The original plan was Zingron (NE cuisine), but a sudden burst of laziness, and the possibility of many birds with one stone, ensured that the plans changed and we ended up in NE Diner, for the promised ‘authentic North-East Multi Cuisine’. The place is easy to find, near Forum, on the first floor of a building opposite Raheja Arcade or the Vodafone store, depending on where you’re looking from. In the days of yore, I think this used to be a mobile accessories store – the one where we went to get a ‘condom’ for the Nokia phones. Yep, that’s what it was known as, that rubbery sheath meant to protect the phone! 🙂
Park at Forum and attempt the pedestrian crossing fear factor challenge or try one of the side lanes nearer the place. In terms of access, it is easy to draw a parallel with the North East in general. The place seems easy enough to find on the map, but don’t attempt that staircase if you have a problem with heights or narrow spaces. And if you expect a fine dining place as the light at the end of the climb, my condolences. This is a no-frills place, and you’re as comfortable as you make yourself. In what I took to be a hat tip to the old mobile story, the chairs still have their plastic covers on! Awesome! 🙂
When we got there, we seemed like tourists, because everyone else seemed to be from the North East, but by the time we left, there were more tourists! 🙂 One thing I constantly envy about the kids (and actually older people too) from that side of the country is their superb sense of style. The service staff here are no different! Ok, I’ve digressed enough, let’s quickly get to the food. Here’s the menu (click to enlarge)
Communication is a bit of a problem. Let me clarify that its not anything to do with the accent, its more to do with our lack of understanding of the menu items and their inability to express fully what the above were. Anyway, with some effort, it becomes a non issue. That, of course, didn’t help us access the Chicken Safale or its pork version. Ditto for chicken momos, all of which we were told, would take a long time. So we settled for pork momos, which thankfully, turned out to be the best item of the meal. The chutney and the ‘soup’ that comes with it complemented it beautifully.
We had ordered a soup too, but that came long after the main course dishes were kept at the table. We should have known that we were probably the first to order a Chicken-Mushroom soup, because we were asked if it was actually on the menu, and we had to point it out. Meanwhile, with all the other items on the table, we waited for the mysterious soup. And when it did arrived, it proved to be a complete waste of time, so do avoid at all costs.
For the main course, we ordered a NE Special chicken, which we were told could be as dry/gravy as we wished. So we chose the middle path- semi gravy. Also asked for was the Naga Dry Fried pork, and to help it all down, the NE special mixed chowmein – chicken/pork, veg and egg. We asked for the chicken version. We couldn’t resist asking for the King Chilly + fermented fish + herb chutney. The pork was too salty for our liking. The chowmein was pretty decent, though I wondered what oil was being used. The chicken dish, though with an inconsistent gravy, is also worth a try. The chutney, I think, is quite an acquired taste. Its perhaps the fermented (in bamboo shoot?) fish that gives it a sort-of pungent smell and taste.The overall theme that dominated though was chillies!! That, I loved. 😀
All of that cost us just below Rs.600. Not a bad trip, considering that my sinus blocks were forced to vanish for a while. You should drop in if you’re in the mood to experiment, and if you have friends from Nagaland/Manipur, take them along for guidance and authenticity tests. 🙂
#404, Opp Raheja Arcade, near Forum Mall, 7th block Koramangala Tel: 8861446753
Trivia: One of the restaurant’s owners is Nelson (read Genesis here), and this is restaurant review #111. Get it? 😉
PS: If you’re prepared to shell out some more, Zingron is indeed a better option. One of my favourites now!