International Journal of Social Science Research (IJSSR)

Culinary Traditions of The Biate Community of North East India

Tribal communities play a significant role in shaping India’s diverse cultural landscape with the Biate forming a significant ethnic group in the Dima Hasao District of Assam. The Biates maintain a strong connection to their traditional food systems, which reflected both their cultural identity and way of life. This paper focusses on the ethnic food recipes of the Biate community, exploring how their traditional dishes are deeply rooted in agriculture practices and locally available ingredients. Rice, the staple food of the Biates is central to their cuisine and is often accompanied by a variety of vegetables, roots, tubers and wild herbs. These ingredients are prepared using indigenous methods that have been passed down through generations. The study aims to document these unique food traditions, highlighting the cultural significance, preparation techniques, and sustainability of Biate ethnic recipes in the context of North East India.