WELCOME TO MEGHALAYA TALES
Discover Meghalaya Through Travel, Culture, Food, and People
We explore everything about Meghalaya -- its destinations, culture cuisines, travel experiences and the people who make it unique.
Dis
About Meghalaya
Nestled in the northeastern part of India, Meghalaya, often called the “Abode of Clouds,” is a land of mesmerizing natural beauty and vibrant cultural heritage. Home to lush green hills, cascading waterfalls, and living root bridges, it offers breathtaking landscapes that captivate visitors. the state’s rich cultural tapestry is woven with traditions of the Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia tribes, celebrated through colorful festivals, indigenous music, and dance. Meghalaya’s pristine environment, combined with its warm and hospitable people, makes it unique and enchanting destination for those seeking an immersive experience in nature and culture.
The indigenous tribes, primarily the Khasis, Garos, and Jaintias, each have their distinct traditions, languages, and customs. Meghalaya’s culture is deeply rooted in matrilineal society, where lineage and inheritance are traced through women. Traditional music and dance, such as the Nongkrem dance of the Khasis and Wangala festival of the Garos, play a significant role in their cultural expression. The state is also famous for its vibrant festivals, intricate bamboo and cane crafts, and the unique living root bridges, which symbolize the harmonious relationship between the people and nature.
Meghalaya’s traditional food is diverse and rich in flavors, featuring dishes like Khasi “Jadoh” (rice with meat), Garo “Nakham Bitchi” (spicy dried fish soup), and Jaintia “Ki Kpu” (rice cake). Utilizing local herbs, bamboo shoots, and fermented ingredients, the cuisine reflects the state’s deep connection to nature and indigenous culture.
A daily Khasi meal, neatly packaged in aluminum foil, features fragrant steamed rice paired with tender beef curry, rich with local spices. Accompanied by a side of pungent fermented fish chutney, it offers a flavorful taste of Meghalayan cuisine, blending savory delights in a convenient and traditional presentation.
Jadoh, a Khasi specialty, features aromatic rice cooked with pork or chicken, seasoned with turmeric and garnished with ginger, onions, and cilantro. Served alongside fish ball fried potatoes and a refreshing cucumber salad mixed with nutty till seeds, it offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, showcasing Meghalaya’s culinary richness.
Bimbimpab, Khasi-style, a unique dish crafted exclusively in my household, blends Korean influences with Meghalaya’s local flavors. Featuring stir-fried vegetables like ferns and bamboo shoots over steamed rice, seasoned with our family’s secret spices. Topped with a fried egg, it’s a personal culinary creation celebrating our cultural fusion.”