Yen Thongba

Name: Yen Thongba
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Manipuri
Ingredients: 4 pieces roughly chopped - Onion; 1/2 cup roughly chopped - Garlic; 2 tsp - Coriander powder; 2 tsp - Cumin powder; 1 killo - Chicken; 1/2 cup roughly chopped - Ginger; 3-4 pieces - Bay leaves; 200 ml - Cooking oil; 2 tsp - Turmeric powder; 2 bundle - Burmese cilantro; 4 tsp - Red chili powder; 2 pieces - Red chili or ghost pepper; As required - Salt

a traditional Manipuri chicken curry made with country chicken, spices, and local herbs. A flavorful dish served at feasts and family meals.

Main Dish

Non-Vegetarian

Chicken

Meetei

Curry

Manipuri

One Pan

Spicy

Yen Thongba

Wednesday, February 16, 2022 2:12:52 PM GMT By : Mathou Khangembam

5.0 1 Reviews Add Review

a traditional Manipuri chicken curry made with country chicken, spices, and local herbs. A flavorful dish served at feasts and family meals.

13 Ingredients
55 Mins
4 People

Yen Thongba – Manipuri Chicken CurryYen Thongba, meaning chicken curry in Manipuri, is one of the most popular and traditional dishes of the Meitei community. Prepared with country chicken and a blend of both desi spices and indigenous Manipuri ingredients, this curry is hearty, aromatic, and deeply rooted in local food culture.
Flavor and Ingredients
The dish begins with a base of garlic, ginger, and onions, cooked until fragrant. A medley of spices—cumin, coriander, bay leaves, chili powder, and turmeric—builds depth and warmth in the gravy. What makes Yen Thongba distinct is the addition of thorny coriander leaves (Awa Fadigom or Sha Maroi), a local herb that imparts a sharp, refreshing aroma unique to Manipuri cuisine.
Country chicken is simmered in this spiced gravy until tender, allowing the flavors to permeate the meat. Potatoes are often added for body, while the dish is finished with a garnish of fresh spring onions, enhancing both taste and presentation.
Cultural SignificanceYen Thongba is more than just a chicken curry—it is a celebratory dish often served at family gatherings, community feasts, and festivals. Its popularity lies in its balance: rich enough to feel festive, yet simple enough to be cooked at home for everyday meals.
Why It EnduresThe enduring appeal of Yen Thongba comes from its fusion of familiar Indian spices with distinct Manipuri herbs and cooking traditions. It is a dish that bridges cultures while staying true to its roots, offering comfort, flavor, and heritage in every bite.

Yen Thongba

Preparation Time
15 minutes

Cook Time
40 minutes

Total Time
55 minutes

Servings
4 servings

Ingredients
13 ingredients

Directions
11 steps

Ingredients

Primary

	4 pieces roughly chopped - Onion
	1/2 cup roughly chopped - Garlic
	2 tsp - Coriander powder
	2 tsp - Cumin powder
	1 killo - Chicken
	1/2 cup roughly chopped - Ginger
	3-4 pieces - Bay leaves
	200 ml - Cooking oil
	2 tsp - Turmeric powder
	2 bundle - Burmese cilantro Don't cut or chop it.
	4 tsp - Red chili powder
	2 pieces - Red chili or ghost pepper Raw is preferred for good smell and taste.
	As required - Salt

Directions

1
Heat a pan and pour the cooking oil and make it hot enough.
2
Fry the bay leaves, chopped onion, Ginger, garlic and 1 TSP of cumin powder, stir and keep for a while. You have to drop bay leaves first and onion second, this will help your ingredients not to burnt quickly.
3
Add the chicken meats and stir regularly until all the fluid came out from the meat.
4
Add salt and remaining cumin seed powder, cover the pan for a while.
5
Add turmeric powder, chilli or ghost pepper and stir thoroughly.
6
Add potatoes and any other things at this time if you want.
7
Add Red chili powder and stir regularly. At this time most of the liquid might vaporized so don't let it burnt.
8
You are done, add water to make it gravy but you might want to try this it without water. Most Manipuri people serve it with liquors or any other beverages.
9
Add Red chili powder if required and boiled it.
10
Add Burmese cilantro, turn the heat off.
11
You are ready to serve it.