Shillong’s Best Cafés & Restaurant’s 2024

Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is a foodie’s paradise! The city offers a unique blend of traditional Khasi and Garo cuisine, influenced by its rich cultural heritage and geographic location. Here’s a food blog that highlights some of the must-try dishes and eateries in Shillong:

7 days Backpacking Trip | Kaziranga & Meghalaya

Must-try dishes:

1. Jadoh: A traditional Khasi dish made with rice, meat (usually pork or chicken), and a variety of spices.

2. Dohnei Ion U Mkhiew: A popular Khasi dish made with fermented fish, cooked with onions, chilies, and spices.

3. Mawa (Burning Rice): A traditional Garo dish made with rice, meat, and spices, cooked in a clay oven.

4. Smoked Pork: Smoked pork is a staple in Shillong, and you can find it at many street stalls and restaurants.

5. Mithuns (Bee Honey): Shillong is famous for its honey, harvested from bees that collect nectar from the region’s lush forests.

Street Food:

1. Momo Junction: Serves delicious momos (Tibetan dumplings) in a variety of flavours.

2. Jadoh Wangal: Offers traditional Khasi dishes like Jadoh and Doifa Pudeng.

3. Khang Pada: Serves a range of street food, including momos, noodles, and kebabs.

4. Cherra Market: This market is home to many street food stalls serving local delicacies like Mizo Momo and fried insects.

Non-Veg Family Restaurants:

1. The Mynt: Known for its unique fusion cuisine and cosy atmosphere.

2. City Hut Family Dhaba: Famous for authentic Indian food 

3. Ginger: This modern café serves a range of international and local dishes, including vegetarian and vegan options.

4. Eden: A multi cuisine restaurant with very tasty food

5. Laloo’s: Popular for its North Indian and Chinese dishes.

Pure Veg Family Restaurants:

1. Jiva veg restaurant: Multi cuisine veg restaurant known for its veg sizzler’s  & Chinese 
2. Madras Cafe: Known for its South Indian dishes & filter coffee
3. Sharma Bhojnalaya: Pure veg unlimited thalis 
4. Shaan Sweets and Snacks: Excellent North Indian food  
5. Mithaas: Multi cuisine pure veg restaurant 

Food Courts:

1. Hotel Centre Point Food Court: Offers a range of local and international cuisines, including Chinese, Indian, and fast food options.

2. Meghalaya Food Court: Serves a variety of local and regional dishes, including traditional Khasi and Garo cuisine.

3. Kim Pou Chinese Banquet: Serves a variety of Chinese, Tibetian and Pan Asian. 

Cafes:

1. Café Shillong: A popular spot for coffee and snacks, with a cosy atmosphere.

2. The Glenrock Café: Located in the heart of Shillong, this café serves a range of international and local dishes.

3. Tangku Café: Serves a range of coffee and snacks, with a focus on local ingredients and flavours.

4. Shillong Coffee House: Offers a range of coffee blends and snacks.

5. Glenburn Café: Serves a range of international and local dishes, including breakfast options.

6. Dylan’s Cafe: Known for its cosy ambiance & wide range of dishes. 

Khasi Eateries (Local Food) 

1. Trattoria: Authentic Khasi cuisine.
2. Nat Khasi Restaurant: Situated in the heart of Bara bazaar. The place serves delicious, very cheap and very authentic ethnic Khasi-Jaiñtia food.
3. Red Rice: This place is a gem for anyone looking to savour authentic Khasi Food
4. Pa’s Khasi Cuisine: If you’re looking for traditional khasi food it’s a good place. The food is really tasty and the service is fast ! 
5. Jadoh Stall: Try local khasi food here at iaphi jadoh stall, warm food and clean. Situated in Oakland Road 

Chinese and Pan Asian

1. Barbeque Chinese Restaurant: The food and ambience is very Good, Ask waiters for the best food options in the restaurant. 
2. Trelly: This small little restaurant is right by the Laban main road situated along Grace Covenant Church and offers a range of dishes. 
3. Hong Kong Restaurant: Among the better places for Chinese food. A must-try.
4. The Wok Restaurant: The Wok specialises in Asian cuisine, and each dish is a masterpiece. Nestled in a quiet corner of the city, The Wok Restaurant is a true gem for those seeking an authentic and delightful dining experience. 
5. The Wok La Chaumiere: A good place for Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. A small and cosy Pocket-friendly restaurant that has nice service. The quantity and quality of food is top notch.

Fast food 

1. Burger King
2. KFC 
3. Subway
4. Pizza Hut
5. Munchies

Shillong Food Festival: A festival celebrating local cuisine and culture.

tlow advice for Foodies

1. Try the local markets: Visit the markets like Police Bazaar and Bara Bazaar to sample the local street food scene.

2. Be adventurous: Don’t be afraid to try new dishes and flavors that you may not be familiar with.

3. Eat at local eateries: Skip the touristy restaurants and head to local eateries for authentic flavors and experiences.

4. Respect the local culture: Learn about the local customs and traditions surrounding food, such as using your right hand to eat or not eating with your left hand.

Shillong is a culinary delight that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more! So, pack your bags, grab your appetite, and get ready to explore the flavors of this charming city!