Food of Meghalaya: 7 Famous Non-Veg & Veg Dishes to Try!

Meghalaya is one of the country’s most beautiful states, concealed in the eastern sub-Himalayas hills. It has abundant sunshine and rainfall, pristine forests, high plateaus, tumbling waterfalls, and crystal-clear rivers. The state of Meghalaya is located in northeast India and extends to about three hundred kilometers in length and about one hundred kilometers in breadth. 

In the north, the state is bounded by the Goalpara, Nowgong, and Kand Amrup districts. Now, on the south and west, Meghalaya is bordered by Bangladesh, while the east Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills border it. In this TripzyGo guide, you will explore the food of Meghalaya and what is so special about Meghalayan dishes. TripzyGo also offers the best curated Meghalaya tour packages, offering a blend of adventure and cuisine. 

Famous Non-Veg Food of Meghalaya

The state of Meghalaya has some of the best places to visit. Essential aspects of the region’s agrarian way of life and hunting-gathering traditions influenced the overall Meghalayan cuisine. As is familiar with the Northeastern states of India, rice is the staple food of Meghalaya, complemented by an assortment of meat, fish, and vegetable dishes. The cuisine is renowned for using regionally available bamboo shoots, wild mushrooms, and other greens and herbs. Here are some famous non-veg dishes of Meghalaya:

1. Nakham Bitchi
2. Jadoh
3. Dohkhlieh
4. Pudoh
5. Tungtap
6. Dohneiiong
7. Dohjem

Nakham Bitchi

Nakham Bitchi consists of pickling fermented fish with bamboo shoots and is commonly considered a delicacy. This unique pickle is cherished in Meghalaya due to its sour and tangy taste, which is adopted in every local meal. Due to the complex nature of this dish, it is perfect for those who want to experience the depth of Meghalayan-rich cuisine.

Jadoh

Jadoh is a Meghalaya famous food. Its primary ingredient is rice, cooked with either pork or chicken and some special spices. To enhance the flavor, people use black sesame seeds or turmeric. You can find it everywhere in Meghalaya, from houses to cafes. Jadoh is among the famous Meghalaya dishes; it tastes delicious and is easy to prepare.

Dohkhlieh

Doh Khleh is another tasty and famous food of Meghalaya. It is a salad made of small bits of meat, such as pork or chicken. The meat is mixed with onions, spicy peppers, and herbs to enhance its flavor. The spiciness makes it a favorite among the locals, and it has become very popular. It can be enjoyed as it is, with rice, or even with tortillas. People love DohKhlieh for its flavor and how it adds fun to any meal.

Pudoh

Pudoh is a rice dish that is very similar to Pumaloi. It is also a rice dish, but this one is made with pork powder. This food of Meghalaya is made with pork. The pork cubes are added for flavor while steaming the powdered rice, and to enhance the taste further, a sauce with green chilies and tomatoes is added. This unique food of Meghalaya is prepared and eaten at marriage ceremonies and carnival celebrations. It is common in many restaurants, and they have developed their own organizing style.

Tungtap

Tungtap is a fermented fish paste utilized by the Khasi and Garo. Like hentai, it uses an Indian flying barb or pool barb fish that has had its skin removed, salted, and dried in the sun before being fermented inside a sealed earthenware container. The container is covered with pandan and held shut with threads.

Dohneiiong

People and food enthusiasts worldwide can easily sample the local food of Meghalaya and rightfully regard Dohneiiong as the crown jewel of every festive celebration throughout the region. It is a comforting pork curry with black sesame, ginger, and garlic, among other unique spices. This delicious food of Meghalaya comprises a thick and mouthwatering gravy and is further enjoyed with steaming rice, making it a treasured delight for locals and tourists. Apart from the aromatic, heady gravy, the tender, succulent pieces of pork sealed with rich spices make it all the more appealing.

Dohjem

Dohjem, prepared from the pig’s insides, is worth trying. Unlike most delicacies, they are spiced and served once the intestines are cleaned. Because of its straightforward preparation, it is delicious yet not easy to master. Like many other dishes, Dohjem is best enjoyed mashed with rice and makes a perfect dish for more experimental foodies.

