North East India is a region of huge cultural and geographical contrast that is home to some of the most beautiful sceneries in the country, a wealth of history and tradition, and some of the most delicious food you are ever likely to taste. Food tourism across this region is more than just a culinary journey where one gets to taste meals but also gets to feel the culture behind the meals. From Assam, the rice dishes to Naga the meat curries; North East India cuisine is as diverse as its population.
If you’re going to visit this region of India either with the help of the best India tours or any other chosen holiday packages in India, don’t forget about the gastronomic tour that will make your taste buds desire more. Whether you are a single traveler, on a group tour package, or on a couple tour package in India, the food of North East India will be the highlight of your tour.
Assam: The state of fragrant rice and tea
The local food that is most commonly eaten here is rice which is taken with fish, meat, or vegetable curry. Among the foods, it is recommended to try the Assamese Thali, which is a plate containing such dishes as dal, khar – a dish made with raw papaya and pulses, tenga – a sour fish dish, pitika – mashed potatoes or vegetables. These dishes can be easily identified as well-known subtle and yet rich in taste Assamese food.
For instance, if you have opted for a family tour package that has taken you to the tea estates of Assam, then taking an Assamese meal is recommendable. Most of the India tour packages have cultural tours and the food tours entailed in them hence giving you the full feel of the region.
Nagaland: Heat and Smoke Nations
Nagaland is a paradise for people who like to taste spicy and healthy food. The state’s food dominates non-vegetarian food, especially pork; use of bamboo shoots, raja mircha (king chili), and fermented items. Among all the dishes, Smoked Pork with Bamboo Shoots is one of the most famous and it has a very specific taste: the smoke of pork and the earthy taste of bamboo shoots.
If one is on a shoestring budget tour package in India, shopping for local markets in Kohima or Dimapur offers the best of Nagaland without having to splurge. The food sold on the streets is very cheap and tasty and therefore it is an ideal place for people who are in a hurry and also those who want to eat a lot of food at a budgeted cost.
Meghalaya: A fusion of flavors
Meghalaya, also known as the ‘The abode of clouds’, is a state that is diverse in its food as it is in its climate. The Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia tribes are the masters of this food genre here, as each of them has its own way of preparing food. Jadoh is a Khasi rice dish with pork and turmeric, black sesame, and some other spices.
Meghalaya is a perfect place for a luxury North India tour where you can see the scenic beauty of places like Shillong and Cherrapunji. You can savor the Khasi delicacies at one of the many resorts. The combination of the food and the quality of the produce that is used in the preparation of the foods make every meal in Meghalaya a joy.
Mizoram: The Simplicity is at its Best
The food habits of the people of Mizoram are quite simple and rather health-conscious as is evident from the culinary delicacies of the state. The food here is not as hot as in other states of North Eastern India and is mostly cooked by steaming or boiling. Bai is prepared with boiled vegetables and small amount of pork or other meat and a bamboo shoot. Another special dish is Vawksa Rep which is pork smoked and cooked with mustard leaves.
For those on a solo tour package in India, Mizoram is perfect because one can get simple homemade meals without much hustle and bustle. The capital city of Aizawl provides an excellent starting point with a plethora of small restaurants that specialize in authentic Mizo cuisine.
Manipur: The Spicing of Our Lives
The food of Manipur is extraordinarily spiced and flavored with a preference for fresh and organic food. The state’s major food crop is rice and this comes with a variety of prepared relishes from vegetables, fish, and meat from the leaves. Eromba, a preparation of mashed vegetables, fermented fish, and chilies should not be missed. Another area specialty is Singju, a spicy salad that is prepared using finely chopped vegetables, herbs, and ngari, a fermented fish.
The markets of Manipur are very colorful and one can find the best of the fresh fruits and vegetables, not to speak of the local delicacies. When on a cultural tour in India or on a heritage tour package, getting to Manipur gives one an insight into the cultures and particularly their dishes.
Arunachal Pradesh: Tribal Foods Interwined
Arunachal Pradesh has many tribes and each tribe has its own specialty in food culture and preferences. This food is quite similar to that of the Tibetans and the people of Bhutan and consists mainly of soups, stews, and fermented foods. Thukpa is a noodle soup with meat and vegetables and Zan is a millet porridge.
An usual North India tour package that may include a visit to Arunachal Pradesh will not only afford the tourist a picturesque view of the Eastern Himalayas; but also the culinary adventure that is a product of the various tribes in the state. The dishes served here are usually plain but filling and this makes it quite home-like for everyone.
The food culture of North East India is as rich and colorful as the region’s culture and geography. Every state is characterized by a specific approach to cooking that is based on the historical and geographical settings of the region. When you are in Delhi on the Shimla Manali tour package or when you are in the North East on a heritage tour in India, do not forget to taste the delicious cuisines of this area.