Cuisine & Must Try Dishes

Traditional Arunachali Cuisine

Arunachal Pradesh offers a unique and diverse food culture influenced by its tribal heritage, Tibetan flavors, and organic ingredients. The cuisine is simple, nutritious, and deeply connected to nature, often using bamboo, fresh herbs, and locally sourced meat and vegetables.

Here are the must-try dishes when visiting Arunachal Pradesh!

1. Thukpa – The Iconic Arunachali Noodle Soup

 Best Found In: Tawang, Bomdila, Dirang

 Why Try?
✅ A Tibetan-style noodle soup popular in the Monpa & Sherdukpen communities.
✅ Made with handmade noodles, vegetables, meat (chicken/mutton), and rich broth.
✅ Perfect for cold weather and high-altitude trips.

 Variations to Try:
 Gyathuk Thukpa – A richer version with eggs & chicken.
 Vegetarian Thukpa – Made with local organic greens & mushrooms.

2. Zan – The Traditional Porridge of Arunachal

 Best Found In: Tawang, Mechuka, Bomdila

 Why Try?
✅ A staple dish of the Monpa tribe, made from millet flour.
✅ Often served with fermented cheese, boiled vegetables, and yak meat.
✅ Provides instant energy & warmth, making it perfect for Himalayan winters.

 How It's Served:
 With butter tea or milk for a hearty breakfast.
 With boiled spinach & local herbs for extra nutrition.

3. Bamboo Shoot Curry – A Traditional Tribal Delicacy

 Best Found In: Ziro, Itanagar, Pasighat

 Why Try?
✅ Bamboo shoots are a staple in Arunachal cuisine.
✅ Cooked with fermented soybeans, pork, or chicken, giving it a rich umami flavor.
✅ Mildly sour & crunchy, with a distinct aroma.

 Best Versions to Try:
 Bamboo Shoot with Pork – A smoky, spicy dish.
 Vegetarian Bamboo Shoot Curry – Cooked with mustard leaves & herbs.

4. Chura Sabzi – Fermented Cheese with Vegetables

 Best Found In: Tawang, Dirang, Bomdila

 Why Try?
✅ A unique Monpa dish made with fermented yak milk cheese.
✅ Creamy, tangy, and spicy, served with rice or Zan.
✅ Often paired with boiled potatoes, chilies & local herbs.

 Best Way to Eat It:
 As a side dish with Thukpa or Zan.
 With steamed rice for a delicious local meal.

5. Smoked Meat – The Tribal Protein Powerhouse

 Best Found In: Ziro, Pasighat, Along

 Why Try?
✅ Traditional Arunachali tribes smoke meat for long preservation.
✅ Smoked pork or beef is cooked with bamboo shoots, chilies, and herbs.
✅ Delicious smoky flavor, slow-cooked to perfection.

 Best Versions to Try:
 Pika Pila (Apatani Smoked Pork with Pickle).
 Smoked Beef Stew with Local Herbs.

6. Lukter – Spicy Arunachali Beef Jerky

 Best Found In: Itanagar, Tawang, Ziro

 Why Try?
✅ Thinly sliced, air-dried beef, served with Bhut Jolokia chili.
✅ A must-try for spice lovers!
✅ Perfect snack with rice beer (Apong).

 Best Served With:
 Bhut Jolokia (Ghost Pepper) & Bamboo Shoot Chutney.
 Locally brewed rice beer.

7. Pika Pila – The Apatani Tribe’s Favorite Pickle

 Best Found In: Ziro Valley

 Why Try?
✅ A famous pickle made from pork fat, bamboo shoots & king chilies.
✅ Adds a smoky, spicy punch to any meal.
✅ Locally fermented for weeks to enhance the flavors.

 Best Way to Eat It:
 With smoked meat & steamed rice.
 As a side dish with Apatani meals.

8. Momos – Arunachal’s All-Time Favorite Snack

 Best Found In: Tawang, Bomdila, Itanagar

 Why Try?
✅ Steamed or fried dumplings stuffed with meat, cheese, or vegetables.
✅ Soft, juicy & packed with flavors.
✅ Served with fiery red chili sauce & chutney.

 Best Variations to Try:
 Yak Cheese Momos – A local Monpa specialty.
 Buff Momos – Juicy dumplings filled with spiced buffalo meat.

9. Rice Beer (Apong) – The Traditional Drink of Arunachal

 Best Found In: Ziro, Pasighat, Along

 Why Try?
✅ A naturally fermented rice beer, enjoyed by all Arunachali tribes.
✅ Mild, refreshing, and perfect with traditional food.
✅ Hand-brewed using bamboo & tribal fermentation techniques.

 Best Versions to Try:
 Zan Apong – A smoky rice beer from Ziro.
 Adi Tribe’s Apong – Made using special medicinal herbs.

10. Pehak – Fermented Soybean Chutney

 Best Found In: Ziro, Itanagar

 Why Try?
✅ A spicy and tangy chutney made from fermented soybeans & chilies.
✅ Pairs perfectly with rice, smoked meat & bamboo dishes.
✅ A signature dish of the Apatani community.

 Best Served With:
 Steamed rice & boiled vegetables.
 Smoked pork for a rich, flavorful meal.