10 Famous Dishes of Meghalaya that You must try

One of the seven sister states, Meghalaya, is located in the heart of Northeast India. Mawsynram is known as the world's wettest place. Meghalaya is a beautiful place with lush forests, crystal-clear lakes, majestic waterfalls, adventurous trekking trails, diverse wildlife, monsoon rains, and a thriving local culture.

However, Meghalaya is more than just a nature lover's paradise; it is also a foodie's dream destination. Meghalayan cuisine is heavily influenced by the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo tribes, and it includes everything from tasty non-vegetarian meals to delectable desserts. 

There's something for everyone to enjoy. Mentioned below are 10 famous dishes of Meghalaya that you must try on your next vacation:

 

 

There are 10 Famous dishes of Meghalaya-

 

1. Jadoh

Jadoh is one of the most popular dish especially among the Khasi people of Meghalaya. Jadoh is red rice cooked with a generous amount of pork meat. It may also be cooked with chicken or fish. A mixture of green chilies, onions, ginger, turmeric, black pepper, and bay leaves is prepared. The pork is then added and fried, followed by the red rice, which is cooked. The addition of turmeric gives the rice a rich yellow color and an aromatic flavor. Jadoh can also be cooked in pork blood if you're feeling adventurous. If you enjoy pork, this is a dish not to be missed.

 

2. Doh-Khlieh

A wholesome meal that is also healthy Doh Khlieh is a flavorful salad made with minced pork, onions, and chilies. If you're looking for fusion cuisine, some restaurants serve Doh-Khlieh with a Mexican twist, including beans, tomatoes, carrots, and lemon. It is also occasionally prepared as a pig brain curry and served with bread.

 

 

 

3. Tungtap

Tungtap, a spicy street food from Meghalaya, is a dry fish chutney that will tantalize your taste buds. To make this, fermented dry fish is mashed into a paste with green chilies, onions, and local spices. This combination of ingredients produces a strong, spicy, and slightly tangy flavor that adds zest to any dish. Tungtap is commonly served as a side dish to Jadoh or simple rice dishes.

 

 

4. Pumloi

Meghalayans love their pumaloi rice, which comes in a variety of forms and is often eaten as a side dish with other curry dishes. One such popular rice dish from Meghalayan cuisine is pumaloi. Pumaloi, literally translated, is steamed rice powder. The rice is cooked in a special pot known as a Khiew Ranei. It's cooked with just the right amount of water over medium heat. Pumaloi rice is a specialty of Meghalayan culture and is typically served during public festivities and festivals.

 

 

5. Pudoh

Pudoh is an upgraded version of Pumaloi that is popular among pork lovers. The preparation is the same as with powdered rice steam in a Khiew Ranei, but the addition of pork chunks with curry elevates this dish to a whole new level! The chances of having your mouth stuffed with platefuls of Pudoh at a village carnival are so high that it's not even funny. Each bite of this delicacy will make you appreciate Meghalaya's simple culture and traditions. Isn't this kind of food the most satisfying?

 

 

6. Nakham Bitchi

 

Meghalaya is ideal for pescatarians who consume only fish. Many dishes are prepared by curing small fish and completely drying them. Nakham is a dried fish that can be fried or boiled to make a soup called Bitchi. The idea behind this dish is to calm your nerves on a cold winter night in Shillong. Eating this hearty soup with a group of friends is the ultimate Meghalayan way of life. Don't go to commercial places for this, as the one prepared in small shacks tastes much better.

 

 

 

7. Pukhlein

 

Pukhlein is a must-have for any Meghalayan meal. With its simple but irresistible charm, this sweet treat captures the essence of Meghalayan culinary heritage. Pukhlein, made from rice cakes that are meticulously deep-fried to a perfect golden crispness, has a tantalizing aroma. The coating of rich, velvety jaggery syrup, however, truly elevates this dessert to another level. As you travel through the picturesque landscapes of Meghalaya, don't miss out on trying these delectable dishes that are deeply rooted in the region's culture and traditions.

 

 

 

8. Sakin Gata

Sakin Gata is a traditional Meghalayan sweet dish that is well-known for its unusual preparation and special meaning during holidays and festivities. Sticky rice is soaked, combined with sugar, and roasted with sesame seeds to make this rice cake. After the mixture is formed into cakes, it is steam-cooked in a special pot while wrapped in banana leaves. Sakin Gata, eaten at major festivals, provides a taste of rich Meghalayan cuisine.

9. Kyat

Kyat is not a dish, but any discussion of Meghalaya cuisine would be incomplete without it. Fermented rice is used to make this regional brew. This delicious rice beer is available at practically all Meghalayan pubs and eateries that are close to well-known tourist destinations. Most meals and festivities include khat, which provides a cozy experience.

 

10.Tungrymbai

Meghalayan food is renowned for being healthful, and tungrymbai is the ideal illustration of this. It's a traditional Meghalayan dish that you should try at least once; it makes you feel warm and content. It almost has everything, including soy beans, onions, carrots, ginger, spices, and either boiled or fried pork. Vegetarians can omit the pork and substitute an additional serving of soybeans. After all the places to visit in Meghalaya have been explored, you will  be dying to try this local delicacy.

 

 

Are you ready to start your culinary adventure in Meghalaya?

 

Meghalayan cuisine is a feast of variety. Exotic cuisine, which comes in a variety of flavors, textures, and aromas, will take you on a culinary journey to remember. A diverse selection of vegetarian, non-vegetarian, and sweet dishes awaits you amidst breathtaking natural landscapes. Aside from lush greenery, exuberant waterfalls, and a rich indigenous culture, Meghalaya is also known for its delicious cuisine.

Would you like to try Meghalaya's well-known cuisine? Go beyond reading about it and actually do it! Plan your trip to Meghalaya with us now, and get ready to discover the state's rich culinary tradition.