- In Shillong, multi-cuisine restaurants as well as local food stalls are to be found everywhere. Besides the usual Chinese, Indian and Continental dishes, if one is adventurous enough to sample the local food, one can be sure the taste buds are in for a treat. Rice is the staple food and different varieties from the red rice to the sticky glutinous rice are eaten in Shillong. The red rice from the Sung Valley is known to be particularly delicious.Pork is a delicacy in this city and one of the popular dish is pork cooked with black sesame seeds. A cold salad of shredded pork with onions and ginger is also very popular.
- The city is also very popular for wild mushrooms which are found mostly during the monsoon season and they are either cooked in combination with the meat dishes or just fried lightly on its own.
- The other delicacy of the local people is the 'Jadoh' which is rice cooked with meat, (namely pork). Rice cakes called putharo and the drier flaky pumaloi prepared from rice flour are eaten as snacks with tea.
- Also popular among the local people is fish and meat preserved either by drying in the sun or smoking over fire. A variety of chutneys prepared from different types of herbs, fermented soya bean and fermented fish always accompany the meals. Last but not least is the betel nut and leaf, the perfect end to a hearty meal, and a must serve for guests in every household.
- Apart from the local cuisine, you will find many restaurants serving Chinese food which is very popular in the city.
- Some of the more prominent eating joints are Cafe Shillong HERITAGE, Pinecone Restaurant, La Galarie Restaurant, Yalana Restaurant, City Hut Dhaba Restaurant, Kimfa Restaurant, Kowloon Restaurant, Kimpao Restaurant, Cafe Shillong, Munchies Shillong, Neolith, Trattoria and many more.
