The Taste of Hills of Meghalaya
Regional Foods of Meghalaya
Quick Summary
Shillong’s regional cuisine blends traditional Khasi flavors with locally sourced ingredients, creating dishes that reflect Meghalaya’s rich food culture. From the iconic Jadoh and Dohneiiong to Tungrymbai, Dohkhlieh, and Pukhlein, each specialty showcases authentic cooking methods, mild spices, smoked meats, fermented ingredients, and fresh produce. Whether you’re planning a Meghalaya trip or simply exploring regional Indian cuisine, these 10 popular foods offer an excellent introduction to Shillong’s culinary heritage.
Key Facts About Shillong Regional Foods
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Region | Shillong, Meghalaya, India |
| Cuisine | Traditional Khasi Cuisine |
| Best Known Dish | Jadoh (Rice-based Khasi specialty) |
| Popular Ingredients | Pork, red rice, black sesame, bamboo shoots, fermented soybeans, local herbs |
| Cooking Style | Simple, smoky, lightly spiced, ingredient-focused |
| Vegetarian Options | Tungrymbai, Pumaloi, Putharo, Pukhlein |
| Best Time to Try | Throughout the year, especially during local festivals and market visits |
| Ideal For | Food lovers, cultural travelers, regional cuisine enthusiasts |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most famous traditional food in Shillong?
Jadoh is widely regarded as Shillong’s signature Khasi dish. It is prepared using rice and meat with traditional local seasonings, making it one of the city’s most recognized culinary specialties.
Which Shillong foods are suitable for vegetarians?
Visitors can enjoy vegetarian Khasi dishes such as Tungrymbai (fermented soybean preparation), Pumaloi (steamed rice flour), Putharo (rice bread), and the sweet snack Pukhlein.
What makes Khasi cuisine different from other Indian regional cuisines?
Khasi cuisine generally uses fewer spices than many Indian regional cuisines and focuses on fresh local ingredients, smoked meats, fermented foods, bamboo shoots, black sesame, and natural flavors rather than heavy gravies.
Are Shillong’s traditional foods spicy?
Most authentic Khasi dishes are moderately seasoned rather than extremely spicy. Many meals are served with separate chutneys or fresh chilies so diners can adjust the heat to their preference.
Which local dish should first-time visitors try?
If you’re trying Shillong cuisine for the first time, begin with Jadoh, followed by Dohneiiong, Dohkhlieh, Tungrymbai, and Pukhlein to experience both savory and sweet traditional Khasi flavors.
Last Updated
Last Updated: July 27, 2026
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Author: Teer Today Editorial Team
Our editorial team researches regional culture, travel destinations, and informative content across Northeast India to publish well-researched, reader-focused guides that are regularly updated for accuracy.
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10 Most Popular Traditional Regional Foods of Meghalaya
Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is located in the northeastern region of India. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in India, known for its natural beauty and pleasant weather. Shillong is often called the Scotland of the East due to its landscapes and architecture. Meghalaya is also famous for its lush greenery and abundant nature. The state is rich in raw materials like coal, limestone, natural gas, granite, glass sand, and uranium. What also makes Meghalaya special is its vibrant culture, which is reflected in the various regional foods found in Shillong. In this post, we will explore the Top 10 Most Popular Regional Foods in Shillong. So, food lovers, get ready, pack your bags, and book your tickets for Shillong!
Here are the Results
Jadoh
Jadoh is one of the most popular regional foods, often compared to a Khasi version of Biryani. Made with rice and pork, it includes spices like ginger, garlic, green chili, coriander, mint pastes, and more.
While the base recipe for Jadoh remains the same everywhere, some particular locations may offer slight variations. It is typically served with achar (pickles) and dal (lentils).
For vegetarians, there is also a Jadoh variant without meat.
Kyat
Kyat is not a food, but a drink very popular among the Khasi people. Offering Kyat symbolizes an act of hospitality. People say that you should accept it when they offer it to you. They often drink kyat as a sign of happiness and enjoyment.
Kyat is a fermented rice beer. It’s made with boiling rice and water along with spices like perilla seeds, bay leaf. Kyat drink served with a pinch of salt and pickles.
Tungrymbai
Tungrymbai, a traditional fermented dish, offers a unique taste. Made from soybeans, it has a sticky texture and is a rich source of protein. People wrap it in slamet leaves and coal blocks before baking it.
Doh Khlieh
You must try Pumaloi at least once. It’s a rice cake made from powdered rice, prepared with red rice, black and white sticky rice, and salt. People often prepare and serve it during celebrations and festivals. Pumaloi is a rice cake, but it isn’t a purely sweet dish because it contains salt. The salt adds a unique and tasty twist. Khasi people prepare Pumaloi with red rice, black and white sticky rice, and salt, using a special pot called a khiew rimwe.
Pumaloi
You must try Pumaloi at least once. It’s a rice cake made from powdered rice, prepared with red rice, black and white sticky rice, and salt. People often prepare and serve it during celebrations and festivals. Pumaloi is a rice cake, but it isn’t a purely sweet dish because it contains salt. The salt adds a unique and tasty twist. Khasi people prepare Pumaloi with red rice, black and white sticky rice, and salt, using a special pot called a khiew rimwe.
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 originated from them and adopted by many communities in Shillong, Meghalaya.
Nakham Bitchi is a spicy soup with a rich and thick texture. People prepare the dish with dry fish, vegetables, and various chilies and peppers. They serve it before the meal as a cleanser, and its different spices and flavors make it a must-try dish.Nakham Bitchi is a soup from the Garo community, which lives in Meghalaya’s Garo Hills. This dish originated with them and has been adopted by many communities in Shillong, Meghalaya.
Nakham Bitchi is a spicy soup with a rich, thick texture. People prepare it with dry fish, vegetables, and various chilies and peppers. They serve it before the meal as a cleanser, and its unique spices and flavors make it a must-try dish for you if you visit Shillong.
Dohneiiong
Dohneiiong is a popular pork dish that tastes great. People prepare it with fresh pork and sesame seeds. The dish has a unique black color because of the sesame seeds.
People love Dohneiiong for its taste. It’s made with powdered sesame seeds, onion, ginger garlic paste, and green chilies. The dish is spicy and flavorful.
Lungsiej
Lungsiej is a famous Khasi dish enjoyed throughout the state. People always make it with fermented bamboo shoots and serve it with rice.
This dish features fermented bamboo shoots, which increase the food’s value. Because this dish is organic, you must try it at least once. It represents the regional foods of Meghalaya.
Pu Sla
Pu Sla is a dish from Shillong that features fermented fish combined with spices and herbs. Served with steamed rice, it embodies the rich flavors of Khasi cuisine. The strong umami flavor of fermented fish with local vegetables makes this food tastier.
The dish reflects traditional cooking methods and the region’s connection to its ingredients. For locals, it’s not only a meal but also a comforting reminder of home. People usually prepare this dish during family gatherings and celebrations, making it an integral part of Shillong’s culinary culture.
Silkworms Dish
Silkworms, called ‘bekang,’ boiled or fried and seasoned with spices and herbs. They are tasty and packed with protein, making them a popular snack among locals.
The nutty flavour and unique texture make them a popular choice among locals. Silkworms are not only tasty but also packed with protein. These foods contribute to the region’s rich culinary heritage. For adventurous eaters visiting Shillong.
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