Eromba

Eromba

A nonvegetarian type of eromba with stink bean as its main ingredient
Place of origin	India
Region or state	Manipur

Eromba is an ethnic cuisine of the Meitei community of Manipur, India. It is one of the simplest cuisines of Manipur, yet it is spicy because chilli is one of its major ingredients. It contains no masala. Among the Meiteis, eromba is a favourite because of its simple, great taste, so the cuisine has become integrated throughout the sibling communities of the state and the neighbouring states of North-East India.

Eromba can be prepared with any compatible, seasonal vegetables, hence can vary across regions and seasons.

Manipur, being one of the ancient Asian kingdom before (Kangleipaak/Meiteileipaak/Sanaaleipaak as it was known before) has its own rich literature terms. The word "eromba" comes from eeru taana lonba, meaning "mixing and stirring watery". Due to fast pronunciation along with unstopping changes of the generations, the word eeru-tana-lonba' transform to eromba or eronba.

Manipur has both the vegetarian and nonvegetarian sides of its cuisines. Hence, eromba also has both types. Vegetarian types are traditionally served in shrines during ritual occasions and during sorrow-related ritual feasts, while nonvegetarian types are favored at homes.

The tag "nonvegetarian" is due to the presence of fermented fish locally known as ngari as its main ingredient. No other meat can be an ingredient. The main ingredient, ngari, is only available at Manipur and some of its neighbouring states.