Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian travellers can eat well in Meghalaya, from homely local restaurants to cafés and resort dining.
Meghalaya has a strong non-vegetarian food culture. Chicken and pork are especially easy to find, while mutton, fish and eggs are also common. Simple restaurants often serve rice with curry, vegetables and dal.
Vegetarian food is available in Shillong, Sohra and most tourist areas. Mixed restaurants commonly offer dal, rice, vegetables, paneer, potato dishes, roti, noodles, fried rice, dosa and other South Indian food. Shillong also has dedicated vegetarian restaurants; Jiva Veg in Police Bazaar and Orange Roots in Sohra are examples to verify before visiting.
If you can order vegetarian food from a kitchen that also cooks meat, you will have many more options. For a strict pure-vegetarian kitchen or cross-contamination concerns, identify suitable restaurants before travelling and confirm directly, particularly outside Shillong.
A busy, clean roadside or family-run restaurant can serve an excellent fresh meal at a fraction of a premium hotel price. Ask a local driver or host for current recommendations.
Many hotels and homestays include breakfast, such as bread and omelette, paratha, puri and sabzi, dosa, eggs, tea or coffee. Always confirm whether it is included. Our estimate assumes breakfast is often covered by the stay, but this is not guaranteed.
Food is not included in the transport quote and is not collected by us unless specifically stated.
Licensed liquor shops are available. Some brands may cost less at retail than in Bengaluru or Karnataka because alcohol pricing varies by state, but do not assume every product will be cheaper. Buy only from licensed outlets and follow local laws and accommodation rules.
Cherrapunji Eastern Craft Gin is produced in Meghalaya and is associated with local ingredients and the region. Expressions include the original gin and a Sohiong Berries expression; availability can change. Look for it only at licensed retailers or bars.
Non-vegetarian travellers generally have excellent variety. Vegetarian travel is manageable with planning, while strict pure-vegetarian travellers should plan restaurant stops. Families with children or elderly parents should keep meal timings predictable and avoid depending on late-night food in remote areas.
Non-vegetarian: excellent variety. Vegetarian: manageable with planning. Pure vegetarian: plan ahead. Local food: try homely restaurants, not only hotels. Premium dining: easiest in Shillong and better resorts. Local drink to look for: Cherrapunji Gin.
Review the practical guidance above, then continue to the relevant planner for dates, availability and an indicative estimate.