Cultural Crossroads

March of 1944. After crossing thousands of miles, the Japanese met the people of Manipur, a state in the eastern fringes of India. From serene landscapes with cherry blossoms to the unique use of ingredients such as, soft sticky rice, rice liquors, fermented soybeans, fermented fish, and a range of herbs, indigenous to both regions, the soft-spoken people of Japan and Manipur drew several commonalities between their cultures. What could have been the start of a blooming brotherhood was unfortunately short lived. Despite several similarities, political agenda took centerstage. The Japanese were busy waging war against the allied forces of World War II, while the people of Manipur were merely caught in the tragic maelstrom of this historic battle.
June of 2022. Aimed at blending these cultures, we present to you, a rare opportunity to experience the tales of two fascinating regions through the language of food.