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Copyright © 2025 Foodies Only
Copyright © 2025 Foodies Only
5 min
28/01/2026
Shillong is famous for its cosy, welcoming cafés that range from hole-in-the-wall hidden gems to more upscale, larger locations, offering a relaxed environment. These cafés are often located in scenic spots or within the city’s lively local markets, with offerings from chow, continental fare tinged with local flavours and freshly brewed coffee, to local teas, and a variety of delicious desserts and beverages.
A good meal in Shillong in any of its buzzing cafes means a mix of traditional fare – Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo – and something unique called Shillong Chinese (using spring onions and peas) with their ‘chow’ and pork dishes. Many cafés serve a combination of traditional Khasi food (the predominant community in Shillong) and more mainstream Indian or international dishes. Dishes like jadoh (a rice dish with pork), dohneiiong (pork cooked in a black sesame sauce), and pukhlein (a fried rice cake) are often featured on menus. And you don’t have to navigate it all with no help! Just bookmark this list as your go-to guide for Shillong’s cafe scene.
Known for its chow, pork items and beverages like hot chocolate and Irish coffee, Shillong Cafes and Restaurants are for those who want a serious dose of cafe food infused with local flavours and the typical cafe environment. Their thukpas, momos, khaosuey, pork noodles, smoked pork rice, and even burgers are much loved. With courteous staff, visitors recommended the balcony seating, especially during winters and monsoons, for the best experience. You get a good view of Shillong during clear weather, so plan your visit accordingly.
Located in Lower Lachumiere, this eatery has earned solid praise for its Asian non-vegetarian cuisine and moderately priced fare. Users appreciate the cleanliness and staff courtesy. On the flip side, it’s noted that seating is limited, and it tends to get quite busy. Overall, it comes across as a reliable choice if you’re looking for Asian-style dishes in Shillong, especially the famed Shilling Chinese with their super big momos and chow and fried rice. Visit outside peak hours for a comfortable experience.
This café, situated amid pine trees on the way to Elephant Falls, is regarded as one of Shillong’s more scenic café spots. Visitors like the ambience, theme décor (motorcycle and travel motif) and certain standout dishes like the ‘Bombay spicy wings’ and farmhouse pizza. That said, reviews consistently mention inconsistent food quality (some dishes are great, others just average) and service issues (especially when it’s crowded). If you’re looking for a good vibe and a relaxed time rather than flawless fine dining, ML 05 is a good stop.
A strong pick for pizza lovers in Shillong, what makes Pizza Barn a popular spot is its humble setup and pizzas dressed in local flavours. Many reviewers highlight the wood-fired crust, a good variety of toppings like the bhoot jolokia, bamboo shoots, and pork, and a calm, cosy atmosphere. A few reviews point to occasional service glitches or mismatches in expectations (like the sauce not being up to mark, pizza being too oily). They also have in-house specials like Dohkhleh pizza (uses meat salad), Dohsniang Neiiong pizza (pork and black sesame dish), and pork and dry bamboo shoot pizza. If you’re in the mood for experimenting with pizza beyond pineapple toppings, Pizza Barn is quite recommended.
Living up to its name, this cafe is located close to the North Eastern Hill University, Meghalaya. It’s a popular hangout spot for students, locals and the odd tourist who are looking for a place to unwind and enjoy good music. The food includes the usual cafe fare – pasta, pizza, burgers, sandwiches and beverages. They also have North Indian fare, chow and shakes that you can sample. To play it safe, try their local fare, pizzas and beverages, rather than the more authentic American dishes. Some reviews note a slower service, but the food is worth the wait.
Dylan’s, located at Dhankheti, stands out for its themed décor (in tribute to Bob Dylan) and as a decent place for live music or hanging out. Come for the ambience and its good outdoor and indoor seating, and stay for classics like Naga chilli toast, Shillong noodles, and hot chocolate. However, there’s a strong caveat – several folks online have noted that the food quality has dropped, prices are high, and some signature menu items are over-hyped. Treat it like a place to enjoy good music and the vibes, plus drinks, rather than expecting top-tier food throughout.
From the winding roads of Upper Shillong to the cosy corners of Laitumkhrah, Shillong’s café culture is more than just about coffee – it’s an experience steeped in local charm and youthful energy. Whether you’re sipping a steaming cup of coffee at the Bob Dylan Cafe, sharing a pizza at Pizza Barn, or indulging in Asian flavours at The Wok, each spot brings its own vibe to the city’s laid-back nature.
