Quintessential Food Of Meghalaya That Cannot Be Missed
The enchanting land of Meghalaya is also known as the “abode of clouds.” This mesmerizing state in northeastern India is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, pleasant weather, and captivating streets. However, Meghalaya has more to offer than just its natural beauty. It is a treasure trove of culinary delights that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. As you explore the picturesque hills and immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere, make sure to embark on a culinary journey and savor the traditional dishes that define the authentic cuisine of Meghalaya. From delectable meat-based delicacies to mouthwatering vegetarian delights, Meghalaya’s cuisine reflects its rich cultural heritage and the diverse traditions of its indigenous communities. Join us with our Meghalaya Packages as we embark on a trip to this magical state, discovering the must-try famous foods of Meghalaya and exploring the natural gems of this state that will truly capture the essence of this remarkable destination. Get ready to indulge in a feast of flavors that will leave an everlasting impression on your palate. And as the word food teases your taste buds, here’s a list of 10 traditional dishes of Meghalaya that every traveler must try to experience the authentic cuisine of Meghalaya.
Must Try food In Meghalaya
1. Nakham Bitchi Food Of Meghalaya
Getting the top spot in this list of famous food of Meghalaya is a delicious soup to satisfy your foodie soul. Best suited for consuming after a spicy meal, Nakham Bitchi is made of dry fish with vegetables. This dish is flavoured with lots of spicy chilies and pepper to enhance its taste and add tanginess to it. Post boiling, the vegetables are added to the soup with fish. 100% nutritious and healthy making it a staple food of Meghalaya.
2. Dohkhlieh Dish Of Meghalaya
If you’re a pork fan, then this is one of the famous foods of Meghalaya you must try. Sharply sliced pieces of pork, onion, mint, and some spices to taste, Dohkhlieh is one dish that’s super rich in protein and is filled with all the nutrition one can get. The taste is tangy and you can buy yourself a good Dohkhlieh salad from almost all food places in mesmerizing Meghalaya. This traditional food of Meghalaya is as traditional as it can get!
3. Jadoh Meghalaya Dish
Regarded as the most famous food of Meghalaya, Jadoh is appetising, nutritionally rich and unique in its colour. Another pork dish on the list, Jadoh, consists of rice. The recipe involves cooking rice with chicken, fish or pork and for some extra taste, green chilies, onions, ginger, turmeric, bay leaves and black pepper. All of this is fried and cooked. Sounds tasty, right? Well then you must try this dish on your next trip to Meghalaya. The cuisine of Meghalaya just keeps getting interesting, doesn’t it?
4. Pumaloi Food
Rice is one of the most popular food ingredients of Meghalaya. No wonder, the people of Meghalaya consume rice in a number of ways and Pumaloi is one of the most favorite ones. Moving further, Pumaloi means rice in the form of powder. This powder is put to steam and cooked inside a unique pot called Khiew Ranei. While cooking this dish, the heat is on a medium level with the right amount of water. All of this goes into bringing up the bright taste powdery taste of Pumaloi. And makes it worth each buck when you’re tasting the traditional food of Meghalaya!
Also Read: Best Things to Do in Meghalaya
5. Minil Songa Food Of Meghalaya
One of the most popular Garo dishes of Meghalaya, Minil Songa is a sticky form of rice. Basically, the dish comprises sticky rice with a rich nutty flavour along with a delicate texture. Speaking of how it becomes so sticky, the starch does the job. To prepare a serving of Minil Songa, you’ll have to boil the rice in fresh bamboo and eat it as a snack. Apart from the brilliant taste, it also helps in constipation and improving digestion, making this food of Meghalaya an interesting cure too.
6. Sakin Gata Meghalaya Dish
Vegetarian food? Yes! Rice cakes? Yes! Sakin Gata is another rice dish on this list. Made by soaking sticky rice in water overnight and then adding sugar to the amalgamate, this dish has alternate layers of rice. Apart from this, Sakin Gata consists of roasted sesame seeds arranged in banana leaves, which are placed in a unique cooking pot and then steamed. The best way to serve is hot out of the pot as a wholesome homemade delish which is must try famous foods of Meghalaya.
Also Read: 10 Best Places To Visit In Meghalaya
7. Kyat- Authentic Meghalayan Drink
A unique addition in this Meghalaya food list and a true symbol of Meghalayan hospitality, Kyat is one heaven of a party drink. Made naturally using rice, Kyat is a fermented rice beer with an ultra-unique flavour. For preparation, the ingredients are put to boil in water. After that, the drink gets ready and can be garnished with local ingredients and served. Shillong is one of the best places for enjoying Kyat. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get it anywhere else on your next Meghalaya road trip. Each and every bar that you see in Meghalaya can serve you this beauty of a drink. Clearly, the drink’s fame and goodness is unmatched. No wonder, no household in Meghalaya will let you leave without having a glass of Kyat. Sweet, right?
8. Pukhlein Dish Of Meghalaya
The list of famous Meghalaya dishes is incomplete without Pukhlein. More powdered rice for the seekers of heavenly food in Meghalaya. Pukhlein as mentioned above is made with rice powder. But different from the others here, this dish is sweet for a change. And guess the sweetner? Natural jaggery! Brilliant, right? The dish is prepared by frying the jaggery and rice mixture in a pan forming a deep and thick paste. The ingredients in the pan turn golden brown and crispy. That’s the rice speaking of its sweet taste. To make the most out of this dish, you can serve it with a wide variety of meat items. It’s so simple and so delicious, missing out on it whilein Meghalaya will be a really bad idea.
