Bomdila is a town that is highly influenced by Tibetan culture. The people are spiritual and practice Buddhism and Hinduism. The main tribes here are Monpa, Miji, Aka, and Kiowa.
The Monpa tribal are cultivators and hunters. They grow paddy, maize, wheat, and buckwheat. They use many meat, fish, maize, soya beans, barley, homemade cheese, and local vegetables in their food. Many of the dishes are simple to prepare but are slow-cooked for several hours. The clothes they wear are bright and colorful, roughly woven, and perfect for the cool weather. The men's caps are decorated with tassels and lace.
The Miji tribe is much smaller in number, and they are thought to have Burmese roots, although there are no records of their origins. The women are considered to be very elegant and dance beautifully.
The facial tattoos characterize the Aka tribe on the faces of the women. The tattooing is done on young girls before they reach puberty. It is done as a straight line from below the forehead to the chin.
In Bomdila, you can get a variety of tasty and nutritious food with many different influences. The roadside eateries are the best place to get a hearty Thukpa, a one-dish noodle soup with vegetables and meat. You can also get freshly steamed dumplings stuffed with cabbage, pork, or chicken