15 must try food in Tawang
There is a great deal of things one can say about a place just by having a meal there. People of a place eat their food in accordance to the environment and culture of that place. The Monpas of Andhra Pradesh are fans of spicy food because it helps keep their body warm. A substantial amount of chillies are used in the preparation of their dishes. Fermented Cheese, especially yak cheese, can be seen in numerous Monpa dishes. Their staple food includes millets, rice, barley, wheat, buckwheat and other pulses. Vegetables like potatoes, cabbage, lettuce, pumpkin, dried local mushrooms and, of course, chillies are also common.
15 MUST TRY FOOD IN TAWANG
Lukter
Made with meat, another of their staple foods, Lukter is a thin slice of meat, cooked over charcoal. It is roasted along with chillies and chilli paste is added after the meat is done cooking. Bhut Jolokia or king chilli or ghost pepper, is a special chilli which is added to the meat and this is what gives this dish a distinct flavour. This chilli is one of the most spiciest chilli in the world. People commonly consume Lutkar with rice.
Chura Sabji
A curry dish made with fermented yak or cow’s milk is a perfect mixture. The exquisite blend of spiciness of the curry and fine buttery sweet taste of cheese This again uses the Bhut Jolokia chilli. some vegetables are also added to the curry to enhance its taste. Give it a try with some rice or soup and you will know one of the best dishes in the world.
Momo
This has not remained a new term for us. I am sure most of us have had momos and it has become one of our favourite dishes. We get it almost everywhere now. However, the true taste and authenticity is in the momos that you will eat in Tawang. There are both vegetarian and non vegetarian options served with soup or chutney.
Pika Pila
Now let us have a look at the accompaniment of the dishes of Arunachal Pradesh. Pika Pila is one of the bet options for that. Relish a savoury pickle made with bamboo shoots, Bhut Jolokia chilli (of course) and pork fat. This spicy and sour pickle goes with most of the dishes of Tawang. It beautifully sits will every flavour. It is regularly devoavoured by the Apatani Tribe with their meals.
Apong
What better than a drink to match with such finger licking dishes of Tawang! Have this amazing drink called Apong. Made by fermenting rice, this drink will go with all the dishes of Arunachal Pradesh. Many other Indian states have tried to make an alternative to this drink but not any of them is quiet like Apong. It has a very subtle taste and is also very refreshing.
Arak
Made by fermented millet, maize, rice or barley. it is a strong alcoholic drink which is normally enjoyed in the evenings. It goes very well with all the Arunachal Pradesh dishes but is also best served with chicken dishes. It is commonly served hot.
Marua
This is a very simple drink, nothing fancy like Arak or Apong, but is usually made on special occasions by the Monpas. Just like Apong, Marua is made by fermenting millet. This too is an alcoholic drink.
Koat pitha
Having any sweet dish always gives a very homely and comforting feel. This sweet dish is simple and subtle yet one of the most famous dishes in Tawang. One can compare this dish with doughnuts. It is a mixture of banana, jaggery, rice flour, water to form a thick batter. Later, this batter is converted into smaller balls and deep-fried in mustard oil. The mustard oil does give a unique taste to this dish.
Khura
Gyapa-khazi
It is just like a biryani or pulao, but Monpa style. This dish is a perfect mixture of all the favourite and staple foods of Tawang. Rice, chilly, fermented cheese, ginger, butter, dried fish and many more such things are added to this dish. You should never miss a single chance you get to have this dish.
Thukpa
This too is one of the most common dishes consumed by the Monpa on a routine basis. It is a noodle soup mixed with chills, vegetables and meat. There also exists another Tukpa which is called the dheb-thupka. In dheb thupka, rice is used. Another Thupka, called the Ashum thupka is made with beans, maize and millet.
Bresi
One can compare this with Kheer, a traditional Indian sweet made with rice, milk and sugar. However, Bresi is made with cooked rice by adding melted butter and garnished with sugar, raisins and other dry fruits. the flavours perfectly complement each other.
Puta
TsizinKyola
Khazi
Recommended places to eat in Tawang
Dharma Coffee House
If you are a coffee lover, this coffee place is like heaven for you. You will taste some of the best coffee in the country, here. The food here is also some of the best you will ever have. This place also has a big collection of books on many topics, most include His Highness Dalai Lama. The ambience here is very welcoming. You can also have pizzas, and fast food here. You must by all odds visit this place if you are in Tawang. You will find this place on your way to Tawang Monastery, Upper Gompa Road.
Call- +91 84160 53711
Visit- https://dharma-coffee-house-and-library.business.site/
Hotel Mon-Valley
This hotel is where you can have the most authentic and comforting food in all of Tawang. All the original and best dishes of Arunachal Pradesh are served here. You can have Indian, Tibetan and Asian food here. It is also a very pocket friendly and children friendly place.
Call- +91 3794 222 119
Visit- http://www.facebook.com/HOTEL-Mon-Valley-1633839243562011/
Sno-Yak Restaurant
In this restaurant as well, you will be served with original and delicious food of Tawang. The prices here are also very fair. When you visit here, do not forget to try their momos, which are available in veg as well as non veg. You can have Chinese, Indian, Asian and Tibetan food here.
Call- +91 70857 22289
Visit- http://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Hotel/Snow-Hill-Tawang-1106064882764521
The Dragon
It would be a sin not to go to Tawang and not visit this restaurant. This is one of the most popular locations in the entire Arunachal Pradesh. It serves some of the best dishes in Arunachal Pradesh. The portion per serving is sufficient and the prices are also justified. You can have Chinese, Indian, Asian, Tibetan food here. Just make sure you visit here before 7pm as the restaurant closes on 7:30 pm.
Call- +91 3794 224 475
Visit- https://www.tripadvisor.in/Restaurant_Review-g858483-d2346787-Reviews-The_Dragon-Tawang_Tawang_District_Arunachal_Pradesh.html
Food of a place can define its culture, authenticity and of course the lifestyle of that particular place. It would be a fail visiting and not having the staple food of that place. The food here includes some of the best in the country. Tawang and Arunachal Pradesh in general, has so much to offer in terms of culture as well as food. The dishes of this state still remain undiscovered by many.
FAQs
Which is famous food in Arunachal Pradesh?
Chura Sabji is the dish that is loved by all in Arunachal Pradesh.
What is food culture in Arunachal Pradesh?
The staple food of Arunachal Pradesh includes rice and meat.
What is the famous sweet dish of Arunachal Pradesh?
- Bresi, made with rice and melted butter, is the most famous sweet of Arunachal Pradesh.
What is the traditional food of the state of Andhra Pradesh?
Pulihora, made with green chillies and tamarind rice, is the traditional food of Andhra Pradesh.
Is Andhra food spicy?
Food in Andhra Pradesh is one of the spiciest foods in the Indian Subcontinent.
What do Andhra people eat for lunch?
People in Andhra Pradesh commonly have rice and curry.They also have meat with rice most noons.
What is special in Tawang?
The 400-year-old Monastery is what Tawang is famous for. It is also the second biggest Monastery in the world.
What is Arunachal Pradesh famous food?
Chura Sabji is one of the most famous foods in Tawang and the entire Arunachal Pradesh.
Is alcohol available in Tawang?
Yes, alcohol is available in Tawang. it is much cheaper here as Arunachal Pradesh is a tax-free state.