Kinema

Kinema is an indigenous fermented soybean food prepared mostly by the Kirati people of the Eastern Himalayan regions, what is now Eastern Nepal and Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Sikkim regions of India. The word 'kinema' is believed to be derived from the tribal Limbu language 'kinambaa', where 'ki' means fermented and 'nambaa' means flavour. It is a traditional food of the Kirati people.

The slimy, odorous product of fermentation is traditionally prepared into a soup that is consumed with rice, but can also be turned into a savoury dip or a pungent side dish to be consumed along with rice or bread. Kinema is traditionally prepared at home, but now it is sold in local markets and even retailed online as a dried product. Kinema is considered a healthy food because fermentation breaks down complex proteins into easily digestible amino acids. It is very similar to Japanese nattō and akhuni of Northeast India.