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Famous Food of Meghalaya
11 Famous Food of Meghalaya You Must Not Miss
In the heart of Northeast India lies Meghalaya, one of the seven sister states. It is famous for being home to the wettest place on earth ᠆ Mawsynram. Meghalaya is a beautiful land filled with lush forests, crystal-clear lakes, majestic waterfalls, adventurous trekking trails, rich biodiversity, overwhelming monsoons, and a vibrant local culture.
However, Meghalaya isn't just for nature lovers; it's also a dream destination for foodies. Strongly influenced by the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo tribes, Meghalaya food offers everything from warm vegetarian dishes to tasty non-veg meals and delicious desserts. There's something here for everyone to enjoy. Let's explore some famous food of Meghalaya you must try on your next visit to this rainy paradise.
CONTENTS:
Here’s the list of famous food of Meghaya you must try on your visit.
Famous Food of Meghalaya│Vegetarian Dishes
1. Jadoh Veg - A Vegetarian Twist on Popular Jadoh
2. Dohkhlieh - A Satiating Salad
3. Minil Songa - Unique and Exotic
Famous Food of Meghalaya│Non-Vegetarian Dishes
6. Dohneiiong - Festive Food for Khasis
Famous Food of Meghalaya│Drinks and Desserts
10. Sakin Gata - Sweet and Simple
11. Kyat - A Traditional Drink of Meghalaya
Ready to Start Your Culinary Adventure in Meghalaya?
Famous Food of Meghalaya│Vegetarian Dishes
1. Jadoh Veg - A Vegetarian Twist on Popular Jadoh
This is a beautiful adaptation of the traditional meat-based Khasi dish, Jadoh. To prepare this aromatic dish, rice is cooked with turmeric, bay leaves, and a variety of spices. It's usually mixed with vegetables like carrots, beans, and peas. This tasty vegetarian food in Meghalaya is not only good for your health but also shows how diverse and flexible Meghalaya food is.
2. Dohkhlieh - A Satiating Salad
Though traditionally a non-vegetarian salad, there's a vegetarian version of Dohkhileh that's equally delightful. It combines boiled vegetables, onions, and fresh herbs, seasoned with local spices and lemon juice. This delicious side dish is known for its freshness and the way it combines basic ingredients to create a flavour that is incredibly complex yet delightful.
3. Minil Songa - Unique and Exotic
Minil Songa is a unique and traditional sticky rice dish steamed inside bamboo tubes. This high-calorie delicacy belongs to the Garo Tribe and is an essential dish for festive occasions. Using bamboo in the cooking process adds a rustic charm to the dish, making it a must-try if you are looking for authentic Meghalaya food.
ALSO READ: Best time to visit Meghalaya
4. Pumaloi - Steamed Delight
Pumaloi, a steamed rice cake, is a famous festive food of the Khasi Tribe. It is similar to Minil Songa but made with powdered rice cooked in a black terracotta pot. It's often seen at local celebrations and markets, symbolising the simplicity and grace of Khasi food. Pumaloi is commonly enjoyed as a snack or light meal, reflecting the wholesome, inclusive spirit of Meghalaya cuisine culture.
Famous Food of Meghalaya│Non-Vegetarian Dishes
5. Jadoh - Meghalayan Biryani
This is one of the most famous food of Meghalaya, especially among the Khasi community. It's a delicious rice dish prepared by cooking local red rice with meat and garnishing it with tender pieces of pork, green chillies, and onions. Its unique preparation method and exotic flavour make it a must-try. Don’t miss this Meghalayan version of biryani at famous restaurants in Shillong.
6. Dohneiiong - Festive Food for Khasis
Dohneiiong is a festival favourite, particularly among the Khasi community. This meal consists of pork fried with black sesame seeds, which creates a deep, nutty flavour that is just tempting. It is cooked with mustard oil and Indian spices. The meat is sautéed in mustard oil, so the meal is highly aromatic. This dish serves as the perfect example of the diversity of Meghalaya cuisine.
7. Tungtap - Tangy Chutney
A spicy street food of Meghalaya, Tungtap is a dry fish chutney that’ll entice your taste buds. To prepare this, fermented dry fish is mashed into a paste and mixed with green chillies, onions, and local spices. This blend of ingredients creates a strong, spicy, and slightly tangy flavour that adds a flare to any meal. Tungtap is often served as a side dish alongside Jadoh or simple rice dishes.
8. Nakham Bitchi - Fiery Soup
Another spicy treat of Meghalayan cuisine, Nakham Bitchi is a soup made from a special type of dry fish. The soup is then spiced up with chillies and pepper. This warm recipe, enhanced with spicy and delicious herbs, is ideal for warming up during Meghalaya's chilly winters. This soup is not only good to taste but also soothing to the soul.
Famous Food of Meghalaya│Drinks and Desserts
9. Pukhlein - A Festive Snack
This sweet dish is one of the most famous food of Meghalaya that is specially made during the Wangala festival. It's made by blending rice flour with jaggery to create a batter, which is then deep-fried until golden and crispy. You can find this tasty snack in local markets, where it's enjoyed by many either by itself or as a companion to tea or coffee.
10. Sakin Gata - Sweet and Simple
Sakin Gata is a traditional sweet food of Meghalaya, known for its unique preparation and significance during festivals and celebrations. This rice cake is made by soaking sticky rice, which is then mixed with sugar and roasted with sesame seeds. The mixture is shaped into cakes, wrapped in banana leaves, and steamed in a special pot. Enjoyed during major festivals, Sakin Gata offers a taste of rich Meghalaya cuisine.
11. Kyat - A Traditional Drink of Meghalaya
Though not a dish, no mention of Meghalaya food is complete without Kyat. This local brew is made from fermented rice. You can find this tasty rice beer at almost all the bars and restaurants close to popular attractions in Meghalaya. Kyat is served during most meals and celebrations, offering a warm experience.
Ready to Start Your Culinary Adventure in Meghalaya?
Meghalaya food is a feast of diversity. Available in different flavours, textures and aromas, the exotic cuisine will take on a memorable culinary adventure. A wide range of vegetarian, non-vegetarian and sweet dishes are waiting for you amid stunning natural landscapes. Beyond lush greenery, exuberant waterfalls, and rich indigenous culture, its delicious cuisine is another reason to visit Meghalaya.
Want to taste famous food of Meghalaya? Don't just read about it; experience it! Book your Meghalaya trip package with us today and get ready to explore Meghalaya’s culinary culture.