Ideally, Meghalayan cuisine is all about spicy meat and rice along with a variety of fish preparations. Ideally the cold weather makes it vital to eat spicy and protein rich dishes that are high on calories but don’t really add to your waistline. Another fact is that the food being rich really doesn’t matter since you are walking up and down the hills. Of course, the global cuisine available here is completely authentic. So when you are tired of all that roaming around and hungry, here are a few places to surely try-
1. Ginger Restaurant
If you are planning to go to a swanky eatery then try out Ginger, which is located in The Polo Towers, and is one of the finest hotels in the area. It is one of the trendiest places to eat global cuisine. Not only is the interior soothing and made from wood in a pale cream color, it provides a break from Indian and local cuisine.
The restaurant specializes in Italian and Continental food so you can truly enjoy being in a metropolis. You will rave over the pasta and crepes here along with other classics like the cannelloni and stroganoff. For desserts, there are fresh fruit sundaes along with other classics, which make the visit so worth it.
Contact-
Ginger Restaurant
Hotel Polo Towers, Polo Grounds, Shillong, Meghalaya, 793001, India
Phone: +91-364-2222341
2. Pinecone Restaurant
This is another refreshing break for those who are tired of the spicy local food. Continental food served here is one of the finest and provides for classic British fare, thanks to the colonial influence the city once had. The ambience here to takes you back to the colonial times while being contemporary. The staff is happy to assist you with the smallest of queries.
You can pick from classic sandwiches and salads or opt for a relaxing cup of coffee here. The ambience is soothing enough to relax with a drink in your hand. If you want something filling, then the egg dishes in particular are very tasty. Try the fries and burgers if you are in the mood to indulge in some calories.
Contact-
Pinewood Hotel
Rita Road, Shillong, Meghalaya, 793001, India
Phone: +91-364-2223116
3. Royal Heritage Tripura Castle Restaurant
Are you looking for an eatery in Shillong that offers you Indian, continental and Chinese cuisine, then look no further. This classy restaurant offers you with some exotic multi cuisine dishes. The best way to enjoy this restaurant would be to indulge in one of their buffets and keep eating luxuriously. There are a lot of options to choose from here including fried eggs, the Hakka chow in particular is a favorite with the kids and of course there are the other classics. Even the Chinese dishes listed as spicy can be rich for your palette but they are surely amazing to try.
Contact-
Tripura Castle Road, Shillong 793003, India
Phone: +91 364 250 1111
4. La Galerie
Hotel Center Point is one of the most popular hotels for staying in Shillong and the restaurant here, La Galerie has options galore. This is basically one of the most popular multi cuisine places to eat here. Locals frequent the area for checking out the Indian and Chinese fare along with the continental. You can pick from a range of the vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes available here through a la carte menu.
You can pick from the classic delicacies here like the steak or opt for the Chilly Chicken or even Vegetarian Manchurian. The Indian dishes include a list of lip smacking starters along with vegetables and meats in exotic gravies.
Contact-
La Galerie
Hotel Centrepoint, TSS Rd, Shillong, Meghalaya
Phone: +91-364-2220480
5. City Hut Family Dhaba
For those who are looking for food that is economical on the pocket and high on taste, head out to the City Hut Family Dhaba. It provides you with a rustic touch of modern dining along with dhaba style food that locals and tourists love. You can pick from exotic cuisines like Mexican and continental to local South Indian and Tandoori food.
Vegetarians in fact can try out some of the popular fares here like Tawa Sabzi with paratha or the roasted Tandoori dishes. The non-vegetarians too can explore from items like chicken, lamb or even beef. The place sure gets packed early so make sure you have bookings.
Contact-
City Hut Family Dhaba
Earle Holiday Home, Oakland Raod, Shillong, Meghalaya, 793001, India
Phone: +91-98630-63494
6. Bread Café
This is a popular bakery at the Hotel Broadway in Shillong. Bread Cafe is basically a restaurant along with cafe and a bakery, so tourists are spoiled for choice. They can either pick up dishes here and eat on their excursions or simply tuck away into a quick meal. You have an array of confectionery items here ranging from fresh pastries to croissants and breads. There are a lot of Indian and Continental dishes available here too.
Locals too love to visit here as it provides a break from local cuisines. You can try some of the exotic dishes here like the Barbecue Pasta or sandwiches. The pastries and cakes come fresh from the oven and have the softest and creamiest of frosting. They also provide for home delivery.
Contact-
Bread Cafe
Hotel Broadway
G.S. Road, East Khasi Hills District, Shillong, Meghalaya, 793001, India
Phone: +91-89740-66549
7. Cafe Shillong
Cafe Shillong is another popular cafe that has tourists and locals flocking up for breakfast. As you enter the cafe, the smell of fresh coffee and the vibrant ambience simply awakens your senses. The two most popular items available in the cafe are pasta and coffee because it is quick to make and serve. You can also try out a variety of vegetarian and non vegetarian sandwiches served here.
To add more drama to the meal, there is also a live band playing on some days. These are local bands that offer some great music to pep up your day.
Contact-
Café Shillong Bed and Breakfast
31, Upper Lachumiere, Shillong, Meghalaya, 793001, India
Phone: +91-364-2501532, +91-89740-66089
8. Lamee
This is one of the other multi cuisine restaurants in Shillong that is affordable, quick and serves tasty food. It is a composition of a cafe cum restaurant theme where you can dine or take out lip-smacking food. The restaurant serves Thai, Mexican, Chinese and Indian food. So you can dig into some classy nachos or tacos or go for a simple meal comprising of rice and dal. Then there are of course the spicy and tangy Chinese and Thai dishes to satiate the palette.
Contact-
GS Rd, Police Bazar, Shillong, Meghalaya 793001, India
Phone: +91-364-2501277
9. Broadway
Economical and delicious food is the motto of this restaurant. You will be amazed at the affordable prices available here. For both locals and tourists, there is any array of Indian and Chinese dishes available here. Their service is quick and the area is accessible from the major tourist spots. Dig into some hot and spicy Chinese soups or tuck away in the warmth of classic and rustic Indian dishes.
Contact-
GS Rd, Shillong, Meghalaya
Phone: +91-9862095989
10. Munchies
Munchies is all about exploring contemporary Shillong with some contemporary food. This is a place where the youngsters love to hang out because of the delicious food and appealing music. It is the kind of place that you don’t mind sitting for hours, of course you should visit in the wee hours to ensure that you get space. The menu here comprises simple and tasty dishes that are lip smacking from across the world. It serves American, Lebanese, Italian and continental food. The best part is that in spite of having a contemporary feel, this place still rings all about merging old Shillong with new. College students frequent the place along with tourists who are more than happy to hear some local songs with modern cuisine. The food here is tasty, affordable and a bit off-beat too. Tuck into delicacies like the hummus and pitta bread platter or go for the rich burgers with iced beverage. You can also pick from a range of desserts to soothe the sweet tooth. And if you are in a rush, then simply go ahead and take away a pizza and enjoy it in your room!
Contact-
Close to Don Bosco Sqaure, Main Road,
Laitumkhrah, Shillong, Meghalaya, 390003, India
Phone: +91-89740-87724