Food & Shopping

Food & Shopping

Namsai, known as the "Land of the Golden Pagoda," is not only a spiritual and cultural hub but also a great place to explore authentic Tai-Khamti cuisine and traditional crafts. Whether you're looking to try local delicacies or shop for handmade souvenirs, Namsai has something special to offer.

 Food in Namsai

Namsai's cuisine is heavily influenced by Tai-Khamti and Theravāda Buddhist traditions, offering a delightful mix of simple, organic, and flavorful dishes. Most meals here are cooked with locally sourced rice, bamboo shoots, herbs, and fresh fish.

 Must-Try Local Dishes

1️ Khao Lam (Sticky Rice in Bamboo)

• A traditional Tai-Khamti dish where rice is slow-cooked inside bamboo.
• Lightly sweet and smoky, often eaten as a snack or with tea.

2️ Smoked Pork with Bamboo Shoots

• A popular tribal dish, featuring pork slow-cooked with fermented bamboo shoots.
• Has a smoky, tangy, and earthy flavor.

3️ Pasa (Traditional Fish Soup)

• A refreshing raw fish soup made with fermented herbs, green chilies, and ginger.
• Served cold, making it unique and flavorful.

4️ Khau Kai (Traditional Tai-Khamti Chicken Dish)

• A light and aromatic chicken stew, slow-cooked with lemongrass, garlic, and local herbs.
• Served with steamed rice and fresh vegetables.

5️ Khamti Fried Rice

• A delicious Tai-Khamti-style fried rice, made with eggs, herbs, and light spices.
• Served with spicy chutney and side pickles.

6️ Apong (Rice Beer)

• A traditional fermented rice beer, enjoyed during festivals and social gatherings.
• Mildly sweet and refreshing, best paired with smoked meat.

7️ Momos & Thukpa  (For Street Food Lovers)

• Momos (dumplings) and Thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup) are commonly found in local eateries.
• Filled with pork, chicken, or vegetables, served with spicy chutney.

 Where to Eat in Namsai?

Since Namsai is a small town, most food options are found in local eateries, homestays, and roadside dhabas.

✔ Local Food Stalls: Best for trying Momos, Thukpa, and Fried Rice.
✔ Tai-Khamti Homestays: Experience authentic home-cooked Khamti food.
✔ Golden Pagoda Restaurant: Serves traditional Buddhist vegetarian meals.
✔ Small Tea Stalls: Perfect for enjoying Khao Lam with fresh Assamese tea.

 Tip: If you want to try authentic Khamti tribal food, ask for home-cooked meals at your guesthouse or homestay!

 Shopping in Namsai

Shopping in Namsai is all about handmade tribal crafts, woven textiles, and Buddhist souvenirs. If you love eco-friendly handmade items, this is the perfect place to pick up unique keepsakes.

 What to Buy in Namsai?

1️⃣ Tai-Khamti Handwoven Shawls & Textiles

• Beautifully handwoven textiles made by the Tai-Khamti women.
• Features intricate designs and vibrant colors.

2️ Bamboo & Cane Handicrafts

• Handmade bamboo baskets, mats, furniture, and home décor items.
• Eco-friendly and perfect as souvenirs or gifts.

3️  Buddhist Art & Prayer Items

• Miniature golden pagodas, prayer wheels, and prayer flags.
• Great for Buddhist spiritual keepsakes.

4️ Handmade Tai-Khamti Silver Jewelry

• Unique handcrafted silver earrings, bangles, and necklaces.
• Reflects traditional Tai-Khamti and Theravāda Buddhist craftsmanship.

5️ Pika Pila (Tribal Pickle)

• A delicious fermented bamboo shoot pickle, mixed with pork fat.
• A great food souvenir to take home.

6️ Organic Herbal Tea & Spices

• Locally grown black cardamom, ginger, and organic tea leaves.
• Great for herbal tea lovers and home chefs.

7️ Wooden & Bamboo Buddhist Sculptures

• Beautiful hand-carved Buddha statues, temple models, and woodwork.
• Made by local artisans in Khamti villages.

 Where to Shop in Namsai?

✔ Namsai Tribal Market: The best place to buy handwoven textiles, bamboo products, and jewelry.
✔ Government Handicraft Emporium: Fixed-price handmade items, shawls, and Buddhist artifacts.
✔ Local Weekly Bazaars (Haat Market): Great for organic spices, fresh produce, and bamboo crafts.

 Tip: Bargaining is common in local markets, so negotiate for better prices!