10 Unique Foods of Meghalaya

10 Unique Foods of Meghalaya

Posted On : 2023-05-16

Delicious Dishes from a Divine Destination!

The state of Meghalaya is one of the seven sisters in the Northeast that is most vibrant. This is the ideal location to spend time with friends or family because it is blessed with natural beauty and tribal culture. Vacationing in this Himalayan region would be the perfect method to restore your body and mind after the year we have all experienced. Therefore, it would be wise to do your research on the most well-known shacks, restaurants, and even home chefs who will gladly deliver food to your doorstep when you are planning your trip to Meghalaya state.


Why is food famous in Meghalaya?

Meghalaya has three tribes mainly. Therefore the food in towns and villages can vary. It all depends on where you are present. Bamboo sticks are used in meal preparations by the people of two prominent tribes of Meghalaya. These are Khasi and Jaintia who frequently use them. Contrarily, Garos favor consuming a lot of dishes using the pig as well as other animal proteins. Yes, there are many more options besides momos.

Meghalayan cuisine includes a wide range of options, including momos, spicy noodles, and other regional dishes. The diversity and distinctive flavor of street food from the Northeastern States, particularly Meghalaya, is well-known.
Rice and pork are the main components of the food among Meghalaya's many communities and cultures. Meghalayan cuisine is distinct and contains a variety of native ingredients as well as many cultural influences. Which of them do you want to eat the most?

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The following are 10 popular Meghalayan dishes that you must try on your next vacation:


Pumaloi

Most of the people of the Khasi tribe in Meghalaya eat pumaloi. It is a steamed rice meal for eating in breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The dish includes special powdered rice. They cook it on medium heat. It is prepared in the unusual Khiew Ranei black terracotta pot. They like to serve Pumaloi with a hearty gravy. It is something that contains pig, poultry and vegetables. It doesn’t have spices, it covers it all.  


Jadoh

It is a famous street cuisine. It offers flavorful red rice cooked with beef, finely chopped veggies, pork, and a few fragrant spices. So, if you have a fetish for North Indian biryani, Jadoh is probably going to win your heart. This mouthwatering dish has a number of benefits. One of the best is that it comes with an egg or fried fish topping.


Na’kam Bitchi

It is a delicious soup recipe for Na'kam Bitchi. This originates from the Garo community in Meghalaya. It is a great choice for individuals who enjoy spices. The soup is typically consumed before a meal. It is undoubtedly cooked with a specific kind of dry fish and a lot of pepper and chilies. This recipe is intended to calm your nerves on a chilly Shillong winter night. This hearty soup is the epitome of Meghalayan culture, and it is best enjoyed with companions. Go to modest shacks instead of commercial establishments for this particular dish because it tastes much better there.


Tungrymbai

A popular Khasi delicacy called tungrymbai is a sautéed dish made with fermented soybeans, black sesame, pork pieces, ginger, garlic, onions, and certain regional herbs. First all the ingredients are added together. Then, they are sautéed together until a rich flavor for your tongue emerges. You can add a bowl of steaming rice to enjoy the best of this dish.


Pukhlein

Pukhlein is a flavorful dessert prepared especially for Wangala Festival. Pukhlein is apparently Meghalaya's one of the best vegetarian dishes. Moreover, it is made with rice powder and jaggery. These two ingredients are combined and fried for a certain period of time. Then, they become golden, crispy bread. This is served as a delightful after-dinner or evening snack. However, it goes well with a steaming cup of tea or coffee.


Kyat

It is a common celebration beverage in Meghalaya. However, it is a beer produced from fermented rice. To prepare this ultimate dish, components are brought to a boil in water. This amplifies their distinct and unusual flavour. Additionally, they use local ingredients to garnish the drinks. No doubt Kyat is famous almost everywhere in the state. However, Shillong is one location where there are a large number of Kyat-serving shops. A regional beverage must be mentioned when discussing the well-known foods of Meghalaya. You will quickly blend in if you mix with the locals while enjoying a large glass of Kyat.


Doh Khlieh

Doh Khlieh, a delectable salad composed with minced pork, onions, and chilies, is a filling dinner that is also healthful. If you're in the mood for some fusion cuisine, some restaurants serve Doh-Khlieh with beans, tomatoes, carrots, and lemons to give it a Mexican flavour. Additionally, it is occasionally prepared as a pig brain curry and served with bread.


Sakin Gata

Sakin Gata is a dessert served after food. It s made with sticky white rice. Yes, that is unique to Meghalayan cuisine. They soak it in water throughout the night. Then the sticky rice is immediately combined with sugar. They layer the rice mixture and roasted sesame seeds alternately. They put them in banana leaves before putting them in a unique cooking kettle. Then they and steam it.


Bamboo Shoots

One of the favourite foods in Meghalaya is bamboo shoots. This can be prepared in a variety of ways. But Khasi people compliment it with thin slices of pork. Firstly, we must soak the poak in a marination of soy sauce. Then fry it on medium heat. Add vegetables when it gets a little brown. Eventually, add bamboo shoots. Add salt along with some spices. Also put with some thinly sliced onions. Cook until you get the right colour and smell.


Minil Songa

Another well-known cuisine item in Meghalaya that you should enjoy while there is the little songa. This delicious dish of sticky rice, made by the Garo tribe, is nuttiness in its most aromatic form. Minil Songa is a sticky rice dish that is well-liked by the Garo tribe in Meghalaya. Minil is another kind of sticky rice. The difference is that it has a delicate texture and a deep nutty flavour. It contains a lot of starch which maks it sticky enough.

By this point, if your mouth isn't watering, your palate needs a real shake-up! Meghalaya's mouthwatering cuisine and enticing tourism attractions are simply waiting for your arrival. Make travel plans with Japji Travels and treat yourself to special treats in this state.

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Frequently Asked Question

Q1. What foods are suitable for Meghalaya's streets?

A1. You can always use Meghalaya's street food recipes like Pukhlein, Jadoh, Tungrymbhai, Doh-Khlieh, and many other dishes to get their true Meghalaya flavour.

Q2. Momos, noodles, and steamed or fried rice are Meghalayan foods, right?

A2. Red local rice, noodles, and steamed rice dishes prepared in various traditional vessels, such as bamboo baskets and stems, are the norm in the Northeastern region. The cuisine of bordering states and the accessibility of fresh products both have an impact on the food culture. As a result, they complement traditional dishes and are well-liked as quick snacks and dinners when served with a side dish.

Q3. What is Meghalaya's national breakfast?

A3. Meghalayans love the breakfast food Putharo, which is similar to a pancake. This can be a good breakfast choice if you do wind up in the city. In a kind of earthen pot, rice flour, coconut, and jaggery are combined and baked. It is frequently served with black sesame seeds and pork curry.

Q4. What kind of fruit is renowned in Meghalaya?

A4. Due to its great quality, the Cherrapunjee Banana, an indigenous kind of banana grown on Meghalaya's southern slopes, is particularly well-liked and in high demand.