In the kitchen of a New Delhi apartment, Bidotama and Mardza are busy preparing a special chicken curry for their Sunday lunch service. They speak in their native Meitei language as they cook, enjoying each other’s company and laughter. Meanwhile, Akoijam Sunita is grinding black perilla seeds to make thoiding asuba – a Manipuri side dish. The three women, who used to work together in Imphal, have now joined forces to run Lomba Kitchen in Delhi after being displaced by ethnic violence in Manipur.
As they cook and prepare meals for their customers, the aroma of Manipuri food fills the apartment, providing comfort and solace to the women. The dishes they prepare reflect their cultural roots and traditions, with each meal ending with something sour, a tradition from Manipur. Despite the challenges they have faced, Bido, Mardza, and Akoi have found a rhythm in Delhi, balancing their work and personal lives.
Though they long for home and the familiar landscapes of Manipur, the women find joy in sharing their food with others and connecting with customers through Lomba Kitchen. Despite the trauma and fear they have experienced, they remain resilient and hopeful for the future. Their passion for cooking and their dedication to rebuilding their lives shine through in every meal they prepare.