The Happy Meal at Trattoria! I am writing this from the hotel, hardly two hours after having the Khasi food at Trattoria, Shillong. The food was that good and the interaction with the owner was interesting.
I was searching for the authentic Khasi food. Few locals suggested this shabby and small joint and told me this place must not be missed in Shillong. I was hungry after reaching Shillong from the hectic day at Guwahati and was craving for a dose of comfort. At present, I am in the North-eastern part of the country for work. I already have completed my assignments in Agartala and Assam. I have reached Shillong today and staying at Centre Point.
Coming to Trattoria (in Shillong), when I reached the joint was half-closed and completely empty. Outside, however, was crowdy given at present Shillong is having the pick of the tourist season. Almost all the hotels are charging high and the roads are full of over-enthusiastic tourists, mostly Bengalis. Nobody seems interested in Trattoria and their offerings. What I found later, Trattoria mostly caters the locals or people like me who prefer local food over the stereotypes. Trattoria is located at Police Bazar and a famous local Khasi joint. They serve several local delicacies and is a humble small joint.
However, I asked through the half-open shutter whether they are open or not! A lady came and smiled. She asked, "you want to eat here?" "Yes! I am hungry and I heard good things about you." I replied with hope! "Come inside! Oh, we can only offer you Pork! We are almost finished and about to close the restaurant!"
My companion from work (a kind and brave soul who was giving me company) was not at all happy with the reply given the person is not a pork-eater. However, he was informed that there will be the egg for him! I asked the lady while checking the interesting menu on the wall what are the things available. I was surprised when she replied! "you will be eating whatever I am going to serve you and you will remember me for long!" I actually laughed! She was tame and little compared to my 3 digits big-fat structure and what I know about myself at times people find me arrogant and snob but she didn't! She was motherly and proud of her food!
Then came our food! Ohh what food it was! Indeed I am going to remember her, not for long but for the lifetime. My platter was having Jadoh, Dohjem, Dohnud, Doh Salin, Jhur Khleh Im, and Tungtap. I was served with one more dish without any charge, which is Dohokjat. My friend had pylleng (boiled egg), Jakhaw Khasi along with Doho syiar kylla and the condiments. Here are the details of the dishes and my experience of having the heavenly food!
Pork Khasi Meal at Trattoria, Shillong (Meghalaya)
Egg Khasi Meal at Trattoria, Shillong (Meghalaya)
Jadoh: Jadoh is a spicy Rice dish cooked with spices and small pork chunks. The dish is cooked in pork fat. One of its kind, Jadoh is must have for sure if you are in Shillong and wanted to savor Khasi food.
Jakhaw Khasi is the plain sticky rice.
Dohjam: Dohjam is mixed pork curry. The gravy is greenish and having lean pork meat. The dish was perfect for a person like me who prefers lean meat over fat!
Dohnud: This is nothing but Pork liver curry. For me, it was good, however, skip if you are not in favor of pork liver.
Doh Khelia: Pork meat and brain curry. A bit flat but worth having for sure. The dish actually was having no spices and I ended on mixing the chili condiment served alongside.
Doho Shain: Nothing but the pork ball. It was best of the lot! Perfectly cooked, balanced spices and she served me an extra piece of pork belly! God bless her!
Dohokjat: When I was almost done, the lady came with a small bowl having pork broth with pork leg! Gosh, it was splendid! After having the flavorful light broth and the chunky pork leg I was in heaven. She told me that she will not charge for the soup as she was happy seeing my expression! 🙂 😛
Dohokjat
Tungtap: last but not the least Tungtap. A paste of fermented fish along with Khasi spices! I loved it while my companion ended on avoiding it after having a small portion!
My friend asked her what do they serve for breakfast and she showed us this 🙂 .
I paid 200 bucks for the food she with blush told me they don't have invoices. The hardcore financial analyst decided to not reply her. Who needs an invoice after having the heavenly food. The invoice cannot justify the comfort. The meal ended with a selfie at Trattoria.
Our food came on a platter and I completely forgot to ask how they serve in general. I am not sure whether in pick time people have to have full plates of the dishes. luckily we had a little portion of each and every pork dish.
One thing I know now, I know I have to go back there, I have to meet her again. I have to savor her food if nature wants! Goodbye until next time!
One more confession. I found almost their reference in almost all the reputed sites writes about food! Nah, not a hidden gem but a humble one 🙂 . Last but not the least, please ignore the bad quality pictures. I was more busy eating and was not carrying the camera!
Location of Trattoria:
Here are a few more links to eateries I love (from the different parts of the country) and are not typically upmarket from Debjanir Rannaghar apart from Trattoria, Shillong.
- A Non-Delhihite's favorite street food joints in Purani Delhi
- Hotel Sidheswari Ashram
- Tung Nam, the famous Chinese eatery in Kolkata
- Beeru's Restaurant, Kolkata
- Zam Zam Restaurant and the beefy affair
- Daulat ki Chaat experience
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