Mizoram, nestled in the lush hills of Northeast India, boasts a culinary culture deeply rooted in tradition, simplicity, and local produce. While much of Mizo cuisine is enjoyed in households, the capital city Aizawl and its local markets are home to a growing street food scene that captures the state’s unique palate. Here’s a guide to the top 5 street foods to try in Mizoram, based on authentic local favorites found in markets like Bara Bazar, Solomon’s Cave, and Dawrpui.
1. Bai – Traditional Mizo Vegetable Stew Found in Aizawl’s Street Stalls
Bai is more than just a dish—it’s a cornerstone of Mizo cuisine. This light and healthy vegetable stew is often sold by local vendors in the lanes of Aizawl. It’s made with boiled vegetables like mustard greens, eggplant, beans, and occasionally pork fat or fermented soybeans for flavor. What makes Bai a must-try Mizo street food is its earthy taste and nutritional value. Some variations also include bamboo shoots or colocasia leaves.
You’ll find street-side stalls near the Millennium Centre in Aizawl serving piping hot bowls of Bai, especially during lunch hours. Locals often enjoy it with rice or sticky rice pancakes.
2. Sawhchiar – Hearty Mizo Rice Porridge Served in Evening Street Carts
Sawhchiar, a popular Mizo rice porridge, is often sold in the evening by women operating small carts near educational institutes and hospitals in Aizawl. This hearty dish is made with rice slow-cooked with chicken, pork, or beef, sometimes garnished with herbs like cilantro and onion greens.
Sawhchiar as street food in Mizoram is especially popular during colder months. It offers a filling, warm experience for a low price—usually under ₹50 per serving. Locals appreciate it for its one-pot convenience and mild, comforting flavor.
3. Pork Skewers – Grilled Mizo Pork on Sticks from Dawrpui Market Vendors
Mizoram’s love for pork is well-known, and nowhere is it more deliciously evident than in the pork skewers grilled by roadside vendors near Dawrpui Market. These skewers, often referred to locally as “suk bai,” are marinated in a mix of garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and Mizo chili powder before being grilled over charcoal.
The vendors usually serve the skewers with spicy fermented chili paste or a side of pickled bamboo shoot. For meat lovers, grilled pork skewers in Aizawl’s street food scene are unmissable. The smoky aroma alone is enough to draw in evening crowds.
4. Bekang (Fermented Soybean Paste) Fritters – Unique Street Snack with a Mizo Twist
While Bekang is typically used as a condiment, some innovative street vendors in Mizoram have turned this pungent fermented soybean paste into fritters—similar to pakoras but with a distinctive tang. These Bekang fritters in Mizoram street stalls are crisp on the outside and soft inside, offering a rich umami flavor that pairs well with local teas.
Sold primarily in the outskirts of Aizawl and on market days, these snacks are an acquired taste but adored by those who enjoy fermented flavors. It’s also a vegetarian-friendly option in an otherwise meat-heavy street food culture.
5. Chhangban with Sesame Paste – Sticky Rice Cake with Smoky Sesame Sold in Morning Markets
Chhangban is a steamed sticky rice cake commonly eaten for breakfast in Mizoram. On the streets of Aizawl, especially around Zarkawt and Bawngkawn localities, vendors sell Chhangban wrapped in banana leaves, paired with roasted sesame seed paste or jaggery.
This chewy, mildly sweet dish is one of the rare Mizo street foods suitable for vegans. It’s also gluten-free and incredibly filling. Some stalls even offer a modern take by including coconut shavings or honey drizzle for added richness.
The top street foods in Mizoram reflect the state’s love for simplicity, natural flavors, and local produce. From fermented dishes to grilled meats and sticky rice delicacies, every bite carries a sense of place and tradition. Whether you’re wandering through Aizawl’s crowded markets or sipping tea at a roadside stall, these street foods offer a delicious entry into Mizo culture.