Food habits in India vary from person to person and state to state. Certain states have a high number of vegetarian populations, while in many, consuming meat is not just an eating habit but an integral part of different regional beliefs. The meat-based culture in several states is influenced by geography, climate, and tradition. But do you know which Indian state has the highest rate of meat consumption?
Which Indian state has the highest number of non-vegetarians?
The majority of Nagaland's traditional cuisine is meat-based. As per a recent study, Nagaland ranks first in terms of the highest meat consumption in the country. An overwhelming 99.8% of its population identifies as non-vegetarian. The residents' eating habits are influenced by tribal traditions, lifestyle, and high dependence on dairy products.
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What's on the menu?
Rice is a staple food of Nagaland. The regular meals are incomplete without it. Meat, boiled vegetables, or fermented cheese are eaten with rice here. Pork is the most popular meat in Nagaland, often boiled, smoked, or cooked with bamboo shoots.
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The local cuisine is known for the use of a lot of spices and chillies. A major portion of the population also takes pleasure in eating spicy chutneys, fish, and smoked meat as a side dish with rice. In Naga culinary culture, little or no oil is used to cook food. It is usually boiled, roasted, steamed, or smoked.
Other states with the highest meat lovers
The famous Naga King chili is one of the hottest in the world and is used to cook food. While Nagaland tops the list in highest meat consumption, other states like West Bengal and Kerala also rely strongly on non-vegetarian food. West Bengal ranks second with 99.3% non-vegetarian population, followed by Kerala in third place with 99.1% consuming meat.
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