Regional Foods of Shillong
10 Most Popular Traditional Dishes of Shillong
Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya, located in the northeastern region of India. Shillong is one of the popular travel and tourist destinations because of the infrastructure, development, and most importantly the weather.
Shillong Is called the Scotland of the East because of its looks, nature, and architecture. Meghalaya is also famous for the vast spread of nature and greenery across the entire region, Meghalaya is blessed with different raw materials such as Coals, Limestone, Natural Gas, Granite, Glass-sand, Uranium, Etc. But Meghalaya, Shillong is also rich in culture and tradition. As a result, Shillong has various regional foods which are not largely seen in other places.
In this particular post, we are covering the Top 10 Most Popular Regional Foods in Shillong. So, foodies get ready, pack your bags, and books tickets for Shillong.
Here are the Results
Jadoh
Jadoh is one of the most popular regional foods, It’s like a Khasi version of Biryani. It is made with rice (usually regional rice) as meat Pork is used along with various spices like ginger, garlic, green chili, coriander, and mint pastes.
The base Jadoh is the same everywhere but in some particular locations, minor adjustments are made according to the locality festival and people. But Jadoh is usually served with achar (pickles) and dal (lentils).
They also make (Jadoh veg) variants in case you are vegetarian.
Kyat
So, Kyat is not a food It is a drink that is very popular in Khasi peoples. Offering Kyat symbolizes an act of hospitality, It is said that you should accept when it is offered to you. They often drink kyat as a sign of happiness and enjoyment.
Kyat is basically a Fermented Rice Beer. It is made using boiling rice water along with different spices like perilla seeds, bay leaf, winged prickly ash, and some regional mixtures of spices. Kyat is served with a pinch of salt and pickle.
Tungrymbai
Tungrymbai or Tung Rymbái or Tungtoh is a popular traditional food of Meghalaya usually prepared by Khasi and Jaintia community peoples.
Tungrymbai is a traditional fermented soybean food, it has a unique taste hardly describable. It has a sticky texture and is a rich source of protein. It is wrapped with slamet leaves and coal blocks and then baked. It sounds weird but believe me it tastes even better.
Doh Khlieh
Doh Khlieh is a regional and traditional food of Meghalaya. It is a pork salad which is a very popular food in the Khasi community. Doh Khlieh is usually served cold.
Doh Khelieh is typically made with pork neck or pork head, chopped onion, chilies, and seasonings. The pork is first steamed or boiled, and then mixed with the other ingredients. In some places, this dish is customized according to their taste. But it is a Khasi cousin.
Pumaloi
Pumaloi is a dish that you must try once because it is a cake. Pumaloi is a rice cake which is made out of powdered rice. It is very tasty and tastes even better with traditional tea. It is often prepared and served during celebrations and festivals.
It is rice cake but it is not a pure sweet dish because they use salt but the flavor of salt tastes very unique and tasty. Pumaloi is prepared with different types of rice such as red rice, black and white sticky rice along with salt. Khasi peoples make this in a special pot called (khiew ranei)
Nakham Bitchi
Nakham Bitchi is a soup and it is a Garo recipe, Garo is a community that lives in Meghalaya called Garo Hills. This dish is originated from them and adopted by many communities in Shillong, Meghalaya.
Nakham Bitchi is a spicy soup with a rich and thick texture. It is prepared with dry fish, vegetables, and different chilies and peppers. It is usually served before the meal as a cleanser and the different spices and flavours make it must try food. It is mostly seen Cherrapunjee area.
Dohneiiong
Dohneiiong is a pork dish very popular and tastes good it is prepared with fresh pork and sesame seeds. The colour of this dish is black which is very unique because of the sesame seed.
Dohneiiong is prepared with roasted and powdered sesame seeds and onion, ginger garlic paste, and green chilies. This dish is spicy and tasty at the same.
Lungsiej
Lungsiej is a famous Khasi food that is very popular food amongst the entire state. This dish is organic food because it is made with 100% fresh bamboo shoots.
This dish is made with fermented bamboo shoots and served with rice and the fermented bamboo shoots increase the value of the food. Because this dish is organic you must try this dish at least once.
Pu Sla
Pu Sla is a cherished dish from Shillong, featuring fermented fish combined with spices and herbs. Typically served with steamed rice, it embodies the rich flavors of Khasi cuisine. The strong umami taste from the fermented fish, paired with local vegetables, makes it a comforting staple for many.
Pu Sla reflects traditional cooking methods and the region’s connection to its ingredients. For locals, it’s not just a meal but a comforting reminder of home, often enjoyed during family gatherings and celebrations, making it an integral part of Shillong’s culinary culture.
Silkworms Dish
In Shillong, silkworms are known locally as “bekang” and are a cherished delicacy. Often enjoyed as a snack or added to traditional dishes, they are typically boiled or fried, then seasoned with spices, and herbs, or sometimes enjoyed with rice.
The nutty flavour and unique texture make them a popular choice among locals. Silkworms are not only tasty but also packed with protein, contributing to the region’s rich culinary heritage. For adventurous eaters visiting Shillong.