Manipur’s traditional flavours get a modern twist

Jul 19, 2025

Imphal (Manipur), 19 July ANI: 45-year-old Nongthombam Rita from Top Makha Leikai, Imphal. Once running a small tea and snack stall outside her home, Rita is now the proud founder of Leimalen Foods. Her unit is giving a modern twist to Manipur’s traditional flavours. Around 20 local women work daily to prepare indigenous snacks — the most popular being “Chakhao Gulla,” a sweet, healthy treat made from black rice. Rita got the idea during the traditional Ningol Chakouba festival. In 2020, she rented a machine from the government and began production. Today, her product is widely popular across Manipur. Rita’s initiative is not just reviving traditional delicacies — it’s also transforming lives. By turning age-old recipes into market-ready products, she’s opened up new avenues of livelihood for dozens of local women. These women, while expertly balancing their household responsibilities, work with dedication and care, ensuring every product meets high standards of hygiene and quality. Through their efforts, they are not only preserving culinary heritage but also uplifting their families and strengthening the local economy. During the festive season — especially Ningol Chakouba — Rita’s products fly off the shelves, with demand soaring across the state. Her dream is to see these traditional flavours grace every home in Manipur, giving age-old recipes a fresh, modern identity. Nongthombam Rita has become a beacon of inspiration for women across Manipur — a symbol of self-reliance, resilience, and the power of turning passion into purpose.