Unseen TRIBAL FOOD in India! Cooking & Eating with Isolated MOUNTAIN TRIBE | Pandikuzhi, India

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On my fifth day in Kerala, India, I did something really special that I will never forget. I had the rare opportunity to head into the mountains in Thekkady, meet a local tribe that lives in the mountain forests there, and cook and eat an amazing tribal meal with them! Come along with me as I cook and eat authentic tribal food with an isolated mountain tribe in Pandikuzhi, India!
My afternoon started in the mountains of Thekkady, Kerala, India, overlooking the plains of the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu. I couldn’t wait to cook and eat with the Mannan tribe! I had never done anything like this before!
We had to climb up to the tribe through a rugged and rocky environment. We met up with them. They already had a fire going and lots of pots and pans ready. They started by peeling shallots. They also had chilies, tomatoes, big onions, and fish from Thekkady Lake ready to be cooked, as well as chicken and two tapioca preparations.
They were also cooking some spinach. I watched as they washed, spiced and prepared the fish, chicken, and vegetables. They cooked the fish right on the burning fire in the ground. I learned that the tribespeople were speaking a dialect that is a mix of Malayalam, Kannada, and Tamil.
Then, they added a mix of tomato, ginger, garlic, jeera, and pepper to a pot of water over a fire. They took the fish off the fire and began peeling the tapioca. While we watched, I tried some of the fish. It contained some spines, so I had to be careful. The turmeric and salt, mixed with the charcoal flavor, were amazing! It was crispy and really nice!
The tribespeople we were with were a family. They were a mother, daughter, aunt, and brother. I helped cut open a package of ragi and watched as they washed the cassava. Meanwhile, the tomato, ginger, garlic, jeera, and pepper mix was forming a gravy. They added ragi and curry leaves to it. Then, they put a halved, unpeeled raw tapioca directly into the fire.
The daughter was working on the chicken, which she added onions, ginger, chilies, and tomatoes to. They cut them into small pieces. This type of cooking was so unique because they used no oil. Everything they use is locally sourced from the forest.
Meanwhile, they took the tapioca off the fire and scraped off the burned parts and added the ragi to a pot of boiling water. The daughter stirred for a bit and then I tried it. The ragi was served on large bay leaves along with the spinach, cassava, chicken, and fish, and finally, some of the chicken curry. It looked phenomenal and so healthy.
I went for the ragi with the curry first, which was almost like a thick potato mash. The chicken was super hot but not too spicy. Then, I went for some of the spinach, which was super fresh and mixed with onions. Then, I mixed the spinach, ragi, and curry. I loved it. It had a ton of flavor even though they didn’t use many spices.
The ragi was really filling. Then, I dug into the tapioca. It was really earthy. Then, I tried the fish, which was full of barbecue taste. Everything was light except the ragi. I loved the spinach and that the ragi sticks to your fingers!
Once you’re done, you clean your hands with water. At the same time, you rinse your plate.
You have to have this tribal food experience with a mountain tribe when you come to Thekkady, India. It takes two hours and is one of the most authentic experiences you’ll have in this part of the world.
I hope you liked coming with me to cook and eat authentic tribal food with the Mannan tribe in Kerala, India!
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About Me:
My name is David Hoffmann. For the last 12 years, I have been traveling around the world in search of unique culture, food, and history! Since starting David’s Been Here in 2008, I have traveled to over 1,100 destinations in 77 countries, which I welcome you to check out on my KZbin channel, travel blog, and social media sites.
I focus a great deal on food and historical sites, as you probably have seen! I love to experience the different flavors that each destination has to offer, from casual street food to gourmet restaurant dining. I’m also passionate about learning about the local history and culture.
P.S. Thank you for watching my videos and subscribing!

[@Davidsbeenhere]

Thank you for watching my Tribal Food in India video! If you're new to my channel please SUBSCRIBE bit.ly/DBH-SUB for new travel content every week! Follow me on Instagram instagram.com/davidsbeenhere/

[@MayurRKale]

Davidsbeenhere so you have reached India again to show your immense love for Indian food. Well welcome to India and enjoy unlimited Indian tasty food 😂

[@allesgut7071]

Hi David, Good to see that you’re exploring all of India and experiencing different cultures and cuisines. Please visit Andhra Pradesh when you’re in India next time. Your videos are relaxing and refreshing to watch during this quarantine period!

