A Palate for Pickles and more!

Shillong, rather the entire central Meghalaya is famous for it's various kinds of pickles and local cuisines. 

The local Khasi and Garo tribesmen make pickles from 'Shnutki' (dried fish), Bamboo-shoots, Berries, Mangoes and a sour fruit called 'Soyum', which is cultivated locally. They make pickles from all sorts of fruits. And these pickles are a significant part of their food habit. A strong smelling 'Tungtoh' made from fermented beans and 'Tungtap', a variant of dry fish, are two of the most popular forms of local pickles.

Jars of Pickles on display in a shop at Police Bazar, Shillong

The Khasi people complete their breakfast with rice and tea with pickle. Then they take their supper in the evening. This is the main food of the day and consists of 'Doh-Snam', meat and rice cooked separately or 'Ja-Doh', meat and rice cooked together, complemented with tea, and pickle. Lastly, they dine lightly in night, usually with fruits and alcohol.

Among the other local cuisines preparations of fish and meat particularly pork is a delicacy. A variety of pork items like 'Ja-Doh', 'Doh-Khleh', 'Doh-Jem', 'Doh-Snam' are prepared in a traditional way to savour your taste buds . Chicken, fresh fish and beef too are on the list of mouth watering dishes, prepared in a unique style different from usual curries.

If you are ever in Shillong, do try out these cuisines to add a different taste to your trip. There is Kowloon, a reasturant in Maulki Bazar where you can have good local and continental cuisines for moderate price. Also for fast foods, there are Subway and KFC outlets in Police Bazar, which are very popular among the youngsters.