Red ant chutney

Red ant chutney
Chhapra Chutney made from Red Ant, a food of Baster region of Chhattisgarh at Aadi Mahotsav
Alternative namesKai Chutney, Chapura Chutney, Chhapra Chutney, Hao Rit
TypeChutney
CourseCondiment
Place of originIndia
Region or stateEastern and Northeastern India
Associated cuisineTribal cuisine, Jharkhandi cuisine, Chhattisgarhi cuisine, Cuisine of Odisha, Cuisine of West Bengal
Main ingredientsRed weaver ants (Oecophylla smaragdina) and their eggs
Ingredients generally usedSalt, ginger, garlic, and chilies

Red ant chutney, also called Kai Chutney, Hao Rit, Chapura, Chapda Chutney or Chhapra Chutney, is a traditional condiment from tribal communities in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal, India. It is made from red weaver ants (Oecophylla smaragdina) and their eggs, providing a distinct taste along with reported nutritional and medicinal qualities. On January 2, 2024, it was awarded a geographical indication (GI) tag, recognizing its distinct regional origin.