Nagaland, India

The Sumis are one of the major tribes among the Nagas of North East India who are known for their brave and benevolent nature. They primarily inhabit the Zunheboto district of Nagaland, NE India, and are known for their unique culinary practices. Most of the raw materials used for the preparation of ethnic food products are natural resources indigenously available, as majority of the people live in villages surrounded by dense forest. The traditional method of preparation and mode of consumption vary according to the clan or village, and the food products are prepared at the household level. The diversity of ethnic food habits also differs within the various sub-tribes according to their custom, region and ethos. The art of indigenous food preparation, the products and their culinary value have been well documented.