About Khasi Cuisine
Khasi food is unlike anything else in India. Built around pork, red rice, and fermented ingredients — it\'s bold, earthy, and deeply satisfying. The Khasi people of Meghalaya have a matrilineal society, and their food reflects a culture largely untouched by outside influences. Expect minimal spice but maximum flavour. This is food that tells a story.
Khasi Dishes to Try

Jadoh
Must TryMain CourseThe crown jewel of Khasi cuisine. Red rice slow-cooked with pork or chicken, ginger, onion, and black sesame. Rich, earthy, and deeply satisfying — this is the dish that defines Meghalaya.
Dohneiiong
Must TryMain CoursePork cooked with black sesame seeds — one of the most iconic Khasi dishes. The sesame gives it a unique nutty, smoky depth unlike anything else in Indian cuisine.
Doh Khleh
Local FavouriteMain CourseA refreshing Khasi pork salad made with minced pork, onion, ginger, and chillies. Served cold — it's the perfect contrast to the heavier rice dishes.
Tungrymbai
AdventurousMain CourseFermented soybean paste — the Khasi version of miso. Strong, pungent, and absolutely addictive once you get used to it. Eaten with rice and pork.
Nakham Bitchi
WarmingMain CourseDried fish soup — a warming, umami-rich broth made with dried fish, ginger, and chillies. Perfect for cold Shillong evenings when the mist rolls in.
Pumaloi
TraditionalBreakfastSteamed rice powder — a traditional Khasi staple. Light, fluffy, and eaten with curries or chutneys. Often served at festivals and ceremonies.
Dohjem
Street FoodSnacks & Street FoodPork intestines cooked with ginger and onion. A street food favourite among locals. Not for the faint-hearted, but incredibly flavourful and authentic.
Minil Sohphie
SnackSnacks & Street FoodSticky rice cakes wrapped in banana leaves — a popular Khasi snack sold at markets and roadside stalls. Sweet, chewy, and perfect with tea.
Sohphie
SweetDesserts & DrinksA traditional Khasi sweet made from rice and jaggery. Served at festivals and special occasions. Mildly sweet with a pleasant chewy texture.
Kiad Um
DrinkDesserts & DrinksTraditional Khasi rice beer — mildly fermented, slightly sweet, and earthy. Brewed at home by Khasi families and served in bamboo cups at festivals.
Best Restaurants in Shillong
Trattoria
Must VisitRestaurant
Best Khasi thali in Shillong — Jadoh, Dohneiiong, Doh Khleh
Café Shillong
Must VisitCafé + Restaurant
Khasi food + great coffee + live music on weekends
Ri Kynmaw
Must VisitTraditional Restaurant
Authentic Khasi cuisine — Dohneiiong, Jadoh, Tungrymbai
Iewduh Market
Street Food Market
Local snacks, Dohjem, fresh produce, Minil Sohphie
Cloud 9
Café
Breakfast, sandwiches, coffee, and great views
Dylan's Café
Café
Bohemian vibe, great coffee, live music, local art
Food Tours with Markos
Let Bah Markos take you beyond the tourist trail — into the real food culture of Shillong.
Morning Market Food Walk
₹800/person"See Shillong wake up — the market is most alive at dawn"
Khasi Cuisine Deep Dive
₹1,500/person"The most comprehensive Khasi food experience in Shillong"
Street Food Evening Tour
₹600/person"Shillong's street food scene is electric after sunset"
Food Markets to Explore
Iewduh (Bara Bazar)
The largest traditional market in northeast India. A sensory overload of fresh produce, dried fish, local snacks, and Khasi street food.
Police Bazar Street Food
The heart of Shillong's street food scene. Momos, Jadoh, local snacks, and everything in between — especially lively in the evenings.
Mawphlang Village Market
A weekly rural market near the sacred forest. Locals sell foraged herbs, wild mushrooms, and traditional Khasi ingredients.
Laitumkhrah Morning Market
A neighbourhood morning market popular with locals. Fresh vegetables, eggs, and breakfast items — the real Shillong morning experience.
Markos Says
"Don\'t leave Shillong without trying Jadoh at Trattoria — it\'s where locals eat, not just tourists. And if you\'re brave, try Tungrymbai. It smells strong but tastes incredible with rice. I take all my guests there on the first day! For the real experience, come with me to Iewduh market at 7am — that\'s when Shillong is most alive."
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