Abstract:

Traditional foods with their unique flavour and taste form an integral part of the diet of ethnic races and tribal people throughout the world. The diversity of traditional foods is related to culture, availability of raw materials and the indigenous knowledge of preparation which has been passed from one generation to another. Meghalaya a state in the north eastern part of India is inhabited by three distinct tribes viz the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo each having their own food habits and cultural identities. Rice based foods are very popular in the tribal and rural areas of the state and the Khasi and Jaintia tribes have a tradition of relishing a variety of rice cakes, locally called kpu or tpu mainly eaten as snacks at tea time, breakfast, festivals, marriage, rituals and special occasions.