Meghalaya promises a treat for travellers looking to explore fascinating natural wonders and the beauty of the majestic hills. One of the biggest attractions here is its delicious and flavorful cuisine. With influences from the unique cultural traditions and culinary practices of various communities and tribes, the traditional food of Meghalaya is worth trying. Ancient hunting and gathering practices are a big inspiration along with seasonal agricultural methods. Fresh herbs and wild mushrooms also go into several local preparations along with bamboo shoots and other ingredients.
Another aspect of Meghalayan cuisine is the widespread usage of pork, fish, chicken, and other meat. Some dishes also use wild game like boar and deer for a unique touch. Famous dishes like Doh-neiiong and Jadoh are also popular among both tourists and locals, along with the yummy strews and fermentation practices for meat and vegetables. So, if you are thinking of visiting this beautiful state in the near future, here are some fabulous dishes that you should not miss.
Top Traditional Food of Meghalaya- What Not To Miss
When it comes to the traditional food of Meghalaya, you should not miss trying these fabulous dishes.
1. Jadoh
Jadoh is the signature traditional food of Meghalaya and is popular in the Khasi community. It is basically red rice that goes through a cooking process with pork meat. Some households here also use fish or chicken for the dish. Ginger, onions, green chillies, black pepper, bay leaves, and turmeric also go into the dish. Pork pieces then go through a frying process with these spices after which the rice comes into play. Turmeric is what gives a yellow color to the meal along with a unique flavor. Some adventurous recipes also involve cooking the rice with pork blood!
2. Doh-Khlieh
Doh-Khlieh is a filling meal that contains several healthy and nutritious ingredients. It is a salad that uses minced pork with chilies and onions. In fact, some households also add carrots, tomatoes, beans, and lemons for a special touch. Many also have it with bread in the morning or evening, while the curry uses pig brains.
3. Nakham Bitchi
Nakham Bitchi is a dish that is helpful for cleansing the palate before any meal. It is a dry fish that goes through a drying process in the sun and dries over the fire. Boiling in water helps make the mixture into a lovely soup which also gets generous amounts of pepper and chillies for a tangy and delicious taste. It is highly suitable for the weather in Meghalaya.
4. Pumaloi
Pumaloi is a rice-based staple food in Meghalaya and you will find it in several versions and forms. This traditional food of Meghalaya is the ideal companion for several curries and uses powdered rice. A Khiew Ranei or special pot comes into play for cooking the rice on medium heat with some water. It is also a favorite dish for locals during several festivals and community celebrations.
5. Doh-Neiiong
You should not miss trying this amazing traditional food of Meghalaya. Doh-Neiiong contains fried pork and it comes with lovely thick gravy with pepper, red onions, green chillies, black sesame, and various spices. Black sesame is the star ingredient of this preparation and this is what gives it a fabulous flavor above everything else. It is a must-have item for pork lovers!
5. Tungrymbai
This is a traditional food of Meghalaya that is popular among the locals. Many households have this as a regular staple by boiling and chopping pork and fermenting soya beans. Other ingredients that go into the dish include onions, black sesame, and ginger, to name a few. Once the sautéing and frying are done, the mixture then simmers for some time. This gives it a fabulous taste, especially due to the soya bean fermenting process.
6. Pudoh
You will love feasting on Pudoh, which combines powdered and boiled rice with pork. Steaming with pork is what gives the rice powder a unique flavor. The curry that results from the special cooking technique is a hit item for weddings and other festive celebrations.
7. Minil Songa
Minil Songa is a sticky rice dish that is a popular staple for the Garo tribe in the state. You will love the nutty and rich flavor of the item along with its subtle texture. Starch is present in higher amounts, leading to the sticky feel.
8. Pukhlein
Pukhlein is one traditional food of Meghalaya that is worth trying! It uses powdered rice as well, where jaggery helps sweeten the mixture. Frying is what gives the rice and jaggery combo a unique feel and the paste that comes about is heavenly! The crispy and golden brown rice is something that you can have with several meat-based curries and other items.
9. Sakin Gata
Sakin Gata is white and sticky rice which is a sweet and relatively less-spicy option that you can try in Meghalaya. Water helps with the overnight soaking and sugar is also an add-on. Multiple layers of the rice mix goes into banana leaves with roasted sesame seeds and they go into the unique cooking pot for steaming purposes.
10. Kyat
Kyat is a novel traditional food of Meghalaya that is essentially fermented rice beer that is a hit among the locals for parties and other celebrations. It goes through a boiling process with water and local ingredients are also used for garnishing. This is widely available in several parts of the state including Shillong. Local households also brew the drink and offer it to their guests.
11. Tungtap
Tungtap is tangy and yummy chutney that you will find at several street food outlets in the state. It is dry fish chutney where the fermented fish goes through a mashing process and the paste mixes with onions, green chillies, spices, and more. This leads to the classic tangy and spicy feel that will make any meal come alive. You can have it with rice-based dishes like Tungtap for an incredible experience.
