On the 9th of April, 2019, Plantina Mujai and Dial Muktieh from Khweng and Babika from Plasha collaborated to cater lunch to 1,500 participants and officials at the #GOVOTELok Sabha Election Voter Awareness event at U Soso Tham Auditorium. Khweng and Plasha are two villages from Ri Bhoi District adopted by NESFAS in the “No One Shall be Left Behind Initiative” project. NESFAS believes in strengthening our indigenous food system to address nutritional security and also creating livelihood opportunities that also promoted the indigenous people. Kong Plantina, Kong Dial and Kong Babika are local food entrepreneurs in their home community and are known for serving interesting food prepared from locally available ingredients. Prior to the event, the communities were given an orientation on utilizing the rich diversity of food crops to meet a balanced diet and meeting the guidelines of hygiene and standards mandated by the service sector.
The menu served at the event included Rymbai shyieng (Beans) with Lungseij (Bamboo shoot), Doh Syiar tyrkhong (Smoked chicken), Wild edible salad and Ktung tyndong chutney (Fermented fish chutney) along with the local rice. The food was packed in biodegradable areca nut plate covered with ‘la met, which was much appreciated by the organizers and the participants. This event presented yet another opportunity to showcase and promote our local food to the larger audience.
