Are you a die-hard foodie planning to visit Northeast India in 2022? Then this blog is for you! The eastern part of India; especially Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram, is one of the most under-traveled and under-appreciated parts of India. Along with its culture and clans, the food trail in East India, brings forth some of the most unique aspects that all we Indians get to be proud of.

So, if you’re planning to roam the scenic landscapes of Northeast India any time soon then you might want to check out these food trails. After all, good food is a good mood!

7 Best Food Trails in Northeast India 

1. Food Trails in Bengal: ZAKARIA STREET in Kolkata

The food trail in East India is incomplete without experiencing the Mecca of local Bengali street food, Zakaria street. Where you taste the flavors of true Bengal. We highly suggest that you go during the month of Ramzan as the food stalls house the delectable sweets and special dishes during that time.

Price range: Starts from ₹200 per person.

Special Spots: 

• Royal India Hotel – for delicious Mutton chaap, Kebabs & Biryani.
• Dilli 6 – Changezi Chicken (available only during Ramzan), Chicken, Tandoori Butter Gravy, Afghan Chicken.
• Irani Reshadar Haleem at Bihari Food Corner

Get a detailed food trail guide through Zakaria Street here. 

2. Food Trails in Assam: RESTAURANT HOPPING in Guwahati

Unlike Kolkata, Guwahati does not rank high on the list of street food in Northeastern India but that doesn’t mean the food trails in Assam are devoid of delicious cuisines. There are plenty of awesome local restaurants where you can order all the authentic Assamese dishes. You can explore authentic Assamese restaurants in Guwahati to relish their scrumptious and healthy dishes.

Note: the following places have been recommended by my Assamese sister-in-law, so they’re all the real deal!

Special spots:

• Gam’s Delicacy Restaurant: a homely Assamese restaurant serving ethnic food including duck, pork, chicken and vegetarian options. The price range is towards the high-end (₹600 per person).
• Khorika: if you’re a fan of seafood, then Khorika is a must-try restaurant (fish fry, pigeon meat, chicken fry, etc.) 

Uruka: for authentic Assamese experience, Uruka is a must-visit. The price range starts from ₹400 per person.

3. Food Trails in Meghalaya: POLICE BAZAAR in Shillong 

Police Bazaar is one of the most popular food trails in Meghalaya and is also a shopping hub in Shillong. Once there, you will find a lively bazaar lined up with a variety of local street food stalls offering some of the most delectable dishes in the region.

Special spots:

• Trattoria – makers of Jadoh, a traditional Meghalayan dish from the Khasi tribe and a pork lover’s dream come true. Although you can get vegetarian Jadoh easily as well, the authentic Jadoh recipe is made up of pork pieces, spices, less oil and pork blood (some dishes use chicken blood though).
• Once you’re in the Police Bazaar, you’re free to hop from stall to stall and try whatever looks tasty to you. There are no set cafes or restaurants, just good old street stalls filled with natives and foodies from across the country.

4. Food Trails in Nagaland: Home Visits

When compared to any other food trail in East India, the Food Trails in Nagaland does not boast lively food stalls and restaurants per se. It’s because the culture of Nagaland is different from other states. It is more agreeable to grace someone’s home with your presence rather than hitting google-reviewed restaurants. 

You may find snacks and starters here and there but for the authentic Naga food experience (primarily pork-based cuisine), it’s better if you visit someone’s home. It is there you will find the taste of Nagaland in all its glory.

Special dishes to try:

• Smoked Pork Stew/Dry Pork
• Nagaland Pork in Bamboo Shoots
• Bamboo Steamed Fish
• Beans Mix
• Naga Ghost Chilli Sauce (Sauce made from Bhut Jolokia, world’s hottest chilli)

5. Food Trails in Manipur: Cafe Hopping

The land of pristine natural beauty, Manipur is home to lush green meadows, mesmerizing waterfalls, and gorgeous hills. But when it comes to street food in Northeastern India, Manipur has a plethora of delicious options. Along with the local dishes, you can also find cuisines from China and Korea! 

Special spots:

• Luxmi Kitchen: One of the most popular restaurants in Manipur. Serves Traditional Manipuri thali and 13 other Manipuri dishes. Location: Wahengbam Leikai, Sagolband, Imphal, 795001
• Hotel Imoinu: Extremely famous for its authentic Manipuri veg and non-veg thalis.

Traditional Manipuri dishes to try:

• Chamthong or Kangshoi (native vegetable stew)
• Morok Metpa (a spicy chutney)
• Chak-Kao Kheer (traditional rice pudding)

6. Food Trails in Arunachal Pradesh: Restaurant Hopping in Itanagar

Arunachal Pradesh is a hub of Indian tourism all throughout the calendar year. People traveling towards Nepal, Sikkim make a stoppage here to soak in the natural beauty and scrumptious local cuisines, making up for one of the most unique food cuisines of Northeastern India. Once there, you may have to explore the area on foot to discover some good street food stalls but there are some good restaurants that you can write in your things-to-do list.

Recommended Watch: Hidden Street Food in Itanagar

Special Spots That Offer Traditional Cuisine:

• Sno-Yak Restaurant, Nehru market, Tawang
• The Dragon, Lulma, Tawang
• Mughal Gardenn, VIP Road, Itanagar
• Ziro Restaurant (Tribal Food), NH 52A, Itanagar

Traditional Dishes You Must-Try:

• Bamboo Shoot
• Lukter (Beef snack for evening tea)
• Pehak (chutney made with fermented soya bean & king chillis)
• Momos (chicken, veg & yak meat)

7. Food Trails in Mizoram: Cafe Hopping in Aizawl

Mizoram city is a mix of various cultures and populace including Chinese, Mizo, Singaporean, etc. Easily one of the most beautiful cities to explore.

When it comes to the food cuisines of Northeastern India, you can find an abundance of local cuisine in the local cafes of Aizawl. These are small, cosy and homely cafes and restaurants that offer you services with a smile.

Special Spots That Offer Traditional & Multi-Cuisine:

• Zo Foods (Near Vanapa Hall, Aizawl): for economic veg. Mizo cuisine;
• Octangle (Dawrpui Vengthar, Aizawl): a multi-cuisine restaurant offering authentic Chinese, Singaporean & American cuisines;
• Red Pepper: full-fledged restaurant offering authentic Mizo cuisine

Traditional Dishes You Must-Try:

• Bai – a healthy soup made with seasonal vegetables and lots of local herbs & spices;
• Koat Pitha – a deep-fried fish/banana as tea snack;
• Vawksa Rep – a smoke-dried pork dish filled with nutrients

So, there you go, I hope this list will provide you with some insight into the food trail in East India. If you think I missed any important street food in Northeastern India, then drop your valuable feedback in the comments down below. Happy travelling!

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