Chamthong

Name: Chamthong
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Manipuri
Ingredients: 1 cup - French bean; 1/2 cup - Peas; 1 quarter of medium size - Cabbage; 1 medium size - Tomato; 4-5 pieces - Fried or Smoked Fish (For Non-Veg); 1 thumb size - Ginger; 3-4 pieces - Green or dried chilli; 1 medium size - Spring Onion; 10 leaves - Cilantro leaves; As required - Salt

A simple and quick cooking hearty soup made with a variety of vegetables, fish typically smoked and boiled.

Main Dish

Vegetarian

Meetei

Curry

Manipuri

Quick & Easy

Savory

Chamthong

Monday, May 1, 2023 12:02:35 AM GMT By : Mathou Khangembam

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A simple and quick cooking hearty soup made with a variety of vegetables, fish typically smoked and boiled.

10 Ingredients
30 Mins
4 People

Chamthong is a traditional Manipuri soup that embodies simplicity and warmth. Closely related to Kangsoi, Chamthong is prepared with fewer ingredients—typically one or two vegetables—making it lighter and less spicy. The name itself reflects its essence: Cham means “simple” and Thong means “cook.”
Flavor and PreparationChamthong is made by simmering vegetables with smoked fish, which infuses the broth with a distinctive aroma and depth of flavor. Common vegetables include cabbage, bottle gourd, squash, pumpkin, and beans, all boiled gently to preserve their natural taste. The soup is seasoned with sliced onions, cloves, salt, herbs, and a touch of ginger, creating a delicate balance of smokiness and freshness.
Between Champhut and KangsoiChamthong is often described as lying between Champhut (plain boiled vegetables with minimal seasoning) and Kangsoi (a spiced vegetable stew). While Kangsoi uses a mix of vegetables and stronger flavors, Chamthong remains milder, focusing on the harmony between just a few ingredients and the smoky undertones of fish.
Cultural SignificanceServed hot, Chamthong is a comfort food in Manipuri households, especially during cooler seasons. Its simplicity makes it versatile—enjoyed as a light meal on its own or paired with rice to complement richer curries. For many, Chamthong is a reminder of home cooking, where minimal ingredients are transformed into a dish full of soul and tradition.

Chamthong

Preparation Time
10 minutes

Cook Time
20 minutes

Total Time
30 minutes

Servings
4 servings

Ingredients
10 ingredients

Directions
5 steps

Ingredients

Primary

	1 cup - French bean
	1/2 cup - Peas
	1 quarter of medium size - Cabbage
	1 thumb size - Ginger
	3-4 pieces - Green or dried chilli
	1 medium size - Spring Onion
	10 leaves - Cilantro leaves
	As required - Salt
	1 medium size - Tomato
	4-5 pieces - Fried or Smoked Fish (For Non-Veg)

Directions

1
Heat half liter of water on a pot. Add crushed ginger, crushed spring onion with chopped leaves.
2
When the water boil, you may add Ngari and boil for a while for Non Vegetarians, add potatoes, cabbage, beans and peas. Let it shimmer over heat until the potatoes become soft.
3
Cook on medium heat and stir it well, after few minutes add smoked fish for non-veg.
4
When the vegetables are cooked, add the chopped green chilli, sliced onion, close the lid and cook for 3 minutes
5
Add salt and cilantro leaves for garnish, turn the heat off.