The beauty of the hills, richness of culture, and bold earthy flavours make the North-East a gem when it comes to natural beauty and culinary magic. From thukpas to smoked meats and fermented delights, there’s vibrancy and simplicity in both the culture and food varieties. Delhi has been bustling with the craze for northeastern cuisines, whether in pop-up stalls, cafés, or fine-dining restaurants. The authenticity and depth of northeastern cuisine make it special, with flavours of bamboo shoot, axone, and bhut jholokia, there’s much more to explore. Here’s a curation of top places to enjoy a delectable bite of northeastern cuisine.

Where To Find Best North Eastern Food In Delhi

Yong’s Kitchen

A place to celebrate authentic Naga flavours, culture, and community, Yong’s Kitchen began as a passion project by sisters Yongsen and Tiarenla ‘Tia’ Longkumer. It started as a cloud kitchen in 2020, delivering home-cooked food to northeastern students who couldn’t go home. Their vision and passion led to the opening of an 18-seater restaurant in a quiet corner of Safdarjung Enclave. With a serene and welcoming environment adorned with Naga knick-knacks, bamboo mugs, and neatly arranged cutlery holders, the menu reflects a special Yongsen touch. It features three types of Naga thalis—chicken, fish, and pork—cooked with bamboo shoots. You’ll also find various combinations of fish, chicken, and pork prepared with bamboo shoots, axone (fermented soybeans), Anishi (baked and dried taro leaves), and indigenous spices. Traditional flavours of Nagaland shine through, making this a treat for the taste buds.

Location – B-5, Shop 7, DDA Market, Khare, Safdarjung, New Delhi
Price for two – INR 1200

Hornbill

Best known for its flavourful, authentic Naga recipes at an affordable price, Hornbill offers an immersive experience that reflects the rich heritage of Nagaland. With bamboo mat-lined walls, wooden furniture, and dim lighting creating a warm ambience, the place transports diners to the land of the Northeast. Tribal motifs and traditional Naga artefacts offer a glimpse into the culture. The exhaustive menu features flavours from Nagaland—Hornbill thalis, pork preparations, fish and chicken starters, momos, and thukpas make for a relishing meal. Don’t miss the chicken liver fry, smoked pork curry, fish thali, and bamboo shoot pork—each dish leaves your taste buds craving more.

Location – 104/A, Basement, Near NCC Gate, Safdarjung, New Delhi
Price for two – INR 1300

Yo Tibet

A minimalist place bursting with Tibetan and Asian flavours from Northeast India, Yo Tibet offers a cosy and delectable escape into Tibetan and Chinese cuisines. The space is warm and comfortable, with minimal décor enhanced by vibrant flavours. The menu features both vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies—from appetisers to Yo Tibet’s special chicken, pork, seafood, and Bhutanese gravies. Paired with fried rice, you can also enjoy authentic dim sums, soups, and shabalay (stuffed mince with chicken, pork, buff, or vegetarian options). Must-try dishes include stir-fried chicken, tingmo, egg fried rice, chicken momos, and noodles.

Location – 119 A, Upper Ground Floor, Humayunpur Village, Main Enclave, Near NCC Gate, Safdarjung, New Delhi
Price for two – INR 500

Categorical Eat Pham

A cosy Manipuri café bathed in soft yellow lights and pops of green hues on the walls, Categorical Eat Pham bursts with traditional Manipuri flavours in every bite. Focused on fresh ingredients and local herbs, the café recreates the original taste of Manipur. It offers a relaxing dining experience and a retreat from the city’s bustle. The extensive menu includes curries ranging from fish, chicken, and duck to tharoi thongba and traditional chutneys for an extra dash of flavour. Scrumptious snacks like fish fry, aloo kanchou, keli chana, and sinju bring added depth to the menu. Thalis are the highlight here, offered in eco and special buffet-style options—served with condiments, sabzi, and steamed rice, packed with classic flavours. Top dishes include smoked pork curry, buff thali, fish thali, duck curry, and sticky rice.

Location – 168, Ground Floor, Humayunpur, Main Enclave, Safdarjung, New Delhi
Price for two – INR 600

Shilloi

This restaurant welcomes you with warm brown tones and handcrafted tribal accents that showcase northeastern culture. It’s the perfect spot for a hearty meal or a casual hangout with friends and family. The expansive menu is filled with Naga specialities—dry recipes like chilli chicken, pork chilli, and buff dry, as well as fresh preparations like pork with khollar and bamboo shoot, and seasonal vegetables. Naga meals are incomplete without their tangy chutneys and condiments. For the ultimate experience, try their roasted pork, chicken thali, and smoked pork.

Location – 86, Ground Floor, Humayunpur, Safdarjung Enclave, Safdarjung, New Delhi
Price for two – INR 1000