[@adpatil9100]

Village food factor =) KZbin

[@krishnakumarlaw]

Hi David, Tapioca and cassava are same. In Kerala people call cassava as Tapioca

[@nijam121]

When recorded????

[@VolpeWhereAreYou]

Awesome experience dude, that tapioca is looking straight 🔥🔥🔥

[@nithinnayak7696]

Hi Volpe I am your subscriber😍

[@STTEFFEN]

Hey volpe where r u?????

[@Davidsbeenhere]

So fire bro! You have to do this next time :)

[@anoopkl4u]

Kiruthi Kumar so he’s supposed to do lie and say it’s good even though he doesn’t like it

[@anoopkl4u]

Kiruthi Kumar he must say what he likes One must have the freedom to express his view He felt it’s disgusting thus he said it so that’s called honesty No need to be political correctness and lie

[@ganeshprabhu3131]

WE SHOULD LEARN FROM THESE TRIBALS. FROM THE BEGINNING TILL THE END THEY HAD SMILE ON THEIR FACES. WHAT A GESTURE!

[@RockstarEater]

Me =)

[@tomyhh]

Wow NOW THIS IS AN EXPERIENCE! Only in India!

[@mallutraveler-bb4ld]

Yaua

[@AjeetDhale]

Hello sir how are you? Are you enjoying your lamb chops in Moksha hotel in Florida? You and your son are my new fav flood vlogger.

[@AjeetDhale]

@Rene Eren thanks for the enlightenment 🙏

[@ATrainTravels]

This is on a whole different level experience! Great video man :)

[@Davidsbeenhere]

thanks dude! Yea this was the one i was the most excited about :)

[@sahasransusbarik]

In Odisha at our home we prepare and eat the same food. Its very very healthy. Love all my Kerala brothers and sisters from Odisha, India🇮🇳

[@devildoll4734]

Love from Kerala ❤️

[@bharatarmy7073]

I am indian but still couldn't experience real india like you do, watching your videos is always a great experience. Thanks man🙏❤️🇮🇳

[@abhishekvishwakarma_yt]

Best part of the video is to see how they're trying their best to make him feel like family..

[@SatnamSingh-bd9ns]

David has so much respect for other cultures. It's awesome 👏🙏

[@Davidsbeenhere]

Satnam Singh always!

[@sudeshnapodder5876]

One of the best video after Meghalaya. I love to see serene, organic things. Very peaceful, simple, no chaos, no mess.

[@ashishkrupakar5365]

Wow. Most Indians wouldn't have had this kind of an experience!

[@RockstarEater]

I love kerala food! Went to an awesome kerala restaurant and it was life changing 🙂

[@vyshnav1745]

,m♥️

[@Helen.M878]

I really like the style of cooking . That's how we always clean chicken in Surinam with vingar ❤🇸🇷

[@RockstarEater]

=)

[@arianne1bee]

David, you really put yourself out there and make sure that you have true and authentic experiences with the real and true locals of the places that you visit. I love watching that authenticity through your videos. They are authentic and true! As always, thank you for sharing such rich culture with those of us who would have otherwise had hesitations in visiting such non-western and less-pampered locations. I appreciate you and I appreciate the content that you share with the world. Keep up the good work! Blessings from our family to yours.

[@Davidsbeenhere]

Itsjust Arianne thank you so much my friend! I create all these videos for viewers like you who are open to new and different types of experiences. I don’t care to get pampered 🥂

[@gurdeepsingh6052]

no big cars, no bug house, no big bank balance but still a precious smile on face.

[@TheJohnskinner]

I’m watching this sitting in my bedroom in London and it felt like I was right there with them on them there hills. Wish I was but it’s the next best thing, Great video, thanks for sharing

[@ajaythomas4734]

To the best of my knowledge, Tapioca and Cassava are one and the same thing. What is called Cassava in Africa is called Tapioca in Kerala.

