The tribal people are a crucial component of Indian culture. These native tribes have a very distinct sense of who they are, with their own language, religion, festivals, cuisine, and dancing. It is difficult to estimate the number of tribes in India, although they undoubtedly span the country's whole shoreline and extend from East to West.

Although we may not know much about their culture and tradition, many for sure must be inquisitive to know about their cuisine. Here are a few popular dishes of the tribals and without a doubt, they sound and look exotic!

Dhuska
Dhuska is a popular deep-fried snack relished all over Jharkhand. It is a savoury snack made of rice flour, urad dal and chana dal. Some may even add potatoes to it. This fried food is best enjoyed with green chutney.

Chapda Chutney
Chapda Chutney is enjoyed by the people of Chattisgarh. It is made by crushing red ants and their eggs. The taste is enhanced by the addition of garlic, coriander, chillies and tomatoes along with a pinch of salt and sugar.

Thapdi Roti
Dark in colour, Thapdi Roti is made from nachni or ragi flour. Also called Madua ki Roti, it is also popular in the Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh region.

Maahni
Made from the mand, or starch of rice flour, along with some jaggery and conventional spices, this spicy curry is from the state of Himachal Pradesh. Maahni is best enjoyed with rajma and steamed basmati rice.

Teliya Maach
Fish, onion, tomato, mustard oil, spring onions, and a medley of whole and ground spices are the main ingredients in this delectable Bengali dish with a spicy flavour. Teliya Mach is best enjoyed with steamed rice.