Mouth-watering food fest

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, DEC 3: Food lovers on Saturday thronged the food festival titled – “A foodie feast for all” to taste the varieties of mouth-watery foods showcased by cooking enthusiasts.

Organized by the Rilbong Sports and Cultural Club (RSCC) as part of its diamond jubilee celebrations, the food fest, which may be considered to be the biggest in the state, is being held after a span of fourteen years.

The festival was open to only women contestants.

People both young and old were seen thronging at the over 200 plus food stalls which displayed varieties of indigenous foods and cuisines of the different communities.

“Tungrymbai” or “Tungtoh” – fermented soyabean, which is a popular indigenous dish among the tribal of Khasi and Jaintia Hills region also caught the attention of the food lovers during the festival.

It is famously had with ‘Jadoh’ (rice cooked in pig blood).

The old Dhaka Bikrampur style steamed prawn masala with prawn chutney, a dish famous among the Bengalees, was also prepared by a resident of the city, Rekha Das.

Over 200 participants in different categories that included Mutton dish, Chicken, Pork, Fish, Dry Fish in the non-vegetarian category.

There was also the vegetarian category and adding to this was the “Live” cooking contest where participants cooked in the festival.

Some of the participants came out with extraordinary displays that included a Mutton Keema Dish made in the shape of a Fish.

Sitting next to the dish was some birds made out of sweet potato and the nest made with noodles and eggs made out of potato.

Participants who received the first prize each got a cash prize of Rs 5000 and other gifts. The second prize winners received Rs. 3000.  In the non competitive categories prizes were handed out that included Microwave ovens and utensils.

Former Home Minister, RG Lyngdoh inaugurated the food festival in the morning. Judges included people from various walks of life that included bureaucrats, doctors, socialites and others.

Former education minister, Manas Chaudhuri, one of the convenors of the festival said, the festival is a tribute to Shillong which does have a wide array of dishes in the country and the people in the state capital who loves food.