Where to Eat in Shillong
Shillong eats early. The Khasi kitchens do their best business at lunch, and cafés take over in the afternoon and evening.
1 place
Laitumkhrah
1 place
Malki
1 place
Oakland Road
1 place
Police Bazaar
Not sure what to order? The Shillong food guide starts from the dishes — what each one is, when to eat it, and which of these kitchens is known for it.
Police Bazaar: a Khasi lunch
Police Bazaar is the city's shopping centre, and it is where most visitors first try Khasi food. Trattoria is a small, busy place known for jadoh, doh-neiiong and pork plates. It is a lunch place rather than a dinner place; its listed hours end in the afternoon, so go around midday and check before you make a special trip. Expect to share a table.
Laitumkhrah: cafés and music
Laitumkhrah is the student and café district, a few minutes from Police Bazaar by taxi. Café Shillong is known for its live acoustic evenings, which say a lot about the city's music culture. Go for coffee, comfort food and a set, and check the day's music schedule if that is what you are coming for. ML 05 Café nearby is popular for momos, coffee and desserts, and it is a relaxed stop between sights.
Oakland Road: groups and families
City Hut Family Dhaba on Oakland Road has a large multi-cuisine menu and bamboo-lined rooms, which suits families and groups who want different things. It is also an easy place to try momos and tungrymbai in the same meal.
When to eat
Plan lunch for about noon to 2 pm if you want Khasi food at its freshest. Many kitchens close earlier than in big cities, often by 9 or 10 pm, and the city gets quiet after dark, especially in winter. On Sundays, some local places open late or stay shut, so have a backup.
Street food
Momo stalls, tea shops and snack counters cluster around Police Bazaar and the busier junctions. Choose stalls with a steady local crowd and food cooked in front of you.
Questions
Shillong — FAQ
Where should I eat in Shillong?
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 Shillong?
Start from the dishes rather than the restaurants — the Shillong food guide covers what each dish is and when to eat it, then links to the places that do it well.
Where can I hear live music while I eat in Shillong?
Café Shillong in Laitumkhrah is known for live acoustic evenings. Check the day's schedule, as music is not every night.
Do restaurants in Shillong close early?
Earlier than in big cities. Many kitchens stop serving by 9 or 10 pm, and Khasi eateries are mainly lunch places. Eat dinner early, especially in winter.
Is Trattoria open for dinner?
It is mainly a lunch place, with listed hours that end in the afternoon. Go around midday and check the hours locally before you go.
Where is good for a large family group?
City Hut Family Dhaba on Oakland Road has a big multi-cuisine menu and space for groups, so everyone can find something.