Bambusa

So, this post is simply called Bambusa because I'm going to be writing about the local chain called Bambusa. It all started with Bambusa Family Restaurant at Bamboo Resource Center located at 6th Mile. Well, this eco friendly restaurant is a must visit. Don't expect to be sitting in an air-conditioned restaurant. Bambusa is a bamboo structure made like a gazebo or machang as it is called here. It is famous for its momos. Like all restaurants in Dimapur this is also reasonably priced. So don't worry, there will be no holes in your pockets.
I have never been there during the day, so I have no idea how hot it can get but evenings are pleasant and cool.

It's a great place for birthday parties. With a park adjecent to it, children and adults too can engage in some games and built an appetite before heading to the restaurant.

I believe the appeal of the restaurant lies in the ambience and of course the food.

Le Bristo

Le Bristo is a new restaurant that opened at Dimapur. (2015). It is near the city tower.
Le Bristo offers a variety of cuisine unlike any other restaurant at Dimapur. They have Naga, Thai, Chinese, Indian, Continental and even French food.
The first time that I saw the sign board of Le Bristo was one hungry evening. I thought ' Wow, new restaurant, good for my blog'. I walked in and saw a few people seated at the tables but no food around. That's when I found out that it was opening night and no food was being served.  I went back a month later and I'm glad that I did so.
Even though I didn't like the decor, the food and the service was good. I enjoyed eating my drum sticks and fried rice.

I won't recommend going during the weekday because I did notice that my fried rice smelt a little funny maybe it is because there were not much customers that day! Well I have no idea but maybe. I had no problems with the food during weekends though.

Juice Lounge,Dimapur

Juice lounge is an international chain that opened in Dimapur in the year 2013. A nice place to hang out and feel good about what you eat simply because they serve fresh juices. The menu consist of different types of juices, smoothies, salads and pizza's, sandwiches, etc. For a juice lounge, the menu is varied. The prices is reasonable, around Rs. 600 for three. That's with juice and snacks. I love going there when I'm low on cash.
The crowd there is pretty decent, consist of young school goers for reasons not known to me. But I think its time for the youth and young adults also to visit the place. The seating is good with sofas at the corners. The food is good and the place is clean. Being a juice lounge, you have to try the juices. They also have low fat smoothies for the health consicious or just try the simple fresh juices.
I happen to like black sea smoothie and fruit salad. The only drawback is the sound of the loud blenders. But I guess that is unavoidable if you want fresh juices.
Juice lounge is Khremahal,Dimapur.

Updates : Juice Lounge has been shut down. An ethnic food restaurant has opened in the same location. 

Medziphema - Stall/Restaurants

On the way to Kohima, there are a lots of road side stalls/restaurants where people stop to eat. Medziphema is just about 30 kms away from Dimapur.

The stalls that are very common are the Manipuri stalls. people drive all the way from Dimapur just to eat here.  

Manipuri Rice Hotel at Medziphema, Nagaland

I stopped at  Puja Manipuri Hotel for a late lunch. As you see it's called a hotel, but it's actually only a restaurant. The place is in a mess and I have to admit that the insects flying around did made me question the cleanliness of the place. The waiters were casually sitting on the chairs waiting for orders. 

Chicken Thali at Manipuri Hotel, Medziphema Nagaland

I ordered the chicken thali. The quantity was good for one and it consisted of rice, dry vegetable fry, chicken curry, dal, kala dal, green salad and chutney made of banana flower. It was a little too spicy for me but overall I enjoyed ever mouthful. Two plates of chicken thali cost us only Rs. 270. Will I go there again? Yes, when my immunity is strong. 

The view - Medziphema, Nagaland

Ruby Cafe, Niathu Resort

Ruby cafe(Click here to go to Naithugroup.com) is a beautiful cozy cafe at Niathu resort, Dimapur Nagaland. The prices are reasonable. Being a cafe you get coffee, shakes, juice and a few snacks. Not much on the menu but a fun place to hang out and play board games with your friends or just catch up.

                   

Ruby Cafe at Niathu Resort

The cafe feels so unlike Dimapur. Its clean, quite and air-conditioned so of-course no humidity.

Muffin and Doughnut at Ruby Cafe, Niathu Resort Dimapur

 The snacks are ok, not great as you can see. The muffin was good but the sugar doughnut was a little stale. The banana shakes and coffee that I ordered were good. I love the momos. I can say that they are the best in town. The waiters are smart and well trained as expected.

Ruby Cafe, Niathu Resort, Dimapur

The entrance to Ruby Cafe, Naithu Resort, Dimapur

Naithu resort also has another restaurant just next to Ruby cafe. It also has a children's park where you have to pay a nominal sum of Rs.20/- per child. The kids really love it. You will also find a swimming pool there. I would love to stay in the cottages. They look so beautiful and comfy. The rooms are priced at around Rs. 5000 per night. There is also an conference hall that can be hired for meeting. Naithu resort is a popular spot for wedding and parties.

Children playing at the Children's Park at Naithu Resort, Dimapur

Zephyr Lounge, Dimapur

Zyphyr Lounge is a relatively new lounge at Dimapur. It is located at near supermarket and is sandwiched between two lounges. Slightly more expensive than any other lounge around, it has a quite a few diners. Unlike any other lounges it offers the best service. The host or the hostess greets you as you enter and guides you to the table. The waiter are smart and well trained I must say. The menu consist of Thai and Chinese cuisine with a touch of Naga flavors. Hibachi is the most popular main course. It is dry beef cooked with bamboo shoot and served with fried rice. Dinner for two would be priced at Rs. 1500. With starter, A drink, soup and main course, Its a pretty decent price for the luxurious experience.

Mocktails at Zephyr Lounge, Dimapur

 It has a variety of cocktails and mocktails to choose from. It serves liquor too but Nagaland being a dry state the source of alcohol can't be trusted.

Zephyr Lounge, Dimapur

The lounge is classy and perfect for a date or a party. It opens till late in the night and you can even take your family there for dinner. It's a safe place with decent crowd. The only drawback is that it is sandwiched between two clubs and the last time I went there, the loud music from the other clubs did spoil the ambience.
Overall it was nice. A must go place in Dimapur if you want to experience fine dining.

Updates: This restaurant has shut down since 2016. Too bad it was one of my favorite haunts.

Beijing Restaurant

Located at the heart of Dimapur town is Beijing restaurant. This is not just another Chinese restaurant. The restaurant is own by a Chinese and he is married to a Naga woman. Beijing restaurant can be considered as one of the oldest restaurants in Dimapur. It is centrally located.

Chicken soup at Beijing Restaurant, Dimapur

The restaurant has a pleasant ambience and perfect for lunch and dinner after shopping or a small party. The most popular item is the hakka pork so don't forget to try it if is you visit the place.Chinese green tea is also a favorite and dobuy a pack of prawn wafer for snacks. The Prices are reasonable. A meal for two would probably coast around Rs. 600/-.
                                                                                             

Chicken soup,mixed fried rice and hakka pork at Beijing Restaurant, Dimapur

Beijing Restaurant, Dimapur

What's missing is the desserts and the place would have looked better with smart waiters in clean uniforms. But overall it's a wonderful experience and since it does not serve alcohol it's the ideal place to take your family for dinner.