[@sneakpeek2795]

Poola. Kappa, kolli and maracheeni

[@kandasaravanan1441]

கெலங்கு....kelangu

[@kandasaravanan1441]

@@sneakpeek2795 in Tamil it is called கப்பகெலங்கு...kappa kelangu

[@ak9911331918]

Seems like there is no other country that is more welcoming, warm. And embracing than India. Love the simplicity and the peace

[@salempasangasp]

Hi david , from tamilnadu the dish u ate is called *kali* made from ragi a grain , it is also made from other grains too , that and the tubers make up the staple for people who live in the kurinji region ( mountain and mountain based land ) in olden Times when tamilnadu and kerala were one people divided the landscapes into 5 types , kurinji , mullai , marudham , neithal, paalai - ( mountain , Forest, agriculture , sea and desert based lands respectively ) each had their own distinct cuisine and culture , and this is apart fron the various kingdoms and their cuisines , there are about 20 cuisines just in tamilnadu alone

[@ocitraveller1332]

Gr8 info .....

[@RockstarEater]

This restaurant claims to be a kerala cuisine restaurant. Does it look authentic? kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGPVmWmkjt6khdU

[@muneebahmed9046]

Ancient Tamizhakam 🖤

[@annakale]

@@RockstarEater luks authentic 2 me..

[@RockstarEater]

@@annakale Cool man. Thanka for the feedback. Sub to my page if you like to follow on more food videos this year!

[@prrithykailasaraajan9634]

Too good David.... Waiting for more such wonderful videos.....❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@nikhileshchandel114]

David you’re outdoing yourself with these epic videos.. It’s incredible to see you grow like this 💓

[@2raroh]

mate the kind of material you produce, you should be given permanent seat in the Indian tourism board and how to up skill and add to the Indian tourism.Maybe a stint with Discovery Channel as well. Great videos mate!!!

[@Davidsbeenhere]

Rohit Anand thanks my friend! Always try to produce my best with no cameraman, just me.

[@mekalakuppusamy8774]

That's really awesome

[@chemistrymadeeasy3468]

Ragi is basically finger millet, very healthy and nutritious 😊😊

[@parthasarathimukherjee2409]

David Brother hope you and your Family is safe and doing well. Your videos are always fantastic. India loves you. 😘😘

[@sanatanikannadiga]

Ragi is the authentic food of Karnataka. If you visit any villages in rural Karnataka they will teach you how to eat Ragi Mudde(ball).

[@prakashg2962]

You are absolutely right...👍

[@irongrom0903]

David's become my new favorite for real. The dude is authentic, candid and super respectful. Not like all the 'sanitized' or 'shock value' crud on the Travel channel. We need more folks like him and Mark Wiens in this world. Food really does bring people together. Great job brother!

[@keerthanamahesh1614]

they made a proper ragi mudde . which we make in south Karnataka in every day

[@mesmerandi]

The way that old lady in the plaid top smiles is so pure and cute.

[@DilipPatel-ke4nv]

This is actually one of the best food you can have.

[@Davidsbeenhere]

Dilip Patel I agree!

[@SatnamSingh-bd9ns]

Have been waiting for weeks for this.

[@goretti-canterburg-rainfor9813]

David have a nice day 😊 That is healthy and delicious food and prepared hygienically. The food is very well prepared 😋❤️ Greetings from Suriname 🇸🇷

[@prof.hijibiji9649]

Kerala is doing best in fighting against corona...

[@nikhilshah9044]

Great going David bhai, you are doing a good job & really appreciate for showing all the varieties of food from all over india, respect for you. GBU & Keep going.

[@rotrooney]

Ragi muddhe is a very acquired taste. I did not like it at all as a kid, but love it now. Great video. Thanks

[@sandeepguggilla8400]

Hey David!! Keep rocking and digging indian roots 🌱

[@dhunduptsering1823]

David been everywhere😄,food luks awesome bro,keep going 🤗

[@arunstalin5965]

I always wanted someone to see you guys taste this kali and kari kulambu (i.e)ragi and curry gravy.its super good.first vlogger to go to the interiors of india.good on you mate

[@naliniseecharan284]

David....you are so true to yourself...I admire your simplicity an the way you adapt to other persons culture...that food looks so delicious...❤👍....from Guyana.

