Xiro Valley also known as Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh is famous for its green hills, rice fields, pine forests and unique tribal culture. But if you are a food lover then this place can provide you an interesting experience of traditional Arunachali food. The food here is a lot different from other regions. Instead of a lot spices local cuisine uses fresh vegetables, rice, meat, fish, bamboo shoots and fermented ingredients.

Rice: Important part of Local food

In Ziro Valley rice is just not a staple food it’s a major part of local lifestyle and farming culture. The beautiful rice fields of the valley represents the Apatani community traditional farming practices.

A typical local meal can contain steamed rice with vegetable, meat, fish or many more local preparations. The use of spices are less comparatively to other regions that is why you can clearly feel the original taste of ingredients.

 

Apong: Traditional Rice Drink

Every time we talk about the food culture of Arunachal Pradesh Apong is mentioned as it holds a cultural importance among some communities. It is a traditional rice based fermented drink.

This drink can be a part of festivals, celebrations and social gatherings. If you ever visit the valley, you should try it as to feel connected to that cultural experience.

 The unique taste of Bamboo Shoot

In the Northeast Cuisine bamboo shoot is a popular traditional ingredient. It has an earthly and tangy flavour and is used in vegetables, meat or other local dishes. If you are trying the Northeastern food for the first time then bamboo-based dish will be a completely different culinary experience.

 Smoked and Fermented Food

One of the specialities of northeastern food is smoking and fermentation. Traditional methods are used to preserve ingredients or develop flavours into them. Another traditional food of Arunachal Pradesh is smoked meat. Meat is preserved with traditional smoking method.

Pika Pila- Apatani Traditional Pickle

Pika Pila is a traditional pickle of Apatani community. It is generally prepared with ingredients like bamboo shoot and chillies.

It has a spicy, tangy and fermented taste. It is enjoyed along with rice or other local meals. If you like spicy and unusual pickles then you must try this when you visit.

Chura Sabji-Local Cheese Flavour

Chura Sabji is an interesting dish among the traditional foods of Arunachal Pradesh. It consist of locally prepared fermented cheese which is also known as Chura in local language is cooked along with chillies and vegetables.

Fermented cheese is the reason that this dish has a distinctive taste and can only be found in this region and it taste different from a normal Indian vegetable.

Why is food here special?

The food at Ziro Valley is unique because it has a strong connection with local agriculture, nature and Apatani lifestyle. From rice fields to bamboo shoots and vegetable everything is locally grown and connected directly to the environment.

The food here does not depend heavily on spices. Instead, fermentation, smoking, chillies, herbs and cooking techniques create a different flavour which makes it special.

 Final Thoughts

If you are visiting Ziro Valley, make sure to explore the local cuisine of Arunachal Pradesh. It provides you an opportunity to connect with the culture and lifestyle of the people living there.

To truly experience a destination, you must discover the flavours of that region too because that help you in keeping that trip memorable.