Arunachal Pradesh, with its rich cultural heritage, offers a unique and diverse cuisine. The state is renowned for its traditional and authentic cooking methods, which feature highly nutritious ingredients. It stands at the forefront in India when it comes to the extensive array of fermented vegetables, beverages, and meats, along with a variety of other fermented products. Here are some popular must-try dishes when visiting the state.

Amin of Galo

The Galos, one of Arunachal Pradesh's 25 major tribes belonging to the Tani clan, are scattered across the region, including Upper Subansiri, Siang, East Siang, and predominantly West Siang and Shi-Yomi districts. Their major festival, Mopin, is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Among their distinct culinary offerings, amin is a beloved dish preferred by everyone, whether during festivities or everyday meals. Amin is a porridge-like dish made with rice, chopped meat, tender bones, and the delightful aroma of ginger. It is easily digestible and packed with nutritional value.

Piike of the Apatani

The Apatanis, another major tribe under the Tani clans, are known for their humility and strong sense of community. They reside in the Lower Subansiri district, famous for the Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, and primarily inhabit the picturesque Ziro Valley, renowned for the Ziro Festival. Piike Pilla holds a significant place in Apatani households, with its ingredients readily available and consumed daily. The dish is made from the key component, which is Pilla, a liquid crafted from the ashes of dried banana peels or other organic materials, combined with smoked pork (preferably) or Mithun skin or fat, and bamboo shoots. It is believed that the longer the ingredients age, the more savoury the Piike Pila dish becomes. This dish is a staple in every Apatani household, enjoyed daily and during dinner parties and major festivals like Myoko and Dree.

Chambai of the Miju and Digaru Mishmis

Chambai is a nutritious dish that offers substantial benefits. It is a type of rice ball infused with the flavours of sesame, ginger, garlic, and shredded meat, served alongside a soup made from the boiled meat. According to locals, this dish, passed down by their forefathers, was designed to provide fullness without the need for extra culinary effort, offering ample nourishment for a day of labour and farming. Chambai is a traditional dish of the Miju and Digaru Mishmis, part of the larger Mishmi tribe. These tribes, including Miju and Digaru Mishmis in Lohit and Anjaw districts, celebrate their main festivals, such as Tamla-du and Idu Mishmi in Dibang Valley and Lower Dibang Valley, marked by Reh and Keh-me-ha festivities.

Putang of the Monpa

Putang is one of the favourite foods among the Monpas. It is created with sundried buckwheat grains that are pounded into a fine powder, kneaded into a paste with the proper consistency to prevent crumbling, and then cooked in boiling water. After the kneaded mixture is formed into a noodle-like structure and boiled in water, the noodles are taken out and dried in the sun to produce the sliced noodles known as the Putang.

The Monpas are currently the only known nomadic tribe in Arunachal Pradesh. They inhabit the West Kameng and Tawang districts, relying primarily on their cattle for sustenance. Due to their cattle-herding lifestyle, many community members travel frequently (mostly to colder and more habitable environments). Hence, their diet is centred around dairy products, predominantly yak and fermented foods, as well as cereals, which provide both sustenance and warmth.

Arunachal Pradesh's cuisine is rich in tradition and reflects the creativity of the people who have created it over many generations. The state offers a diverse range of traditional foods, each with its unique characteristics and significance. The food is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious as a result of the use of regional ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. As you embark on a journey to Arunachal Pradesh, be sure to explore and savour these must-try traditional foods.

For more food exploration in Arunachal Pradesh, check out What to Eat when you are on the Streets of Arunachal Pradesh