Shillong, with its misty hills, cherry blossoms, and cosy charm, feels like a scene from a storybook. In the middle of this buzzing hill town, a new restaurant is stealing attention — Nonna Mei, created by Mumbai-based chef Niyati Rao.
The name itself tells a story:
“Nonna” means grandmother in Italian, and “Mei” means an elder woman in Khasi. The restaurant blends Italian traditions with the local flavours of Meghalaya.
A Unique Dining Experience in Police Bazaar
Nonna Mei is located inside The Shillong Address, a boutique hotel that showcases the art, craft, and food of Meghalaya. The restaurant is small, warm, and always buzzing. People can watch pizzas being made in the open kitchen, check out shelves filled with local pickles, preserved fruits, spices, and even pose with the wall filled with doodles.
Where Italian Recipes Meet Meghalaya’s Ingredients
Chef Niyati spent two years exploring Meghalaya’s farms, markets, and food traditions. She discovered amazing local produce—especially tomatoes and lettuce grown in Meghalaya’s rich “magic soil.”
The kitchen uses:
Fresh veggies from its own terrace garden
Local pork for in-house cured meats
Local cheeses from Pine Hills Creamery
Local ferments, spices, and herbs in classic Italian dishes
The food celebrates both cultures—simple, flavourful, and full of heart.
What to Try at Nonna Mei
Sourdough bread with Sohiong balsamic
Negronis with Meghalaya twists (smoked pork, turmeric, basil)
Signature Caprese salad made with fresh local tomatoes
Diavolo pizza with spicy chorizo and burrata
Blood sausage pizza with jaiur pepper
Pasta with chicken sausage, roasted jus, and Tomme cheese
Shrimp aglio e olio with local fermented rice drink
Crayfish & wild garlic antipasti
Even desserts are special — especially the light, airy tiramisu and local fruit gelatos.
A Grandmother’s Touch in Every Bite
At Nonna Mei, Italian Nonna traditions blend beautifully with Khasi Mei cooking. Both value local produce, slow techniques, and cooking with love — and the food reflects that.
Warm, cosy, flavourful, and full of soul, Nonna Mei brings together two cultures on one plate.
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