Often called the ‘melting pot’ of Indian cultures and cuisines, Mumbai never really had a North East India food scene. Until now. The North East of India has a super vibrant culture, languages, textiles, art and a food scene. Now we can explore a part of the food scene, with some amazing north east dishes, right here in Mumbai. And no, it is not just about Momos.
Someone pointed us to Thotrin Cafe, specialising in food from Manipur. In the lanes of Kalina (or Santa Cruz East), Thotrin is an unassuming restaurant with a delicious and unique food. Explore dishes based on what fancies you. We love everything with some bamboo shoot as it is a flavour very new to us. The greens are also rich and healthy.
Coming towards Andheri West is Naga Belly, on JP Road very close to Kamdhenu. A tiny place, they have only 3 tables (if I remember correctly), Naga Belly has a distinctly clean and upmarket ambience. And the food is to die for. Simple and flavourful, we loved the Pork in Bamboo Shoots and the Naga Style Fish Thali.
Come closer towards Versova, and almost opposite Tanjore Tiffin House is the brand new North east Kitchen. Started by a young man from Assam, it has an extensive menu, but if unsure, you could try a Naga Thali or an Assamese Thali or a Manipuri Thali, each with your choice of meat. Their momos are amongst the best we have had and their prices are also decent.
All sounds yummily attractive. Thank you for the heads up!
I have never tried dishes from this part of India, and I do wonder if there are similarities with the food one can find in Bhutan and Myanmar, which I thoroughly enjoyed during my travels there.