Where to Eat in Kohima
Kohima eats early and quietly. Naga kitchens are busiest at lunch, cafés fill up in the afternoon, and by eight or nine in the evening much of the town has closed.
1 place
Jail Colony
1 place
Officers Hill
1 place
P.R. Hill
1 place
Razhű Point
Not sure what to order? The Kohima food guide starts from the dishes — what each one is, when to eat it, and which of these kitchens is known for it.
Two kinds of place
Most places to eat in Kohima are either small Naga kitchens or cafés. The kitchens serve rice plates, smoked meat, boiled greens and chutneys, usually with little decoration. The cafés serve coffee, momos, noodles and snacks, and some add a few Naga dishes.
The listings on this page
Ozone Café on Dr Neilhouzhu Road is one of the best-known cafés in town. The menu mixes Naga dishes with Indian and continental food, and it sometimes holds events such as open-mic nights. It is a short ride from the war cemetery. Dream Café in Midland Colony is known for its big windows and its view over the town. Local reviews mostly describe a café menu of momos, fried rice and pizza, so ask what Naga dishes are on before you order. The other kitchens listed here are chosen for Naga home-style cooking such as galho and thalis. Opening days and hours change, so ring ahead if you are making a special trip.
Timing your meals
Lunch is the best meal for Naga food, when the kitchens have the most dishes ready. Many places close early in the evening, so eat by about eight. Hotel restaurants usually stay open later. On Sundays, many restaurants close for church and rest. If you are in town on a Sunday, check the night before where you will eat.
Ordering
Start with a thali to try several things at once. Ask how hot the chutney is before you add it. Portions of rice are large, and meat is often served on the bone.
During Hornbill
In the first ten days of December, the food stalls at Kisama become the main place to eat. Town restaurants are busier than usual, and some add festival menus.
What to try
The dishes to look for are smoked pork with axone, galho, bamboo shoot curry and a full Naga thali. The Kohima food guide explains each one.
Questions
Kohima — FAQ
Where should I eat in Kohima?
4 places are listed here, across 4 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 Kohima?
Start from the dishes rather than the restaurants — the Kohima food guide covers what each dish is and when to eat it, then links to the places that do it well.
Are restaurants open on Sundays in Kohima?
Many close on Sundays, as it is a day of church and rest for most people. Hotel restaurants are the safest option. Ask your hotel on Saturday which places will be open.
What time do restaurants close in Kohima?
Earlier than in most Indian cities. Many local places close by around eight or nine in the evening, so plan an early dinner.
Is pork on most menus in Kohima?
Yes. Pork is the centre of Naga cooking, often smoked. Chicken, fish and vegetable dishes are also common, and cafés offer non-pork snacks.
Where can I get a coffee with a view in Kohima?
Several cafés on the upper slopes have large windows over the town. Dream Café in Midland Colony is known for its view.