Way before Northeast started trending as a travel and food destination, I discovered the joys of North eastern food at the Nagaland stall where on a winter day, along with a gang of Gurgaon Foodies; we landed up there and ordered the entire porky menu. Each of the curries was fabulous, distinct and flavourful. I was hooked forever.

So today when the gang at office start hinting at a lunch treat, I go to groupon to see if any good deals were happening nearby. I am pleasantly surprised to see an amazing offer from Rosang café, my favourite neighbourhood north eastern café, I buy the deal, and land up there for lunch. Half of the people in the group are very skeptical looking vegetarians who have come on my assurance that they will not starve. 

Rosang is run by a Mizo couple from Manipur, Mary Lalboi and T. Kham Lalmuan. Kham is the wizard cook and Mary runs the business side. The café has dishes from all the seven sisters, and I have fond memories of some wonderful dishes here. We settle down and give our order to Mary.

First to come are the starters. Morai Bora (Rs 179) is Manipuri herb pakodas served with hot hot chutney. Next are of course veg momos (Rs 179) from Sikkim, with an even hotter sauce. Both these dishes perk up the vegetarians among us who are relieved that they will not be going back hungry.

In the non-veg starters, NghuiNgosing (Rs 349) from Arunachal is fish minced with herbs and spices, wrapped in banana leaf and burnt. It is light and very fresh and flavourful. Pork Spare ribs (Rs 349) served with raja mircha chutney, however are underseasoned but otherwise crisp and tasty. I bravely try Buff entrails (Rs 250) from the day’s starters and they are mind blowing delicious.

                  Pork Spare Ribs                                       Buff entrails

SougreiMahi (Rs 99) is Mary’s own invention. It is a dark red drink made from a native flower, and it is easily one of the best drinks I have had for a long time.

                     Sougri Mahi                                         Veg Momos

In the main course, masoor dal (Rs 169) with herbs is light and comforting, but vegetarian dish Sana Thonga (Rs 269) from Manipur disappoints the vegetarians. The dish has diced cottage cheese infused with milk and vegetables andflavoured with oriental chives and herbs but the tough paneer pieces let the dish down.

                   Masoor Dal                                          Sana Thonga

Kham is away and I can taste the difference in the non-vegetarian main course. Ngatok (Rs 379) from Arunachal, a poached fish with herbs and spices, is among my most favourite dishes. But today the clarity in taste and the flavour balance is off and I don’t really enjoy this dish. Estuk (Rs 319) Nagaland pork dish with fermented bamboo shoot again lacks strong flavours.

                            Ngatok                                           Estuk

The staples are Fried Rice with bamboo shoot (Rs 279) which is interesting though the Veg Noodles (Rs 199) are undercooked for my taste.

                 Veg  Fried Rice                                 Veg Noodles

We end the meal with some exotic and delicious desserts. ChaakHaoKheer (Rs 149) is a most addictive red rice kheer. Sweet Sticky rice cake (Rs 149) is not too sweet, and has an amazing texture.

                  ChaakHaoKheer                              Sweet Sticky rice cake

A meal at Rosang café guarantees an adventure into the food heavens of the north eastern India. A visit here is surely recommended.

Please note: The author paid for the meal

Ratings (Out of 5)

Food: 3.5 | Ambience: 3.0 | Service: 4.0 | Value: 4.0 | Overall: 4.0

Meal for two: Rs.1000 | Alcohol: No | Credit Card: Yes | Wheel chair friendly: No

Address: S 20, Near Uphaar Cinema, Green Park Extension Market, Green Park, New Delhi.Tel:+91 8447963810, 011 65544411