Tura (Meghalaya), Dec 6: The Me’gong Festival 2025 has been a treat for the senses, and the Great Garo Hills Cook Off was the pièce de resistance. This spectacular culinary competition brought together 11 passionate home chefs, each showcasing the rich flavors and traditions of Meghalaya’s indigenous cuisine.
The judges were spoiled for choice as they sampled dishes that were both deeply rooted in tradition and creatively reimagined for a modern palate. Nambie Jessica Marak, the runner-up of MasterChef India Season 8, was impressed by the contestants’ ingenuity in combining local ingredients with modern techniques. “These ingredients are symbols of our lost heritage,” she noted, “and festivals like Me’gong bring them back into the spotlight.”
For Tatiline A. Sangma from Tura, the Cook Off was an opportunity to share the flavors of her childhood, while Seema R Sangma from Jengjal celebrated her roots with every dish. The competition was fierce, but the real winners were the people of Meghalaya, who got to see their culinary traditions showcased on a grand stage.
The Me’gong Festival’s culinary landscape was a sensory delight, with stalls offering a range of traditional snacks, beverages, and ice cream. The festival’s emphasis on local flavors and ingredients was a testament to the region’s rich culinary heritage. As the festival continues to celebrate music, art, and culture, the Great Garo Hills Cook Off was a highlight that will be remembered for a long time.