12. Dohjem
Dohjem is another unique traditional food of Meghalaya that combines flavorful pork belly and intestines with several local herbs and unique spices. The end-result is a classic Khasi pork curry that the locals have with plain rice or Jadoh. You can also have the dish with chicken and many eateries or households use more seasonal vegetables for preparing the dish.
13. Kwai
Kwai is another must-try when you are in Meghalaya. It combines roasted and sliced betel nuts and they come with tobacco, lime, and betel leaves for a unique blend of flavors. It is just like the regular Paan that you find in India. However, Kwai is completely different and is rooted in the traditions and culinary practices of Meghalaya. You will find it almost everywhere on the streets of Shillong and many other places. Most locals offer this to guests as a welcoming tribute.
14. Putharo and Dohjem
While Dohjem is one of the finest pork curries you will find, as given above, you should try it with the unique Putharo or a spongy and soft flatbread mix that uses rice flour. You can have it with a cup of hot tea for an amazing Meghalayan meal.
15. Khasi Dishes
You will fall in love with this traditional food of Meghalaya, which is a staple for the Khasi community in the state. They consume Ja Shulia or sticky rice extensively along with fried rice cakes or Pu Khlein. Another dish that they love is rice cake or Pu Sla that goes through a steaming process in a special leaf. You can also feast on Pu Doh or steamed rice cakes that come with pork strips. Have it with steaming hot tea and get a taste of the signature flavors of Meghalaya.
16. Me-Kin/Sobok
Me-Kin or Sobok Chatni/chutney uses banana flowers for its creation. Members of the Garo community usually have this tasty preparation with main courses. It contains a blend of several delicious nutrients and is one side dish that you should not miss at all!
17. Phan and Tungtap
Fermented dry fish chutney (Tungtap) is one of the most popular accompaniments in Meghalaya. You can have it with boiled potatoes or Phan for the right taste. Charred dry fish with local spices fuses amazingly with the sweetness of these potatoes in tandem with dry chillies, onions, and red chillies. It is one dish that stands out for its innovative mix of flavors.
18. Ktung Bain Nei-Iong
Another traditional food of Meghalaya that you will fall in love with is Ktung Bain Nei-Iong which is basically dry fish in black sesame seeds. The cooking process ensures the perfect blend of flavors and spices.
19. Wak Tangsek Pura
You should not miss trying the Wak Tangsek Pura. It fuses seasonal green vegetables with delicious pork for a fabulous experience. Powdered rice is also a key ingredient along with local soda. It is a unique Garo dish that foodies will love!
20. Do-o Kapa
Do-o Kapa is another tempting Garo dish that many local households cook. This is basically chicken that cooks with local soda. Have it with rice and fresh herbs like coriander along with green chillies. It can be a fabulous lunch or dinner meal when you are in Shillong or other parts of Meghalaya.
21. Ja Tyndong
Ja Tyndong is essentially a dish that results from cooking food in bamboo tubes. It is a common practice in several rural zones and interiors of Meghalaya. Fish, meat, rice, and vegetables go into these bamboo tubes with banana leaves used for sealing purposes. Many local spices and ample water also come into play, with the tubes baking over fire until they become a little charred.
22. Doh Sain/Doh Sniang Nei-Iong
It is another dish that is a staple for several Pnar households. You will love the combination of sesame seeds and pork which ensures a nutty and irresistible flavor in combination with steamed rice. It is a unique item that is not that similar to the regular black Til pork that you find elsewhere in Meghalaya.
23. Dakharang
Dakharang is also known as Kharang and basically involves smoking fish extensively before forming a curry. The Jaintia tribe loves having this dish regularly and it has a signature smoky flavor that you will appreciate. Have it with rice and other fresh herbs along with salad and chutney.
24. Pork Kappa
Meghalayan cuisine is heavily dependent on pork for several of its classic dishes. This one is another favorite dish of the Garo community in the state. Kappa is something that is available at several eateries and several households also cook it here. Pork and soda combine with seasonal vegetables and this helps lower the calorie count. It is a relatively light yet spicy dish that is ideal for the colder climate of the region. You can have it with rice for a filling and delicious lunch or dinner.
25. Doh-Snam
One of the best Meghalayan snacks that you will discover, it is Khasi blood sausage and is a treat for those who love pork. Almost all parts of pork meat, including the intestines, lungs, liver, etc. go through a mincing process. The final paste then goes through a flavoring process with local spices and pig blood is used to soak the final mash. Lastly, a wood fire comes into play for smoking these sausages. They have an incredible taste and mix of flavors that you will love without a doubt!
Also Check: Traditional Food of Tamil Nadu
Explore Meghalaya’s Traditional Cuisine On Your Next Visit
The traditional food of Meghalaya opens up several surprises for foodies. Meat-based dishes and pork are the local staples, while you will also love the fresh herbs, seasonal vegetables, and other spices that go into these preparations. Meghalaya has several communities and each of these groups has their own traditional preparations for you to try. Make sure you check out the list above in order to enjoy the classic flavors of Meghalaya on your next visit.
