Nestled in the scenic Chug Valley of Western Arunachal, Damu’s Heritage Dine is a charming restaurant. It is set within a centuries-old Monpa home and has recently been honoured with the International Responsible Tourism Award 2024. This is for its remarkable efforts in “Employing and Upskilling Local Communities.”
Preserving Monpa Heritage
The restaurant is administered by a women-led Self-Help Group (SHG) under the Arunachal Rural Livelihoods Mission and in partnership with the district government. The eatery places a strong emphasis on using ingredients that are produced locally from forests, supporting both economic sustainability and biodiversity. It is the only boutique restaurant of its sort on this well-traveled Arunachal Pradesh tourist route.
Located in an abandoned Monpa home that is a century old, Damu’s only accommodates 11 diners at a time. Hence, you require reservations made at least one day in advance. It offers a variety of cuisines that are indigenous to the Monpas. The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) India supports this to preserve the Monpas’ cultural and culinary traditions, in keeping with their overarching goal of fostering community conserved areas, or CCAs.
Additionally, Damu’s Heritage Dine sets a high standard for similar initiatives in the region. Its success in blending cultural preservation with community empowerment serves as a model for other projects aiming to achieve similar goals.
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What To Have At Damu’s Heritage Dine?
Damu’s multi-course meal appears to be a good place to start. Monpa recipes are available, some traditional and some updated with a modern touch. The delectable millet momos, stuffed with meat and seasonal local green, the buttery churra gombu, a corn pie filled with the fresh variety of the name-brand cheese, are among the starters. Tsa tsa thukpa, a hot bowl of boiling corn soup with tart fish-mint broth, comes next. Takto khazi and a plate of red rice with shya marku (yak meat cooked) are two of the major courses.
Moreover, the restaurant’s design pays homage to traditional Monpa aesthetics while incorporating modern amenities, creating a harmonious blend of the old and the new. This preservation effort extends beyond the building to the Monpa culinary traditions. The menu at Damu’s Heritage Dine features traditional Monpa dishes, prepared with recipes passed down through generations.
Damu’s Heritage Dine will undoubtedly remain a shining example of how cultural heritage and community development can go hand in hand. So, when are you visiting?
Cover image credits: Instagram/Damu’s Heritage Dine