Where to Eat in Imphal
Eating out in Imphal is easy to plan around your sightseeing. Kangla Fort, Ima Keithel and the Govindajee Temple are all close together in the city centre, and there are restaurants and simple eateries within a short drive of all three.
For a Meitei meal, look for places serving eromba, kangshoi and fish dishes, or a full Manipuri thali. On a day trip to Loktak Lake, plan lunch near Sendra or Moirang, where the fish comes straight from the lake.
2 places
Thangal Bazar
1 place
Imphal
1 place
Wangkhei
Not sure what to order? The Imphal food guide starts from the dishes — what each one is, when to eat it, and which of these kitchens is known for it.
Tips for Eating in Imphal
- The city centre around Kangla Fort and Ima Keithel is the most convenient area for meals while sightseeing.
- Loktak View Restaurant at Sendra is handy for lunch on a day trip to Loktak Lake and Keibul Lamjao.
- Try at least one Meitei meal with eromba, kangshoi and rice.
- Ask whether a dish contains ngari (fermented fish) if you are vegetarian.
- Restaurants usually close earlier than in big cities, and local curfews or strikes can close them without warning, so eat dinner early.
- Carry cash for smaller eateries, as card machines and mobile payments can fail during network outages.
- Carry water and snacks on day trips outside the city, where food options are limited.
Questions
Imphal — FAQ
Where should I eat in Imphal?
4 places are listed here, across 3 areas. Each entry says what that kitchen is known for rather than reprinting its menu, so pick by the dish you want and the area you'll be in.
What should I order in Imphal?
Start from the dishes rather than the restaurants — the Imphal food guide covers what each dish is and when to eat it, then links to the places that do it well.
Where can I eat near Loktak Lake?
Loktak View Restaurant at Sendra is the most convenient option on a lake day, and fish dishes such as nga thongba are a good choice there. Food options elsewhere around the lake are limited, so carry water and snacks.
Where can I try a Manipuri thali in Imphal?
Ask at restaurants in the city centre, such as Luxmi Kitchen, for a Meitei thali, which usually includes rice, eromba, kangshoi and a fish or vegetable side. It is the easiest way to taste several dishes at once.
Do restaurants in Imphal close early?
Yes. Many places close earlier than in larger cities, and strikes or curfews can close them at short notice. Plan to eat dinner early and check with your hotel before heading out.