One can experience culture of a place either by living there or tasting the local food. And i definitely prefer the tasting-local-food route to get a peek into a place’s culture. Meghalaya being a part of India with distinctive geology, is interesting to witness in form of its food.
Meghalaya Blog Article Links
| Meghalaya Travel Guide | Jowai Travel Guide |
| Shillong Travel Guide | Shnongpdeng Travel Guide |
| Cherrapunji Travel Guide | Meghalaya Food Guide |
| | Meghalaya Cafe Guide |
| Article Content |
| Meghalaya blog article links |
| What to eat |
| Where to eat |
WHAT TO EAT
1. [V] Lal Cha/ Saah (Red Chai) – Lal Cha is a milder version of black tea that has some sweets notes of the tea leaves acquired while litely brewing the leaves in the hot water. Lal Cha is the preferred tea across north east belt. In Assam Lal Cha is referred as Ronga Saah. Lal Cha is customised across Meghalaya depending on the weather of the region. In Laitlum Canyon the Red Cha is preferred with a dash of salt, lime and sugar giving it a unique taste (image below). In colder regions of Meghalaya such as Shillong, The Lal Cha sellers will normally also sell small cubes of Yack cheese which can be dropped into the hot piping red tea for the cheese to melt and provide a unique flavor to the tea. Hence, I would highly encourage to try Lal Cha across Meghalaya to witness the different taste preferred by the locals.
Saah is the preferred beverage of Meghalaya to keep themselves warm in the cold climate. Saah is also an important part of hospitality for Meghalayan’s that they always offer “Saah/ Lal Cha” and “Kwai” (bettel nuts) as a way to the guest.
2.[ NV] Jadoh (Breakfast item) – is a ideal Meghalaya breakfast made of turmeric rice topped with boiled pork or chicken that is ideally enjoyed with fresh salad and red chai. This is the most popular dish from Khasi cuisine that is cherished by locals across Meghalaya. Jadoh is sold in small street stalls and in chai shops and restaurants. For the most authentic taste try this dish in chai shops. You can also try Jadoh at Trattoria. We tried our 1st Jadoh at a chai shop in Smit village while on our way to Laitlum Canyon.
3. [ NV] Doh-Khlieh (main meal item) is a pork salad. This is a unique dish where preserved smoked pork is boiled and once cold it is then tossed with fresh copped onions and green chilies. Doh-Khlieh is served as an accompaniment in a thali along with other main dish.
4. [ V & NV] Putharo (breakfast item) is similar to appam however, but a little a flat and not too spongy. Putharo is eaten along with sabzi or pork curry called Dohjem. This is dish best served at local shops in bazaar or chai shops.
5. [V] Pukhlein (snack item) is a sweet made from deepfried rice cake consisting of jaggery. There are some variations of sweet rice cake consudmed in snack such as Ja Shulia (sticky rice), Pu Maloi (steamed rice cake), Pu Sla (rice cake steamed in a leaf), Pu doh (steamed rice cake with pork strips and rice cake). These items are best consumed at tea time with Lal Cha.
6. [NV] Fish in black sesame curry – Meghalaya has abundance of black sesame seeds growing in the region hence you will see black sesame curry prepared in various combinations. My favourite was Local fish with black sesame curry that I ate at local restaurant in Cherrapunji town. Black sesame curry can also be tried with chicken, pork (Doh-Neiiong), potatoes, and masoor dal (Daineiiong). While some might feel bit put-off at the dark color of these dishes I highly recommend trying black sesame curry. It has a unique earthy flavor that is refreshing to taste.
Where to eat in Shillong
- Trattoria serves authentic Meghalaya cuisine and is a must try
- Lamee restaurant is another great place to try the authentic Meghalaya cuisine
- Cafe Shillong is a nice to place to indulge in Meghalaya cuisine along with continental food
- The Tibet Kitchen is a great place to enjoy some Tibetan food
- Qzine offers live grill to enjoy delicious grilled meat
- Sao Aiom Restaurant is a nice dining place with beautiful nature view
- You & I Arts cafe is lovely place to try some authentic Meghalaya cuisine and additionally you can enjoy some live music & show
- [V] Madras Cafe is a nice vegetarian joint to indulge in South Indian food in North east India
Where to eat in Cherrapunji
- Arwah Delicacy – This is a local joint located in the heart of town. This place is frequented by locals and tourists, both. I would highly recommend this place as they serve good food, both Meghalayan cuisine and north-Indian cuisine. They also serve Meghalaya thali on pre-order. The food is cooked with simplicity which makes it divine.
- KBR – This restaurant is part of an Inn and they have separate restaurant building for vegetarian and non-vegetarian. This place serves nice food and good view. I would recommend to this place for your pitstop.
Where to eat in Jowai
- Eat authentic Jowai cuisine at this nameless joint near Woodland hospital in Jowai. This si a highly recommended place to local cuisine made on wood fire stoves and served in absolute authentic ambience. This HIDDEN GEM will worth your trip to Jowai.
- Grab coffee or quick burgers at Quick Bites. They also have live music.
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