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.

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

This is a very popular snack. People normally have it with tea or coffee as a breakfast or an evening snack. It also goes very well with vegetable curry. It is like a Roti or a pancake made of buckwheat flour.

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

It is noodles, but the Monpa version. The noodles are made from buckwheat flour and can easily go with any vegetable or any other stew. Fermented cheese and chilli are also added to enhance the taste of the dish.

TsizinKyola

This dish is prepared by adding buckwheat to boiling water. This results in the creation of a thin paste which is best enjoyed with chamin.

Khazi

Maan- a vegetable not known by many is what is used in this dish. It is a kind of spring onion leaf and is a local vegetable in Tawang. Khazi is made by mixing cooked rice with finely chopped maan, further chamin is also added to create this beautiful dish.

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.