Exquisite Dishes from Khasi Cuisine

While the tangy taste of Kadai Paneer, Dal Makhani, the world-famous butter chicken, or even dosas and idlis make it to your mind when you think of Indian food, very little is known to the outside world about the appetizing cuisine of the Khasi folk from Meghalaya. Rooted in the cultures and practices of the Khasi, Garo and Jaintia tribes, these Khasi foods allow us to peek into the distinct gastronomic preferences of the locals.

Rice and pork make up most of the Khasi cuisine, but you also get to sample a variety of other foods. Vegetarian dishes find very little space in the everyday grub of the people from this region. A trip to the northeast will tell you that India has a lot more to offer than what we usually think of. The cuisine comprises an inexhaustive number of ambrosiac delectable dishes that is sure to leave you wanting more. Here, we present a select list of dishes from Khasi cuisine that we think are unmissable when you visit Meghalaya.

Jadoh -rice-based-khasi-delicacy

Jadoh


Pulao and biryani take a backseat in Meghalaya, where Jadoh is considered the king of Khasi dishes. Made primarily with rice and pork, this delicious treat finds itself a regular dish in the diet of the people here. A generous serving of succulent meat and rice along with aromatic vegetables and spices like green chillies, onions, ginger, turmeric, black pepper and bay leaves, makes a good Jadoh. This slow-cooked delicacy is oft-served along with fish and eggs.

Dohkileh Khasi Cuisine

Dohkileh


Elementally a pork salad, Dohkileh is a versatile preparation with different variants according to the hands that prepared it. The diced pork brain is cooked into a curry and is consumed with flatbreads. The dish can be anywhere from a simple salad with basic vegetables and spices, to a flavourful mix of lettuce leaves, beans, tomatoes, scallions, and lemon, stimulated by onions, green chillies, and ginger along with other seasonings.

pumaloi

Pumaloi


Rice maketh most of the Khasi dishes, and Pumaloi follows suit. Pumaloi means powdered rice. It is a Khasi traditional food that is cooked in a special pot called Khiew Ranei with the right amount of water, along with raw grated coconut. This steamed delicious rice cake can be had anytime - breakfast, lunch or dinner, which is why it finds an essential spot in the cuisine of Meghalaya.

pukhlein

Pukhlein


Pukhlein is yet another delicacy prepared with powdered rice. It is, however, a dessert preparation more than a savoury dish. Resembling the south Indian snacks of Athirasam from Tamil Nadu and Nei Appam from Kerala, Pukhlein is made with powdered rice and jaggery and is served to cap off a sumptuous meal. Make sure to treat yourself to these delicacies when you visit Meghalaya.

Bamboo Shoots

Bamboo Shoot


Bamboo Shoot forms a delectable part of Khasi cuisine. It can be had along with vegetarian and non-vegetarian toppings like mushrooms, chicken and pork. It is a stir fry of any of the above ingredients, with bamboo shoots added before spices and onions. It makes a delicious choice for people who want to gorge on some simple delicacies from Khasi cuisine.

When you visit Cherrapunji, be sure to check out Sky Grill and Sohra House, two of the restaurants in Cherrapunji serving authentic Khasi cuisine. It is an added benefit that you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Seven Sisters Waterfalls right from these restaurants itself!

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