Food & Shopping

Food & Shopping

Tura, the largest town in West Garo Hills, is an emerging food and shopping destination in Meghalaya. Known for its authentic Garo tribal cuisine, organic produce, and vibrant local markets, Tura offers a unique experience for food lovers and shoppers alike.

1. Food in Tura

Garo cuisine is distinct from other tribal cuisines of Meghalaya, featuring smoked meats, fermented ingredients, bamboo shoots, and organic spices. The food here is simple yet flavorful, often cooked using minimal oil and fresh herbs.

 Must-Try Garo Dishes in Tura

✅ Jadoh – A rice and meat dish, popular in Meghalaya. Garo-style Jadoh is made with pork or chicken and local spices.

✅ Wak Pura – Smoked pork cooked with bamboo shoots and local spices, giving it a strong, earthy flavor.

✅ Kappa (Rice Soup) – A traditional light rice soup often eaten with smoked meat or fish.

✅ Dohneiiong – Pork cooked with black sesame seeds, adding a nutty flavor to the dish.

✅ Tungrymbai – A fermented soybean dish mixed with pork fat and garlic.

✅ Pila Pitha – A sweet rice cake made from sticky rice, jaggery, and coconut.

✅ Na’kam Bitchi – A popular spicy fish soup, often eaten in colder months.

✅ Chu – A local fermented rice beer, commonly enjoyed by the Garo community during festivals and celebrations.

 Tip: Try Garo food at local home-run eateries for the most authentic experience.

 Best Places to Eat in Tura

1️ Tura Bazar Food Stalls

• The best place for affordable and authentic Garo food.
• Try Jadoh, smoked pork, and rice-based dishes.
• Great for quick snacks like momos, chowmein, and samosas.

2️ The Balcony Café

• A cozy café with a mix of Indian, Chinese, and local dishes.
• Great for coffee, sandwiches, and baked goods.

3️ Garo Kitchen

• A local eatery serving authentic Garo dishes.
• Best for Wak Pura, Na’kam Bitchi, and bamboo shoot-based dishes.

4️ The Tura Food Court

• A modern multi-cuisine food court serving Indian, Chinese, and local food.
• Great for families and groups.

5️ Rongkhon Market Stalls

• Best for freshly grilled meats, fried snacks, and traditional sweets.

 Tip: Many small eateries close by 9 PM, so plan dinner early!

2. Shopping in Tura

Tura offers a mix of traditional tribal handicrafts, organic products, textiles, and street fashion. Shopping here is a great way to take home a piece of Garo culture.

 Best Shopping Markets in Tura

1️ Tura Bazar – The Main Market

✅ Best for:

• Traditional Khasi & Garo Shawls (handwoven with intricate designs).
• Bamboo handicrafts, baskets, and home decor.
• Local spices, Meghalaya honey, and organic tea.
• Handmade tribal jewelry.
   Tip: Bargaining is common, so try negotiating for better prices!

2️ Rongkhon Market – The Local Flea Market

✅ Best for:

• Traditional Garo clothing (including Dokmandas, the wrap-around dress worn by Garo women).
• Handmade tribal accessories and silver jewelry.
• Organic fruits, vegetables, and dried fish.
   Tip: Visit early in the morning for the freshest local produce.

3️ Chandmari Market – Budget Fashion & Electronics

✅ Best for:

• Trendy clothes, jackets, and footwear at affordable prices.
• Local streetwear and winter wear.
• Budget-friendly electronics and accessories.
   Tip: Many items here are imported from Thailand and Nepal.

4️ Dobasipara Market – Best for Bamboo Handicrafts

✅ Best for:

• Handwoven baskets, mats, and trays.
• Bamboo furniture and decor.
• Traditional Garo hunting tools & artifacts.
   Tip: A great place to buy unique tribal souvenirs.

5️ Williamnagar Handicraft Stores

✅ Best for:

• Hand-carved wooden decor and sculptures.
• Locally woven shawls and handmade bags.
• Traditional pottery and clay artifacts.
   Tip: Perfect for authentic souvenirs with a tribal touch.

 Must-Buy Souvenirs from Tura

✔️ Garo & Khasi Handwoven Shawls – Beautiful, warm, and a great cultural keepsake.
✔️ Bamboo Handicrafts – Baskets, mats, and wooden decor.
✔️ Organic Meghalaya Tea & Spices – Known for its high-quality black and green tea.
✔️ Local Handmade Jewelry – Beadwork and silver tribal designs.
✔️ Dried Fish & Smoked Meat – Popular in local cuisine, available in markets.
✔️ Wild Honey & Medicinal Herbs – Found in Nokrek National Park’s nearby villages.

3. Pro Tips for Food & Shopping in Tura

✅ Try local Khasi & Garo cuisine from street stalls for authentic flavors.
✅ Bargain in street markets for the best deals, but not in handicraft shops.
✅ Buy bamboo handicrafts & traditional shawls for a unique souvenir.
✅ Check for quality when buying organic tea, honey, or handmade jewelry.
✅ Carry cash, as digital payments are limited in some rural markets.

Tura’s food & shopping scene is an exciting mix of tribal flavors, handicrafts, and modern fashion. Whether you’re tasting traditional Garo dishes, shopping for handwoven shawls, or exploring bamboo markets, every experience in Tura feels authentic and special.

 Must-Do in Tura:
✅ Eat Garo delicacies like Wak Pura & Jadoh at Tura Bazar.
✅ Shop for bamboo handicrafts & Khasi shawls in Rongkhon Market.
✅ Buy organic tea, wild honey & spices as souvenirs.
✅ Explore local food stalls for street snacks & tribal sweets.

 Are you ready for a flavorful and exciting shopping adventure in Tura?