Meghalayan cuisine is a delightful fusion of flavors and traditions that reflect the state's rich cultural diversity and the bountiful natural resources of its hills and valleys. One of the most iconic dishes is "Jadoh," a fragrant and hearty rice and meat preparation, often featuring pork or chicken. Another culinary gem is "Doh Neiiong," a flavorful pork curry made with black sesame seeds and bamboo shoot, which tantalizes the taste buds with its unique combination. For vegetarians, "Pukhlein" offers a delectable treat—a pancake-like dish made from rice flour and jaggery, creating a sweet and savory harmony. The use of bamboo shoots and locally grown herbs and spices is prevalent in Meghalayan cuisine, infusing dishes with a distinctive and refreshing taste. Additionally, "Kappa" and "Jastem" are popular indigenous snacks that complete the culinary journey, showcasing the state's commitment to preserving its authentic flavors. Indulging in the flavors of Meghalayan cuisine during your Meghalaya trip is more than just a culinary journey; it's a cultural immersion that allows you to delve into the soul of this northeastern jewel.
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Every cuisine is influenced by the culture and people of the place to which it belongs, and Meghalaya is no different. The dishes of Meghalayan cuisine vary across the state with its tribal communities, and you would want to devour each one of them. So don’t forget about these mouth-watering dishes before you book your Meghalaya Backpacking trip. And just to tell you, almost all the popular dishes contain some amount of meat, so if you’re a non-vegetarian, you’re going to have the best time of your life in Meghalaya.
Top 5 Dishes of Meghalayan cuisine
- Bamboo Shoots
- Pulamoi
- Nakham Bitchi
- Sakin Gata
- Kyat
1. Bamboo Shoots
It is one of the most popular dishes of Megalaya, as the Khasi and Jaintia tribes have a lot of bamboo shoots in their food preparations. You can have bamboo shoots in so many different styles, but the peope of Khasi tribe like to add it to the marinated and fried pork and then have it.
2. Pulamoi
The “Pumaloi” is the type of rice which is “Steamed”. The Pumaloi is a special kind of a rice in Meghalaya eaten during festivals and family gatherings. Pulamoi are the special powdered rice and a favourite of the Khasis people. The people of Meghalaya love to eat it with something very spicy. So, do give it a try!
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3. Nakham Bitchi
People, who are non-vegetarian but don’t like to eat pork, well we have good news for you! Nakham Bitchi is a dish that contains fish. Nakham Bitchi is the soup prepared by dried small fish and is said to help you in chilling wintery weather.
Meghalayan locals have this all the time to comfort their bodies against chilly winter, so if you’re going on a Meghalaya trip in the winter it is the perfect dish for you to give a shot.
4. Sakin Gata
After eating all the hot spicy dishes, Sakin Gata is your best go-to dessert in Meghalaya. It is a rice cake from several layers of rice and roasted sesame seeds. In many different Southeast Asian countries like Korea and Japan, you will find different versions of rice cakes, Sakin Gata works as our own Indian entry in all the different rice cakes out there. You can find it at any local shop in Meghalaya which makes it an easily available and must-try item of the delicious Meghalayan cuisine.
5. Kyat
After trying so many mouth-watering dishes, it’s time for some local beer, isn’t it? Kyat is made from fermenting rice and is the go-to of every localite in Meghalaya. We’d recommend having some Kyat with a bunch of localites and making some friends and memories on your journey.
Special Mentions: Momos
None of us are unaware of the taste of Momos, are we? And we all know that the taste of Momos keeps changing from one place to another. But did you know the best Momos in India are made in Meghalaya? You might agree with it or not, so book your Meghalaya package to find it out by yourself. In any way, it’s worth giving these Momos a try.
Conclusion
savoring the 5 must-try dishes of Meghalayan cuisine is an essential part of any journey to this captivating state. These flavorful delights offer a glimpse into the region's rich culinary heritage and diverse tastes. To make the most of your culinary adventure, it's essential to consider the best time to visit Meghalaya, ensuring you can relish these dishes in the most enjoyable weather conditions. Planning a well-thought-out Meghalaya trip itinerary allows you to combine your gastronomic exploration with visits to the state's scenic wonders and cultural gems. For those with an adventurous spirit, don't miss the opportunity to embark on trekking in Meghalaya, discovering both the natural beauty and culinary treasures this land has to offer. A Meghalaya trip promises a feast for the senses, where every dish and every trail leads to unforgettable experiences in this enchanting part of India.
