Beer is one of the highest consumed beverages worldwide. A huge number of people across geographical, political, social and economic boundaries love to drink beer. And to celebrate this amazing drink, we have International Beer Day, which is celebrated on the first Friday of the August month.
Rice beers are very popular among various communities across the Northeastern part of the country. And on the occasion of the International Beer Day, Team Discover East brings to you a list of popular rice beers from this region.
Apong from Arunachal Pradesh and Assam
The Mishing community of Assam and the Adi community of Arunachal Pradesh brew this rice beer is brewed by the. It can range from light to strong based on the fermentation and standing time.
Chhang from Sikkim
Unlike any other beer that you might have encountered, this one is actually served hot. The mixture is stored in bamboo tubes and whenever you need a drink, pour hot water and let it stand for some time.
Zutho from Nagaland
This beer to has a distinct taste and aroma and has a wide range of potency based on the fermentation level. This goes very well some bhut – jolokia flavored meat dish.
Yu from Manipur
Prepared by the Meitei community of Manipur, this rice beer is one of the smoothest of the region. When fermented properly using traditional knowledge and procedures, this beer is said to be pro-biotic. Meaning that it encourages the growth of healthy microbes in the body.
Chuwah from Tripura
The traditional beer prepared by the original Tripuri people is one of the best drinks this region has to offer. A nice aroma and light strength, it can be consumed by almost everyone.
Judima from Assam
Probably the sweetest beer of the lot, this is also one of the costliest. The reasons being the variety of rice in use and the rare nature of the ingredients in the modern day.
Bitchi from Meghalaya
This is essential part of the religious offerings in the Khasi and Jaintia tribes of Meghalaya. The tribal community consider to be more of a medicine than an intoxicant. It also has a very unique flavor coming from the variety of herbs and leaves used.
There are quite many more traditional rice beers from the region and a few noteworthy mentions are Lao Pani and Xaj of the Ahom, Opo of the Adi-Galos and Zu of the Rabhas.
(Feature Image Source: Chubsandherfoodtales)
