KHAR
The Soul of Assamese Cuisine
An ancient alkaline liquid born from sun-dried banana peel ash - earthy, mineral, and utterly unlike anything else. Khar has shaped Assamese cooking for centuries and remains irreplaceable to this day.
✦The Origin Story✦
Khar originated in the traditional kitchens of North East India as a natural solution during times when salt was scarce and difficult to access in Assam. Communities discovered that filtering water through the ash of sun-dried bhim banana peels and other plants created a unique alkaline extract that could enhance flavour and preserve balance in food.
What began as a necessity soon became a culinary tradition. Rooted in sustainability and ancestral wisdom, Khar reflects a way of life where every part of the banana plant was valued and nothing went to waste. Today, it remains a symbol of heritage, resilience, and the authentic essence of Assamese cuisine.
Born in Assam when salt was scarce, communities filtered water through banana peel ash to create a unique alkaline extract that enhanced flavour naturally.
What started as necessity became tradition — rooted in zero-waste wisdom, Khar remains the authentic soul of Assamese cuisine.
In Assam
MEALS BEGIN WITH KHAR
No Assamese feast is complete without a dish cooked in Khar - it is the first course, the foundation, the soul.
What Makes It Special
The Properties of Khar
100% Natural
Derived entirely from banana peel ash and water - no chemicals, no additives. Pure as it has always been.
Alkaline pH
Naturally alkaline liquid that balances acidic foods and aids digestion. Used as a natural antacid in traditional Assamese medicine.
Detoxifying
Known in Ayurvedic tradition for its cleansing properties. Stimulates digestive enzymes and supports liver function.
GI-Protected Heritage
Kolakhar is a Geographical Indication-tagged product, protecting its unique Assamese origin and production process.
The Craft
From Agri Waste to Your Kitchen
Step 1
Sun Drying
Bhim banana peel, stem and corms are laid under direct Assamese sunlight for days until fully dehydrated and crisped.
Step 2
Burning to Ash
The dried peels are carefully burned to produce a grey-white ash rich in potassium carbonate and minerals.
Step 3
Filtering
Water is filtered slowly through the ash in layered cloth, extracting the alkaline liquid raw khar.
Step 4
Bottling
The filtered khar is tested for quality and pH, then sealed to preserve its natural properties.
Why Khar?
Flavour & Wellness Together
Enhances Flavour
Adds a subtle savoury depth to meats, lentils, and vegetables that no other ingredient can replicate.
Aids Digestion
Naturally alkaline properties neutralize excess stomach acid and promote better gut health.
Rich in Minerals
A natural source of potassium and other trace minerals from banana peel ash.
Represents Cultural Heritage
Every bottle carries centuries of Assamese culinary tradition and identity.
100+
Years of recorded use in Assamese households
+9.5
Alkaline pH level
0
Artificial additives
Cook With Khar
Khar with Fish
Assamese Panilau Maasor Khar is made with fried rohu fish, bottle gourd, garlic, green chilies, and kola khar, simmered together and served with rice.
Khar with Black Lentils
Mati Dalir Khar is made with black gram, kola khar, garlic, and green chilies, slowly cooked into a rich traditional Assamese dish served with hot rice.
Khar with Meat
A festive favourite in many Assamese communities. Khar acts as a natural tenderiser for tougher cuts of pork, mutton making them melt-in-the-mouth.
Papaya Khar
Papaya Khar is a traditional Assamese dish made with raw papaya, kola khar, garlic, and green chilies, slowly cooked for a light and earthy flavour.
Naarzi
Tender jute leaves slowly cooked with Khar, creating a distinctive alkaline flavour and silky texture. A Bodo delicacy, traditionally served with steamed rice and often paired with pork or fish.
Ongla
Ongla is a traditional Bodo dish made with rice powder, alkaline water, vegetables, dry fish or meat, slowly cooked into a rich, smoky, and comforting curry.
Order Today
Bring Assam to Your Table
Sourced directly from small-scale producers in Assam and carefully bottled to preserve the authentic taste of tradition. Free shipping across India on orders above ₹499.