MildApatani Thali
Non-vegA traditional Apatani plate of rice with smoked meat or fish (often raised in the paddies), boiled greens, bamboo shoot and the fermented flavourings of the valley kitchen.
₹150–350
Best around: Hong village and Ziro
Eat in Ziro
What to Eat in Ziro Today?
Search Ziro dishes by craving — apatani thali, apong (rice beer), bamboo shoot curry and more.
Apatani food is simple, low in oil and built on what the valley grows: rice, fish from the rice fields, greens, bamboo shoot and smoked meat. Flavour comes from fermentation, chilli and a traditional plant-ash salt.
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Diet
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5 Ziro dishes found
Mild
Apong (Rice Beer)
VegThe traditional Apatani rice beer, brewed at home and central to hospitality and festivals — served with smoked snacks (enjoy responsibly).
₹50–200
Best around: Hong village
Medium spiceBamboo Shoot Curry
VegFermented bamboo shoot cooked with local herbs and chillies — a defining tangy flavour of the Apatani and Northeast kitchen.
₹100–220
Best around: Hapoli
MildMomos
Non-vegSteamed dumplings with pork, chicken or vegetable filling and a fiery chutney — the ubiquitous Himalayan snack, warming in the cool valley.
₹60–180
Best around: Hapoli and Ziro
Medium spicePika Pila
Non-vegA tangy Apatani pickle-like side of fermented bamboo shoot with pork fat and king chilli — a pungent accompaniment to the rice plate.
₹40–120
Best around: Hapoli
The Apatani plate
A traditional meal is a mound of rice with boiled greens, a bowl of broth, something smoked, and a sharp chutney on the side. The fish in many dishes comes from the rice fields themselves, raised alongside the crop. Food is boiled, steamed or smoked far more often than fried, so it tastes clean and earthy. The Apatani thali on menus is a version of this plate.
Dishes and flavours to know
- Pike pila — a pungent chutney of bamboo shoot, pork fat and chilli, eaten in small amounts with rice. It is strong, and locals love it.
- Bamboo shoot — fresh or fermented, it gives a sour, funky taste to curries and broths.
- Smoked pork and fish — hung over the kitchen fire for days, then cooked with greens or chilli.
- Plant-ash salt — the Apatani traditionally make salt by burning certain plants and filtering the ash, and some homes still cook with it.
- Momos — every café has them, as a quick, safe option.
- Rice beer — home-brewed, mild and served to guests and at festivals.
For vegetarians
Traditional Apatani food is meat- and fish-heavy, but boiled greens, bamboo shoot dishes, rice and dal are easy to find. Say clearly that you do not eat meat or fish, since stocks and chutneys often contain them.
Eating in homes
If you stay in a homestay, you will almost certainly be fed the family's food. It is the best meal you will have in Ziro. Rice beer may be offered; it is fine to refuse politely.
Where to eat
Hapoli has most of the restaurants and cafés. See where to eat in Ziro.
Questions
Ziro — FAQ
What is pike pila?
A strong Apatani chutney of bamboo shoot, pork fat and chilli. It is eaten a little at a time with rice. Try a small amount first.
Is Apatani food spicy?
The main dishes are mild and low in oil. The chilli is in the chutneys, which you add yourself.
Do they really raise fish in the rice fields?
Yes. Many Apatani families raise small fish in the flooded fields alongside the rice, and those fish end up in local dishes.