Famous Veg Food of Meghalaya

Meghalaya is home to three tribes and differs from the other Seven Sister States of Northeast India. The tribes’ staple food of Meghalaya is rice, accompanied by hot meat and fish. They enjoy keeping goats, pigs, fowl, ducks, and cows for meat. Food of Meghalaya from Khasis and Jaintia include Jadoh, Ki Kpu, and Tung Rymbai. Bamboo shoots are also favorite among the Garos. However, vegetarian food in Meghalaya is available for tourists if you are planning your next trip to the state.

1. Pumaloi
2. Sakin Gata
3. Kyat
4. Pukhlein
5. Minil Songa
6. Tungrymbai

Pumaloi

Rice is the main food of Meghalaya and is also prepared in combination with other dishes. Pumaloi is made from powdered rice and steamed. The vessel for cooking the rice is called Khiew Ranei. The rice is cooked on medium heat, and the pot size and amount of water used are particular. This dish is a specialty of Meghalaya because it is only served on public occasions and festivals.

Sakin Gata

It is a classic staple of Meghalayan cuisine that evokes warmth and happiness. The dish’s name suggests simplicity and moderation; however, the state of Meghalaya prides itself on an additional hint of spice, together with distinctly unique ingredients that set this dish apart from other regions. 

Sakin Gata is a rice cake made from multiple layers of rice and toasted sesame seeds, which give it a nutty flavor. A single bite is enough to overwhelm anyone with happiness. It is considered one of the primary dishes in a Meghalayan thali and is actively relished by many.

Kyat

Kyat is a drink made from the fermentation of rice. It is served at parties and alcohol bars. Rice beer is best when prepared with local herbs and served cold. Shillong has many places that serve Kyat. 

Pukhlein

Pukhlein is another variant of a powdered rice dish sweetened with jaggery syrup. The jaggery and rice are fried in a pan until a deep, thick paste forms. This crisp golden brown rice is best eaten with different types of meat and provides relief from the hot and spicy food of Meghalaya.

Minil Songa

Minil songa, known in the Garo community of Meghalaya, is a dish made from sticky rice. It is sweet, rich in flavor, soft, and nutty. This high-calorie delicacy is from the Garo Tribe and is a must for celebrations. The bamboo used in the preparation gives the dish a unique taste, making it a must-eat for anyone wanting to try the native food of Meghalaya.

Tungrymbai

Tungrymbai is a simple meal of the peasant community of Meghalaya. It comprises fermented soya beans, boiled and minced pork, sesame, ginger, and onion. The ingredients are then mixed, fried, and simmered for some time to enhance the taste.

Meghalaya Travel Tips

Your trip to Meghalaya will be remembered for a long time. Give yourself enough time to visit this beautiful destination. Research before you go; otherwise, it won’t seem appealing.

1. Since Meghalaya is located in the northeastern region of India, you are likely to encounter certain borders and areas that are restricted and need permits. If you wish to visit and explore such areas, make sure that you do enough research to avoid any problems. Also, ensure you have the required documents so you don’t have to turn back after going so far.
2. When planning your trip to Meghalaya, remember to book in advance so you don’t miss out on accommodation options. This state is a hot spot during the winter, so you need to plan accordingly. It is wise to pre-book everything to avoid missing out on plans because of accommodation and ticket availability.
3. An additional travel tip is to have all essential items handy. Remember to wear winter clothes, such as sweaters and jumpers, for those traveling during the cold seasons. Do not rush through packing and forget something crucial.
4. Meghalaya is not a small region but a whole state offering numerous activities. Therefore, having an itinerary is the best way to enjoy the state thoroughly. It helps you avoid confusion about what to do and when and even enables you to experience the best that the state has to offer. The itinerary, in this case, should consider all these factors. You can create an itinerary with TripzyGo using its AI trip planner.
5. Another aspect of the Meghalaya trip that stands out is the safety precautions. Considering that you are going to a hill station, you can be assured that numerous adventure sports are offered. However, it is up to you not to go overboard with the precautions. Make sure you focus on getting the same on with someone with experience in the field who can guide and train you.

Conclusion

The food of Meghalaya accurately manifests the state’s cultural heritage and bountiful nature. With its unique combination of ingredients and spices, the cuisine of Meghalaya delights meat and vegetarian enthusiasts. From smokey Dohneiiong to simple and delicious Pumaloi, each dish lovingly tells the story of the state’s unique ingredients. Dishes like Jadoh, Nakham Bitchi, and Tungrymbai portray the everyday life of its people. With TripzyGo’s exotic Meghalaya tour,  you can have the best of your adventure with your loved ones.