Food of Arunachal Pradesh

Introduction

Arunachal Pradesh is the largest among the northeastern states where food and culture plays a pivotal part of its cultural heritage. Food involves an important part in Northeast India, and travelers are inquisitive to understand the unknown. But you will be surprised to see that the food is so diverse that it differs from tribe to tribe.

Food involves an important part in Northeast India, and travelers are inquisitive to understand the unknown. But you will be surprised to see that the food is so diverse that it differs from tribe to tribe.

1. Rice

Rice is usually a staple, other foods are generally a side dish. The unique thing of rice in Arunachal is that, they usually prefer to cook the rice in a hollow bamboo generally over coal to give it a smoky flavor.

2. Bamboo Shoot

Bamboo Shoot is a typical dish eaten throughout all Northeastern states due to its delicate texture and flavor. It is a chief component eaten in Arunachal Pradesh. The savory bamboo shoots are accompanied in boiled vegetables, pickles and chutneys.

3. Pika Pila

Pika pila is a very famous pickle made up of bamboo shoot. It is prepared by the Apatani tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. It is prepared with bamboo shoots, pork fat in addition to Ghost Peppers or Bhoot Jolakia.

4. Lukhter

Another famous delicacy of Arunachal Pradesh is Lukhter. It is prepared by combining cooked dry meat and chili flakes out of Bhoot Jolokia. This is also a side dish

5. Pehak

Pehak is another side dish of Arunachal Pradesh. It is a spicy chutney usually made up of fermented soybean and chilly.The main ingredient is obviously Bhoot Jolokia

6. Apong

Apong is usually used to denote rice beer. It is an important and ritualistic drink of Arunachal Pradesh. The beer is usually home- made.

7. Marua:

Like Apong, Marua is also a famous home-made alcohol in Arunachal Pradesh. This drink is usually made of millets instead of rice where Apong is made. It is a drink drank on special occasions

8. Chura Sabji:

It is a curry made of fermented cheese usually made of yalk or cow’s milk. It is also accompanied by Bhoot Jolokia.

9. Momo

One of the most important food of the Northeast, momos are stuffed dumplings filled with various stuffing’s of vegetables and meat.

10. Meat

Meat is the main delicacy of Arunachal Pradesh, be it chicken, mutton or pork. However, the people prefer to have the meat boiled or steamed instead of fried. A common meat is from an animal called Mithun (Bos frontalis), found exclusively in the Northeast.

Conclusion

Arunachal Pradesh has a diverse culture and tradition and a part of it is reflected in its food delicacies, but sadly, with fast-paced modernization and urbanization resulting in junk factories and easily accessible packed frozen foods, people are losing the very essence of tastes.

So do visit this amazing state and let its food tantalise your taste buds like never before.