9. Pudoh Food Of Meghalaya
This is a dish that is pretty much like the Pumaloi. Another one made of powdered rice (Yes! They love rice), Pudoh has pork pieces in it. A mix of rice dust and pork pieces goes up for a steam. This infuses the pork’s flavour to the rice. Apart from this, a rich curry sauce is prepared for adding up to the flavor. The final end result is a meal which you can serve on special occasions like weddings and carnivals, making it a must-try amongst the famous foods of Meghalaya.
Also Read: Waterfalls In Meghalaya
10. Doh-Neiiong Dish Of Meghalaya
Another one on the list is this lilting, yummy mix of pork and curry. The dish is such heaven on earth, that it’ll definitely leave you licking your fingers. With pork and a rich thick gravy adding generous flavours along with the green chillies, pepper, red onions, black sesame and local spices, Doh-neiiong is something you can’t find anywhere else. And then, if you love pork, what else can you ask for? A thick juicy gravy with pork pieces cut fine, literally mouth watering. Totally something that you can’t miss out when exploring the cuisine of Meghalaya.
11. Kwai
Kwai is a traditional and must-try food in Meghalaya. It is a combination of sliced and roasted betel nuts, often served with betel leaves, tobacco, and lime. Just like “Paan”, every Meghalayan meal ends with this. Kwai holds great cultural significance and is deeply rooted in Meghalayan traditions. Beyond its culinary appeal, Kwai serves as a symbol of hospitality and friendship, as it is customarily offered to guests as a gesture of welcome. This local delicacy not only provides a unique taste and texture but also allows travelers to engage with the rich cultural practices and warm hospitality of the Meghalayan people, making it an essential experience when exploring the vibrant cuisine of Meghalaya.
While for some food is a means of survival, there’s a bunch of people who travel states and even nations for food. Not that, you particularly have to be in that creed to try, love and appreciate new food items though. Keeping the same in mind, we came up with this ‘finger licking good’ list of 10 local food dishes of Meghalaya food every traveler must try.
Frequently Asked Questions About Food Of Meghalaya
1. What are the traditional foods of Meghalaya?
The traditional famous foods of Meghalaya reflect the diverse culinary heritage of the indigenous communities residing in the northeastern state of India. Some popular traditional dishes include Jadoh, a flavorful rice dish cooked with pork, chicken, or fish and seasoned with local spices and herbs. Dohkhlieh, a traditional salad made with pork, onions, ginger, and local herbs, is enjoyed as a side dish or with rice. Tungrymbai, a fermented soybean dish cooked with pork, black sesame seeds, and herbs, offers a unique flavor. Pumaloi, a rice-based dish with vegetables, fish, and local spices, is a favorite among the Garo community. Nakham Bitchi, a spicy chutney made with fermented fish, onions, and chilies, adds a zing to meals. These traditional foods showcase the region’s use of local ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, offering a delightful culinary experience.
2. What is a must-try local delicacy in Meghalaya?
One must-try local delicacy in Meghalaya, for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians, is “Jadoh.” This traditional dish is a delectable combination of rice and meat, typically pork or chicken. For non-vegetarians, Jadoh is prepared by cooking the meat with aromatic spices and herbs, and then mixing it with rice, resulting in a flavorful and hearty meal. Vegetarians can savor the vegetarian version of Jadoh, where the meat is substituted with seasonal vegetables or soy nuggets. This dish showcases the culinary prowess of Meghalaya, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether enjoyed by meat lovers or vegetarians, Jadoh is a must-try local delicacy that will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.
3. Are there any vegetarian dishes in the cuisine of Meghalaya?
The cuisine of Meghalaya offers a diverse array of vegetarian dishes that celebrate the region’s rich culinary heritage. Among the popular vegetarian options, Jhur Sdieh stands out as a simple yet flavorful dish made with black sesame seeds, roasted rice powder, and local herbs. It adds a unique taste and texture to meals. Tungrymbai, on the other hand, is a fermented soybean dish cooked with herbs and spices, providing a tangy and savory experience. For a fulfilling meal, Pumaloi is a fragrant rice dish cooked with mixed vegetables and seasoned with local spices. In the vegetarian version of Jadoh, the traditional meat is replaced with seasonal vegetables or soy nuggets, resulting in a delicious combination of flavors. Lastly, Nakham Bitchi, typically a non-vegetarian dish made with fermented fish, can be enjoyed in a vegetarian version using fermented bamboo shoots or herbs, offering a tangy and fiery accompaniment. These vegetarian dishes showcase the creativity and diversity of Meghalaya’s cuisine while incorporating local ingredients to create delightful and satisfying meals for vegetarians.
4. Can you recommend any local snacks from Meghalaya?
Meghalaya offers a diverse range of local snacks that cater to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian preferences, showcasing the region’s culinary richness. Here are some delicious recommendations:
For vegetarian snacks, one must try the traditional Jadoh Snack. It features small rice and vegetable balls seasoned with local spices and deep-fried to a crispy golden perfection. Another popular vegetarian snack is Kwai, made from sliced and roasted betel nuts mixed with dried fruits, spices, and honey, creating a flavorful and crunchy treat. Pukhlein, deep-fried rice flour pancakes sweetened with jaggery or sugar and often flavored with cardamom or coconut, are also a delightful vegetarian snack option.
For non-vegetarian snacks, the must-try delicacy is Dohneiiong Cutlet. It showcases the unique flavors of Meghalaya by combining minced pork or chicken with Dohnei (black sesame seeds) and local spices, formed into patties and fried until crispy. Another popular non-vegetarian snack is Jadoh Boda, which features rice balls stuffed with a spicy mixture of minced meat and local spices, before being steamed or deep-fried and is a popular street food of Meghalaya.