[@yasmeenkhan6656]

Loved the content 😊

[@RockstarEater]

David'sbeenhere got it going on. Ever seen mine? =)

[@prasadnalluri]

You know David, raagi mudda(raagi) which you ate, is a millet grain. Raagi is dammn good for health and muscle growth it 8s very high in protein and fiber . It increases body stamina for body and muscle. Tribal food is very tasty with original flavours and really healthy.

[@arundhatisurepally6250]

great hospitality ,awesome food.

[@vicwallabie4133]

Cooking with the best, eating with the legends. Badasss mate

[@animishkhatawkar]

Wow, I am hungry...... That looks too good.......... That treat is next level....... Speacial Thanks to my tribel people from Kerala.

[@joycejam9198]

Cassava is US English and Tapioca is British English.

[@ashuappi136]

Mudde in India Karnataka

[@BrianGonsalves]

Kappa in Malayalam.

[@jagdishpattnaik8083]

Never tasted but I must say no 5star hotel or restaurant can match this... This is original food...😍🇮🇳

[@gauthamkunder]

Amazing david ❤️ please do come visit india again !!! Go to uttarakand . You will love it!!! Thanks for promoting our tribal food!! Lots of love from india

[@dahunk1597]

Wow everything looks amazing love your videos always stay safe brother

[@RockstarEater]

I know, right? Ever seen this kerala feature? kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGPVmWmkjt6khdU

[@lidhinr2178]

Great video

[@PriyasFatafatAdukkala]

Super cool👍hats off to u man👍keep going

[@RachithSurya]

Finally you tasted ragi ball.... that's awesome David 😍😍😍😍

[@sreekanthcp5010]

ചുടക്കുന്നതിനെന്താ പറയ.... ചേച്ചി പൊളിച്ചു....

[@arunpatteri3752]

നമ്മട നാട്ടിൽ ഇങ്ങനത്തൊരു ഭക്ഷണം ഞാൻ ഇതു വരെ കണ്ടിട്ടില്ല

[@safeandlowtravel76]

WONDERFUL VIDEO

[@r.cmahabali8421]

Wow, we should cook like that. No oli. Super healthy, nice video

[@dayanandparapurath4590]

David you are awesome. You just assimilated into the group. It was nice to see you enjoying the tribal food. Ragi Mudde is a staple food in Karnataka. It has to be swallowed along with the curry. It is a very healthy food. It was really so nice to see how comfortable the lady was with you. Awesome video. Looking forward for more videos. Enjoy your stay in India. Stay safe.

[@vishnureddy34]

this memories you will cherish forever

[@s.d7081]

I loved them so much.Really humble and kind person😀

[@thebrewcraftbeerreviews6686]

the best tribal video!

[@nraymond67]

Awesome my bro. Glad you like the food.

[@albaba5390]

AMAZING VIDEO ! Those tribal folks migrated to Southern India well over 50,000 years ago ! That's right ! Very first wave of migration to India ! Their cousins can be found in Australia as well !!

[@LachuzWorld]

My India

[@divyasivaram1842]

Dayum! you do love India a lot ♥️

[@RockstarEater]

Me too! I have the best Indian kerala food in LA video on my channel.

[@Davidsbeenhere]

🙏

[@letstravel4841]

The dishes look amazing 🤞

[@RockstarEater]

How does this kerala restaurant look? kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGPVmWmkjt6khdU

[@margeretfenelon3940]

David you look so enjoying the food.👍👍👍

[@kishore198812]

Forest Tribal weather Tribal foods Awesome experience

[@monaroja8317]

Look so yummy and healthy food.i never saw and eat this type food.mr.david ur lucky to have it.

[@manubharadwaj6412]

Ragi is a staple food in karnataka from ages..we make sweets, rotis, dosas and what david just had what we calls ragi mudde in kannada...those ragi balls need to be swallowed and not chewed..else u cant eat it coz its too much like a thick sticky paste..and nothing happens when u swallow it..it is very good for your metabolism and health for sure..but its pleasant to see you enjoying..

[@GTR-93]

RAAGI MUDDE (RAAGI BALLS) EXTREMLY GOOD FOR HEALTH

[@CartoonistVikrant]

This makes me remember grandpa's kitchen.❤️ Unfortunately he is no more.

