If you start your cultural and culinary search in a country like India, you will never run out of versatility. Each state defines its own character in a very vibrant way. There are many states in India that have the Himalayan Range in them. Arunachal Pradesh is perhaps the most underrated one. The state is surrounded by countries like China, Bhutan, Mayanmar, and states like Assam and Nagaland. It has rich and diverse cultures along with stunning natural surroundings. The state has many tribal regions. The rich cultural legacy of Arunachal Pradesh is reflected in its cuisine.
While non-vegetarian dishes are prominent in the state's cuisine, traditional vegetarian foods are also an integral part of the diet. The dishes are wholesome in itself due to their subtle taste. You can easily identify an Arunachali dish while having it. Let's look at some of the classic vegetarian dishes from Arunachal Pradesh that you really must try.
10 Traditional Vegetarian Foods In Arunachal Pradesh
Lite
This is actually one of the easiest recipes in Arunachal Pradesh to make your Arunachali food experiment better! This is essentially a baked or fried rice cake that is eaten with curry made with dal, or veggies. Travellers from all around the world choose Lite for all of their meals because of its adaptability.
Mala Roti
Mala roti is a popular dish in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. Sweet rice is used to make the bread, which is shaped like a ring and deep-fried. Cardamom and cloves are examples of spices that can impart flavour to the dish.
Bamboo Shoot Delicacies
In Arunachal Pradeshi cooking, bamboo shoots can be found in a wide range of foods, from pickles to veggies. To give the shoots a tasty and spicy flavour, they are finely chopped, shredded, and seasoned. Due to its adaptability, this component can be used in a variety of recipes. Bamboo shoot, in general, enhances the taste of a number of dishes.
Chutney Byak
Dal bhaat, which is a rice and dal dish that is typically eaten with byak, a chutney or side dish. This meal is prepared with Thai aubergine that has been cooked or roasted. After that, to add a sour taste, it is mixed with ginger, red chillies, and a few other herbs. This is a go-to side dish for native Arunachalis. If you are travelling to Arunachal Pradesh for the very first time, add this to your food list.
Chura Sabji
This is a spicy yet tasty sabji curry made with fermented cheese made from either cow's milk or yak milk and vegetables. The flakes and a few pieces of King chilly are also a must-have ingredient. This meal offers a noticeable change from the typical subdued tastes of Arunachal's food. Chura sabji is a beloved dish for those who enjoy a little heat in their meals.
Pehak
Pehak is a spicy chutney made from fermented soya beans and red chillies. This is often served with rice. The inclusion of King Chilly gives it a hot and tangy flavour, which makes it a perfect side dish to complement plain rice. Pehak's robust taste highlights the innovative use of food fermentation in Arunachal Pradesh.
Kharzi
Arunachal Pradesh is a state where the locals are more towards fermenting their food items to preserve them for a longer period. The fermentation also helps to improve the flavours of the foods. Another Arunachali treat is kharzi, which is comprised of fermented cheese, rice, carrots, spring onions, chillis, and a few other things. There are many different ways to prepare Kharzi in this state, but if you want to try the real deal, you need to go to a Monpa tribe home.
Bresi
Bresi is a delicious and popular sweet dish from Itanagar, Tawang, and other happening places in Arunachal Pradesh. It consists of rice, sugar, and dried fruits with melted butter drizzled on top. You can usually experience this sweet during festivals like Diwali and other local celebrations.
Puta
Puta is a noodle-based dish that is highly appreciated and taken by the locals. This one is an easy-to-go food item that is made with buckwheat noodles, fermented soybeans, spring onions, chives, chillis, and garlic. It pairs well with Apong or Apo, an alcoholic beverage prepared from fermented rice. Do not forget to savour this dish as an evening snack if you are visiting Arunachal.
Koat Pitha
Koat pitha is a popular sweet dish in Arunachal Pradesh, made from jaggery, banana, flour, mustard oil, and water. The ingredients are mixed into a thick batter and deep-fried until golden brown. Resembling donuts, these sweet fritters have a unique flavour, thanks to the use of mustard oil. Koat pitha is an excellent way to end a meal on a sweet note.
Arunachal Pradesh's traditional vegetarian foods offer a delightful culinary journey. These dishes reflect the state's rich cultural heritage and the innovative use of local ingredients. From the unique Iite to the sweet Koat Pitha, each dish provides a taste of the region's diverse and flavourful cuisine. Exploring these vegetarian delights is a must for anyone visiting this beautiful state.