Arunachal Pradesh is a land where culinary traditions are as diverse and vibrant as its landscapes and cultures. The cuisine of Arunachal Pradesh is a captivating blend of flavors, textures, and aromas that reflect the rich biodiversity and the varied ethnic communities residing in the state. From hearty, warming noodle soups to tangy chutneys and fermented delights, each dish tells a story of the people, their relationship with nature, and their centuries-old traditions. The use of local ingredients, from bamboo shoots to river fish, wild herbs, and indigenous spices, lends authenticity and a unique taste profile to the region’s food. In Arunachal Pradesh, eating is not just a daily necessity but a celebration of life, community, and the bountiful gifts of the land, offering a gastronomic journey that is as intriguing as it is delightful.
List of Best Food of Arunachal Pradesh:
1. Thukpa
Thukpa, a heartwarming noodle soup, is a staple among the diverse communities of the Himalayan regions, particularly cherished in the North East of India. Its variations reflect the rich tapestry of local produce available in each state, from the selection of meats to the array of vegetables cultivated in the high-altitude terrain. In Arunachal Pradesh, this Tibetan-inspired delicacy is lovingly prepared with a base of hearty noodles, enriched with a robust stock, and brimming with fresh vegetables and choice cuts of meat, embodying the spirit of Himalayan cuisine.
2. Puta
Puta stands out as a culinary gem in the local diet, celebrated for its unique use of buckwheat noodles. This dish, a testament to the ingenuity of Himalayan cooking, incorporates fermented soybeans, aromatic spring onions, chives, fiery chilis, and garlic, creating a tapestry of flavors that are both bold and comforting. Accompanied by Apong or Apo, traditional alcoholic beverages crafted from fermented rice, Puta offers a glimpse into the rich culinary traditions and communal lifestyle of the region.
3. Kharzi
The penchant for fermented foods in Arunachal Pradesh is not just a culinary preference but a necessity, aiding in the preservation of food and enhancing flavors over time. Kharzi, a cherished local dish made from fermented cheese, rice, spring onions, carrots, and chilis, showcases the depth of flavor fermentation can bring. The diversity in Kharzi’s preparation across Arunachal Pradesh is vast, but for an authentic taste, one might seek the hospitality of the Monpa tribe, where traditional recipes offer a direct link to the region’s culinary heritage.
4. Byak
Byak serves as a quintessential side dish, enriching the daily meal of dal-bhaat (lentils and rice) with its vibrant flavors. This chutney, prepared from Thai eggplants, which are either roasted or boiled to perfection, is enhanced with the zing of ginger, the heat of red chilis, and a medley of herbs. Byak is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create a tangy accompaniment that elevates everyday meals to something extraordinary.
5. Bresi
The sweet concoction of Bresi holds a special place in the heart of festivities across Arunachal Pradesh. This delightful dessert, made with rice, an assortment of dried fruits, and sugar, then generously anointed with melted butter, captures the essence of celebration. The aroma of Bresi during significant festivals such as Diwali fills the streets of Itanagar, Tawang, and beyond, weaving sweetness into the fabric of communal joy and togetherness.
6. Po Cha
In the chill of the Himalayas, the warmth of Po Cha, or butter tea, is a cherished ritual. Arunachal Pradesh’s rendition of this beloved beverage starts with a base of robust black tea, enriched with milk and brewed to perfection. A generous dollop of yak milk butter and a pinch of salt are the final touches to this divine concoction, offering a cup of comfort and warmth that is deeply embedded in the cultural and daily life of the Himalayan people.
7. Bamboo Shoot
It is a famous dish in Arunachal Pradesh. People who come from the northeastern states usually love to eat this food. It is prepared along with meat and other vegetables. All these are boiled in water. Its pickles and chutneys are also very delicious and are popular throughout the whole world. Bamboo shoots are boiled in water to remove their bitter taste. These bamboo shoots are also used along with noodles.
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8. Pika Pila
It is a type of pickle and is popular in Arunachal Pradesh. People who belong to the Apatani community in Arunachal Pradesh prepare this dish. It is prepared by using pork fat, bamboo shoots, and with king sizes Chillies. The Chillies are very hot and are usually found in northeastern states. It is often used as complementary to all types of dishes. Pickle is hot but is not very rich in spice.
9. Lukter
Lukter is another popular dish in Arunachal Pradesh. It comprises dry meat and chili flakes. Along with meat, this hot chili has a great combination. This dish is served with steamed rice. People love to eat this with boiled rice. The spices which are used in this dish are very delicious. Lukter can be found in every restaurant in Arunachal Pradesh. People like to have this dish all the time.
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10. Pehak
The dish is also used with steamed rice. It is used as a side dish along with other food. People of Arunachal Pradesh love to eat this dish with steamed rice. It is a type of chutney that is very rice in spice. It is prepared with fermented soya beans and chili. Chili, which is used, is a type of King chili and is the main ingredient of chutney. Chili makes chutney hot and spicy.
11. Apong
It is a type of drink. People of Arunachal Pradesh love to have this drink. It is a type of traditional drink in Arunachal Pradesh. It is also known as rice beer. It is a home-made drink which does not contain any chemicals it. People who love to have light beer can have this drink. The drink is also very soft and is best for all types of taste buds.
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12. Momo
Momo is found in all parts of India. Stuffing of momo varies from place to place. It is very famous in the Northeast region. Momo of Arunachal Pradesh is very well stuffed with cabbage, potatoes, and carrots. And for a non-vegetarian, it is stuffed with chicken, meat, and beef as well. Momo is served with spicy chutney and soup. A little spice is used in it, but its chutney is highly spicy.
13. Rice
In Arunachal Pradesh, there are two types of rice cooked. And, both of these are cooked in a unique style. Dung Po and Kholam are two types of rice that are prepared from different methods. Dung Po are prepared in brass utensils where rice is wrapped in leaves. People believed the rice is cooked in brass utensils then it adds extra taste to this. Both these types of rice are served with fish curry.
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14. Wingnut Ngam
This dish is a favorite among non-vegetarian people as this is a type of chicken dish. It is prepared with rice powder along with the chicken. Fine rice powder is used for this dish. Rice powder is very well garnished over chicken and cooked it. After that, all the chicken pieces are boiled with herbs and also contain some spices. The dish is very delicious to taste.
15. Ngatok
It is a type of fish curry. It is prepared using a sliced piece of fish and contains some raw traditional spices into it. It also contains some herbs such as lemongrass. People can eat this dish individually or can have this along with steamed rice as well.
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Conclusion:
The people of Arunachal Pradesh enjoyed these dishes. Travelers who visit this place also try the local cuisines of this place. All the dishes are very delicious to taste. All the dishes are varied according to different tribal people. Visitors who visit this state also love to eat the local cuisines of Arunachal Pradesh.
Further Reading:
- Travel Guide to Sela Tunnel, Arunachal Pradesh, India
- Top 11 Historical Sites in Arunachal Pradesh
- Dong Valley, Arunachal Pradesh: Complete Travel Guide
- How to Plan a Trip to Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh
- Arunachal Pradesh Famous Trekking Destinations
- Famous Hill Stations in Arunachal Pradesh
- Arunachal Pradesh Popular Monastery
- Tourist Places to See in Arunachal Pradesh
