One of the most vibrant siblings among the seven sisters in the Northeast is the state of Meghalaya. Blessed with natural beauty and tribal culture, this is the perfect place to spend some quality time with your friends or family members. After the year we have all had, having a vacation in this Himalayan state is something that will rejuvenate your body and mind in the best way possible. While you are exploring the city of Shillong or drenching yourself in Cherrapunji, trying out the local delicacies is highly recommended. The food of Meghalaya is so distinctive that you will be in awe of every dish you devour in any part of this beautiful state. As there are three main tribes in Meghalaya, the food eaten in villages and cities can differ depending on where you are located. For instance, people belonging to the Khasi and Jaintia tribes will have a lot of bamboo shoots in their food preparations. On the other hand, Garos prefer eating a lot of pork-based dishes among other proteins from animals. And yes, there is a lot more than momos!
Dishes.
1. Jadoh
Jadoh happens to be one of the most popular Khasi street food items in the state of Meghalaya. You will rarely find someone who does not like eating this dish. It is such a popular delicacy that there is a restaurant called Jadoh in Shillong which is very popular among the locals. The dish can seem a little daunting to those who are scared of space but in reality, this red rice and pork preparation is mouth-meltingly yummy! Spice lovers can get an extra helping of green chillies in their Jadoh and drench is with some chutney to make their palette sing and dance
2. Doh-Khlieh
Meghalayan cuisine celebrates pork in all its glory. Be it steamed, boiled, fried or grilled, pork plays a key role in most of the dishes eaten by the local population. One such is Doh-Khleih, which is essentially a salad prepared with minced up pork, green chillies, and onions. Now, this might seem like a pretty simple dish to you but the wow factor is a servicing of pig brains, curry, and bread along with this local delicacy. The sheer magic of this traditional Meghalayan food item is an experience that you need to have on your next trip. While exploring the Police Bazar in Shillong, you can try this pork salad at Trattoria, which is literally a hole in the wall food joint that prepares the most outstanding Khasi dishes in the city.
3. Pumaloi
Pumaloi is a staple food of Meghalaya during festivals and family gatherings. So, it would be a shame to miss out on this delicacy when you are vacationing in this state during Shad Suk Mynsiem, Shad Sukra or Wangala festival. The main ingredients of a traditional Pumaloi consist of powdered rice steamed in a special pot known as Khiew Ranei.
4. Kyat
When we talk about the famous food items of Meghalaya, the mention of a local beverage is essential. Kyat is fermented rice beer that has a reputation for livening up even the dullest of parties! It’s a unique alcoholic beverage that people from all walks of life enjoy in this state. Mingling with the locals with a big glass of Kyat will surely help you become a part of the locals in no time.
5. Minil Songa
Meghalaya tour packages that include food joints and hole-in-the-wall type of places to eat local delicacies is the right choice for people who live for food. So, when you are planning your vacation to this state, it would be wise to do your homework on the most popular shacks, restaurants, and even home chefs who will happily deliver food to your doorstep. Mini Songa is another famous food item in Meghalaya that you need to appreciate on your trip. Prepared by Garo tribals, this is a sticky rice delicacy that exudes nuttiness in the most aromatic fashion.
