The authentic local cuisine I experienced years ago was undoubtedly the best I have ever had. This came after almost a year of posting in the outskirts of the state, where accessing daily necessities was a challenge, let alone finding cafes, restaurants, or even decent hotels. After such a long and exhausting period, dining out and enjoying a good meal was truly a pleasure.

My friend (who is like a sister to me) and I decided to explore nearby restaurants/ cafes or kitchens after discovering one on Instagram. It was a cozy yet authentic eatery offering both traditional local dishes and Westernized versions of regional cuisine. Upon entering, we were greeted with warm hospitality, despite our casual attire.

We ordered with a mix of skepticism and excitement. When the food arrived and we began to Savor it, we were overjoyed—it was perfectly to our taste, prompting us to order another round. Unlike the sophisticated, high-end restaurants or hotels found in metropolitan areas, this was a charming, homestyle restaurant reminiscent of a mother’s kitchen, serving food straight from the pot. 

We enjoyed a local-style chicken broth or stew (I called it) with sesame seeds and pork cooked with regional chili powder unique to the community. Although the dishes might seem simple, they require much patience and care, as they are simmered over low heat for hours. The meals were enhanced with local herbs and spices that tantalized our taste buds with their aromatic scent. We also had a bowl of King chili chutney with Ngari (fermented fish native to our home state), boiled vegetables with a pinch of salt, a bottle of Lager for her, and a soda for me.

It was an incredibly satisfying brunch after what felt like an eternity. We longed to return to this place and became regular customers whenever we were in town.

Yumyum Tangkhul Kitchen If you ever are in my town do visit them.