No matter where you go, bamboo shoots are synonymous with northeast cuisines. Whether you’re in Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur or Nagaland, these edible shoots have become a vital and stable part of everyday life for many tribes in the region. The strong flavor of the sprout mixed with its versatility allows for a wide variety of dishes to be made from this plant. Over the centuries, many tribes in the northeast have come to rely on this strong, sturdy, yet edible sprout in every facet of their everyday lives. After a hard day’s work, one could find refuse within the comfort of their hut, resting in solace over a warm earthen hearth as a hearty meal was being cooked with bamboo shoots, supplemented by a wide variety of ingredients such as dried fish, pork, chicken, any flavor that suited the mood and desires of the tribesmen. Over the years, this harmonious relationship with the bamboo shoot has not changed and many households in the northeast, still continue to use this miracle plant as part of their everyday cooking.