Nagaland’s rich indigenous food heritage has received international recognition with Thyokyon, a traditional fermented crab delicacy of the Lotha Nagas, winning the Food of the Himalayas Contest during the World Food Day 2025 celebrations.
The contest was organised by the Himalayan University Consortium (HUC) in collaboration with Welt Hunger Hilfe (WHH) and the Native Foodscape Foundation, with the objective of showcasing traditional, ethnic and Indigenous foods of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region that reflect cultural wisdom, nutritional value and sustainable food practices.
The recognition was awarded to the documentary titled ‘Thyokyon’, produced by Wokha-based researchers Thungdemo Ovung, Gilbert Humtsoe and Ovungthung Jungio. The documentary presents an in-depth exploration of the dish, tracing its journey from river foraging and preparation to fermentation and its broader cultural significance among the Lotha Nagas.
Originating from the mist-covered hills of Wokha district in Nagaland, Thyokyon is a distinctive fermented preparation made from river mud crabs blended with roasted sesame paste. Deeply rooted in Lotha Naga culinary tradition, the dish reflects indigenous knowledge systems that combine foraging, fermentation and smoke preservation.
The preparation of Thyokyon begins along riverbanks, where mud crabs are traditionally caught using handmade bamboo traps baited with chicken innards. The crabs are either hand-picked from beneath rocks or lured using baited bamboo stakes placed strategically along the banks.
Typically consumed as a chutney with rice, Thyokyon is also used as a flavour enhancer for boiled vegetables, soups and smoked meats, and has recently seen modern adaptations in salads and dressings.
Beyond its culinary appeal, Thyokyon is valued for its nutritional benefits, being rich in protein, minerals and probiotics derived from fermentation. The dish stands as a living example of indigenous food preservation practices and the sustainable food wisdom and uniqueness of the Naga people.
