Visiting Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh? Eat these breakfasts
What's the story
Tawang, a remote town in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, India, holds a special culinary secret: its street breakfasts are a delight for food adventurers.
This article delves into the monastic influences on Tawang's cuisine and highlights the must-try dishes that will start your day with warmth and flavor.
Monastery mornings
A taste of tradition
The lanes around Tawang Monastery are bustling with activity every morning as vendors prepare their stalls.
One of the hottest sellers is thukpa. This Tibetan noodle soup has become a comfort food for many in Tawang.
At ₹50 a bowl, it's a steal. You get a filling meal of veggies, all flavored with local spices and herbs.
Indigenous ingredients
Local flavors unveiled
A hearty alternative for breakfast is zan, a traditional porridge prepared from millet or barley flour.
Cooked with fermented cheese and often combined with green vegetables, zan delivers a distinctively tangy taste that sets it apart in Tawang's culinary scene.
At around ₹40 a serving, it offers a nutritious and affordable way to start your day.
Sugar rush
Sweet beginnings
If you have a sweet tooth, you can't miss out on khapsey.
These deep-fried pastries come in various shapes and sizes, and are absolutely delicious.
Paired with butter tea or black tea, khapsey is not just breakfast but a snack you can enjoy all day.
And, at ₹30 for a small packet, it's a cheap way to treat yourself.
Butter tea breaks
Sipping on tradition
No trip to Tawang is complete without experiencing the unique flavor of butter tea at breakfast.
This salty drink, prepared with tea leaves, butter, and salt, offers a welcome source of warmth on cold mornings and has been a staple of Tibetan culture for hundreds of years.
And, at a mere ₹20 a cup, it's not just heartwarming, but also super cheap.
Navigating nooks
Practical tips for foodies
To truly immerse yourself in Tawang's bustling street breakfast culture, you'll need to embrace the early bird mentality.
Most food stalls raise their shutters by 6 a.m. and can sell out of their delicacies as early as 9 a.m.
Carrying small change is a smart move, as many vendors operate without electronic payment options, making transactions easier for both parties.