[@hemanth1815]

Yes Rip grandpaa famous dilouge of grandpaa Mixwell ❤

[@thomsonthadathil8484]

Thank you Mr David Hoffman

[@rohan5269]

David bro nice video

[@ajitpanda6835]

H David realy nice video

[@anurodhpatil4776]

You lived a great indian life brother....love you❤️

[@lilytopno9910]

Wao. ...nice food & nice video. ..

[@saraswatithapa2805]

Great vdo

[@sonuv5369]

You are amazing David Not even Indians have explore like you are

[@rahilasoy3047]

Wow awesome food !!!!

[@Badwolff.]

ragi java + pure ghee + sugar is super it is an one of the indian food

[@jackkrishna6696]

Luv it, food, hospitality and people.

[@jagadishSanathana]

Ragi is fev food in Karnataka.. We called it as 'Ragimudde' daily using with different curry..

[@assamsanglajamir9337]

Love the cooking 😋 process,.look really yummy yummy y

[@smkhard6719]

This is unique dude

[@j.jthompson7639]

Very natural food, cannot be fresher than this!

[@RockstarEater]

Sounds like my type of vlog food! :)

[@foodtravelculturewithsubin9222]

I love you Dave!

[@yashok6096]

Wow..amazing food items

[@Trident47]

You are brand india,thanks allot.

[@pspsdan]

Kerala is also the hub of spice production including pepper. Since ancient times pepper is being exported to all over the world. Romans used pepper imported from Kerala. and that tradition probably going on in modern Italian food..

[@subilashennayil1703]

Bro the background music amazing I like

[@animeshhazra7697]

I never seen anywhere ever like any tv...incredible food ..we want more jungle food..plz more upld..from kolkata India

[@TheJsa12]

I love it😋

[@dineshkumarnarwade9505]

These tribal can speak and understand english better than most of the Indians.. This is kerala my bro

[@kynmoowar4548]

You are a legend brother, thankyou for your exploring indian food,🕺🕺🕺

[@RockstarEater]

Kerala food is so bomb! I went to a place in LA, and it was eye opening.

[@Sinistersonny]

The best vlog from kerala !

[@RockstarEater]

Ever seen this kerala place: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGPVmWmkjt6khdU

[@Davidsbeenhere]

Thank you!

[@iamggqap]

I like u because u r so down to earth

[@sotonyechukwu7786]

Looks exactly like African food especially the ingredients. The ragi looks like African fufu, we also rap in leaves, often banana leaf. Feeling hungry, I love Indian food but never eaten this type of Indian food. It looks so familiar!

[@rengarun]

Healthiest food in the world ... Am drooling

[@justpostanything9532]

Litterally no oil . That's wow😍😍.

[@khaleel4401]

Great

[@prasadnalluri]

Heloooo world, just watch this video to know that we Indians are well educated and civilized. Even the isolated people know how to speak English. Daughter is speaking in english in 11:25

[@Davidsbeenhere]

Prasad Nalluri yes she is fluent in English. That’s why INDIA is extra special because almost no language barrier

[@bijusyedps6634]

Hello world, speaking in English is not the criteria for being educated and civilized. Thank u

[@fearless_ami4769]

@@bijusyedps6634 He/she never meant to say that only educated and civilized people can speak english. What he/she meant was that many people think that India is not so advanced and technological. Well, I can agree with that totally but the technology or whatever it is related to improvising techniques are growing here in India. No hate but English is a worldwide language. It is a decent and interesting and a wonderful language! Everyone these days should learn English. I love English. By the way, did you write your comment sarcastically? And I apologise if you've felt rude from my side.😔

[@Himalaya555]

Only in Kerala 😄, I think, not in the whole India. Besides I don't think knowing English is not the criteria for being neither educated nor civilized

[@fearless_ami4769]

@@Himalaya555 You're right :)

[@RajendraPrasad-pc8lj]

Ragi mudde(Ragi.ball) is the traditional. Food in.Kannadigas,& Karnataka.

[@harimayagurung6213]

Great recipe. We also eat ragi in Nepal, we call dhedo in Nepal. It's rich in iron n folic acid n fibres.