Arunachal Pradesh is a state that is rich in tradition, culture, and traditional cuisine. The cuisine of Arunachal Pradesh varies from tribe to tribe. Bamboo and cooked green vegetables are staples in Arunachal Pradesh’s eastern region. Dairy products are consumed in greater quantities by the people of Tawang and the surrounding areas. The state is well-known for its boiled and smoked foods. There is less fried food in Arunachal cuisine.
Here is the list of famous foods of Arunachal Pradesh.
1. Bamboo Shoot
Without a few bamboo shoots, Arunachal Pradesh food is incomplete. In this famous and traditional dish, tender bamboo is marinated in baking soda and cooked over a low flame with crushed spices. It’s a crispy side dish that’s piping hot. Bamboo shoots are served with chutneys, boiling vegetables, and cooked meat.
2. Pka Pila
The Apatani tribe of Arunachal Pradesh produces a well-known variety of pickles. It is a common culinary complement and one of the favorites. Bamboo shoots and hog fat are combined with king chilly to make Pika Pila.
3. Lukter
Another delicacy of the state is lukter. It’s made with cooked dried beef and flakes from the King chilly, also known as Bhut Jolokia. It’s also served as a side dish with rice cooked the customary way.
4. Pehak
Another side dish is pehak, which is a spicy chutney. Fermented soya beans and chili are used to make it. It’s hot and spicy because of the chili in it. Steamed rice and Lukter are the perfect accompaniments to this dish. This chutney pairs beautifully with the flavorful rice.
5. Chura Sabji
Chura Sabzi is a type of curry cooked with fermented cheese made from yak or cow’s milk, as well as some King chilly, which makes the meal extremely spicy but delicious. Rice is also included with this dish.
6. Momo
Stuffed dumplings, often known as momos, are one of the most popular and extensively consumed foods in the Northeast. Momos are typically loaded with vegetables such as cabbage and carrots in vegetarian versions and chicken or mutton in non-vegetarian versions. The fish momos are wonderful, and this scrumptious dish is a must-try if you want to obtain a true momo taste. One of the most famous food in Arunachal Pradesh.
7. Meat
Arunachal Pradesh’s main meal is meat. Because the inhabitants of Arunachal Pradesh prefer to consume boiled rather than fried meals, meat is typically boiled and smoked. The prepared meat is served with rice.
8. Apong
It is an Arunachal Pradesh traditional drink. Arunachal’s rice beer is a staple of the state’s cuisine. It is a very local and light beer that is devoid of chemicals because it is created from rice. The rice combination is dried, smoked, fermented, and filtered to make apong.
9. Marua
Marua, like Apong, is a popular alcoholic drink brewed at home in Arunachal Pradesh. The fundamental distinction is the principal constituent of the drink, which in Marua is millet and in Apong is rice. Arunachal Pradesh residents appreciate this popular beverage.
10. Pasa
Pasa is a fish soup made using raw and fresh fish. The addition of khumpatt leaves, ginger, garlic, makat, green chili, and minced beef paste to the soup makes it a very tasty soup to enjoy during the winter months. One of the most delicious foods of Arunachal Pradesh.
11. Thukpa
Thukpa is a noodle soup made from cooked rice noodles and either chicken or veggies. It’s a typical Arunachal Pradesh dish from the ‘Monpa’ tribe.
12. Wingnut Ngam
Non-vegetarians adore this food, which is essentially a chicken meal. Rice powder is used in addition to the chicken. Fine rice powder is used to make this dish. Rice powder is a great way to dress up raw or cooked chicken. The chicken is then roasted with herbs and spices in all of its bits. The flavor of the meal is fantastic.
13. Ngatok
It’s a type of curry that uses fish as the main ingredient. A sliced piece of fish and some raw traditional seasonings are used to make it. Other herbs, such as lemongrass, are included. This meal can be eaten alone or with steamed rice as a side dish. Very delicious food of Arunachal Pradesh. They make the meal with ginger, garlic, khumpatt leaves, makat, green chilies, and minced meat paste, among other ingredients. Pasa will blow your mind with only a taste, and if you like to fish, this will be another wonderful traditional fish meal you will remember for a long time.
14. Dung Po
Dung Po is a popular rice-based dish. It’s cooked in two brass utensils by the locals. The rice is wrapped in leaves and served once it has been cooked. This dish’s scent alone is enough to make your mouth water. Isn’t it incredible? Also, the aroma of the leaves will make you hungry, and you will be ready to eat as soon as they are served. You know where to go in Arunachal Pradesh to try this unique delicacy.
15. Po Cha
Butter tea of the finest quality is created by steeping pu-erh tea leaves in water for half a day to get a dark brown hue. After that, it’s skimmed and placed into a cylinder with fresh yak butter and salt, then shaken. The outcome is a liquid with the consistency of a stew or thick oil. Following that, it’s poured into teapots or jars.
16. Koat Pitha
Flour, banana, jaggery, and mustard oil are used to make Koat Pitha, a popular delicacy. It is an Arunachal Pradesh sweet dessert. Mizoram Koat Pitha is rice flour and banana fritter delicacy that is similar to Kerala Unniyappam and is fried on a kuzhi Paniyaram Pan. The flavors blend beautifully to create a delicious dish with a crisp surface and soft interior. It is extensively consumed as a delectable dessert in the North East on practically all special occasions. Serve Koat Pitha as a delectable dessert after a light lunch of Sana Thongpa and Tan Ngan, or as a teatime snack with masala chai in the evening.
17. Lite
Iite is a healthful food made with a soft rice batter that can be baked or fried. It’s accompanied by chutney or curry.
18) Nou Kai Noo Som
It’s a wonderful dish composed with bamboo shoots and chicken. Tribes make it with spice-marinated chicken stew. People in the highlands prefer it boiled with a variety of spices or simply salt. It’s simple, but it’s delicious. Meat or pork can be substituted for chicken. In that case, fish isn’t the best option.
19) Laksa Stock
It’s a pretty unique dish. It can be made with noodles, coconut milk, or whatever else you choose. Add paneer, grated cheese, and other vegetables if you’re a vegetarian. Add chicken, prawns, and eggs if you don’t like vegetables. Make it as vibrant as you want it to be.
20) Aamin
It’s Arunachal Pradesh’s oatmeal. Simply combine oats or toasted rice powder with boiling milk in a bowl. Continue to stir constantly. As desired, season with salt and sugar. Allow it cool for a few minutes before serving. Combine it with honey-dressed seasonal fruits.
