Yongchak Hawaijar Thongba

A classic and comforting Manipuri curry made with fermented soybeans (hawaijar) and stink beans/bitter beans (yongchak).

Yongchak Hawaijar Thongba

author

Image: Mathel the Recipe @youtube

Main Dish

Healthy

Meetei

Curry

Manipuri

One Pot

Savory

Yongchak Hawaijar Thongba

Sunday, May 31, 2026 1:28:36 AM GMT By : Lukthel /

0.0 0 Reviews Add Review

A classic and comforting Manipuri curry made with fermented soybeans (hawaijar) and stink beans/bitter beans (yongchak).

18 Ingredients
45 Mins
4 People

Yongchak Hawaijar is a highly traditional and pungent dish from Manipur that combines Yongchak (stink beans or tree beans) with Hawaijar (a popular fermented soybean). This pairing features earthy, umami flavors beloved in Meitei cuisine. It can be prepared in several ways, most commonly as a thick stew.
A rich, savory stew. Hawaijar (fermented soy) is boiled with the tender beans of the Yongchak tree. It is frequently seasoned with Ngari (fermented fish), chillies, and local herbs like maroi or dill to create a deeply earthy flavor profile.
Sourcing IngredientsIf you are looking to purchase or find ready-to-eat versions of these indigenous ingredients locally in Manipur or online:
Local Markets: Traditional ingredients are readily available at local markets such as Ima Keithel, Kwa Keithel, Lamlong Keithel in Imphal and many other markets.
Online Platforms: Dried or ready-to-cook packages of both ingredients can be ordered via platforms like Meikappi Enterprise or MTSHOP.
See this YouTube video YONGCHAK HAWAIJAR NAP NAP LAONA NGAUBA, which showcases a vibrant Manipuri dish prepared with plenty of locally sourced ingredients and herbs, featuring the rich flavor of dried hawaijar, and this video Yelang, hawaijar , yongchak mayan2 thongba with wet hawaijar.
A highlight of this preparation is the use of an unusual herb called Yelang (Polygonum barbatum), a straggling knotweed rarely found in everyday cooking. Its seeds, leaves, and shoots are traditionally valued in local medicine for aiding in ulcers and stomach disorders.
The combination of yongchak (tree beans), hawaijar (fermented soybeans), and yelang creates a dish that is not only deeply flavorful but also steeped in cultural and medicinal significance.

Yongchak Hawaijar Thongba

Preparation Time
15 minutes

Cook Time
30 minutes

Total Time
45 minutes

Servings
4 servings

Ingredients
18 ingredients

Directions
6 steps

Ingredients

Primary

	200 gm - Yongchak (Stink Beans) Peeled and sliced or halved
	4-5 tablespoon - Hawaijar traditional fermented soybeans
	1, sliced - Onion
	1, chopped - Garlic
	1 thumb size, crushed - Ginger
	1 teaspoon - Turmeric powder
	1/2 teaspoon - Cumin powder
	1/2 teaspoon - Coriander powder
	1/2 teaspoon - Chili flakes
	2 tablespoon - Cooking oil
	To taste - Salt
	7-8 - Green chilli
	1/2 handful, chopped - Yelang (Knotweed)
	1/2 cup, chopped - Maroi nakuppi (chives)
	3-4 - Smoked fish
	3-4 - Ngari Traditional fermented fish
	2-3, sliced - Tomatoes
	1/2 cup - Green peas

Directions

1 Prepare the Beans
Clean and peel the yongchak. Cut them into halves or bite-sized pieces.
2 Sauté Aromatics
Heat mustard oil in a pot. Add the chopped onions, ginger, green chilli, and garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
3 Add Spices & Hawaijar
Add the turmeric, cumin, and coriander powders along with the hawaijar. Stir-fry on low heat to release the flavors of the fermented beans
4 Cook the Yongchak
Add the yongchak pieces to the pot. Add a little water, cover, and let it simmer until the beans are tender but still retain a slight crunch.
5 Thicken the Curry
Add diced tomatoes, green peas, and your choice of protein (smoked fish) if desired. Adjust the water to reach your preferred curry or stew consistency
6 Finish
Season with salt, sprinkle chili flakes for heat, and garnish with local herbs. Serve piping hot with steamed rice.

Watch Video

Yongchak Hawaijar Thongba

Did you try this recipe? Then please do snap a picture and share it in Instagram with #lukthel.

If you liked this recipe, please do say few words in the below comment box and rate it.

Login to add reviews

Use a local account? Log In

Powered by Curator.io

Follow On Instagram