Watch: MasterChef Nayanjyoti's Take On Dry Fish Chutney Goes Viral, NE India’s Beloved Delicacy

“In Northeast India, fish isn’t just food; it’s a way of life. With abundant rivers and lakes, fishing has been woven into our culture, especially during the monsoons when water bodies brim with life,” states 2023 MasterChef Winner Nayanjyoti Saikia.

“Communities gather, sharing the joy of the catch, preserving fish through fermentation and drying for the colder months. These age-old practices reflect a deep bond between people and nature, and this dried fish chutney is one of many dishes that bring those flavours to life.”

MasterChef Nayanjyoti's Instagram reel on dry fish chutney goes viral

Nayanjyoti Saikia who comes from Assam ’s Tinsukia, recently posted an Instagram reel that took the internet by storm.

In the video, he details the ingredients and showcases from the start to the finish of preparing the dry fish chutney skillfully.

He captions, “Making this chutney is simple, yet its flavour is anything but. The dried fish is intensely aromatic, something many of us might shy away from in childhood.”

Saikia reflects, “But as we grow, so does our appreciation for its depth and complexity. What once seemed overpowering becomes comforting, and the chutney, with its smoky, earthy, and tangy notes, finds a place at every table.”

Here’s a complete recipe to recreate dry fish chutney:

Ingredients

• 50g Small dried fish(freshwater fish preferably)
• 3  Tree tomato (or regular one)
• 7-8 Cloves of garlic
• 5-6 Dry red chilli
• Salt to taste
• 1 Tbsp mustard oil
• ¼ King chilli (optional)
• Lemon juice (if the tomato is not sour enough)

Fans reaction

Sharing the recipe to his fans with over 5 lakh followers on Instagram, foodies showered with positive thoughts about the delicacy in the comment section.

One user said, “Lovely!!! This will make any plate of food very appetising.” another commented, “Gosh this chutney looks absolutely amazing.”

Many other food lovers also didn't hesitate to confess that the reel of dry fish chutney made them feel ‘hungry’.

MasterChef Nayanjyoti Saikia's words

Paying a power tribute to the ‘food culture’ as described by Saikia, “it tells a story of community, of preserving the harvest, and of a taste that grows with us over time, until it becomes a favourite.”

“For those familiar, it’s a taste of home; for those new, a glimpse into the rich culinary traditions of the Northeast,” Saikia concludes his statement.