By Andre Kongri
Restaurants are a dime a dozen here in Shillong. However, a place where one can enjoy good food, music and hospitality is something else.
With a motto to “serve good food”, Trelly Restaurant in Laban is one that needs no introduction. The restaurant still remains a symbol of good will and quality which, for more than two decades, has held a special place in the hearts of residents of Laban.
Around 2 to 3 months back, Trelly underwent a complete makeover and grabbed the attention of passersby with its new look. The updated interiors have added a modern touch to the otherwise classic look of the 25-year-old restaurant. Space has also been managed well and new lighting brightens up the interiors like never before.
The place is well ventilated due to good air conditioning and one standout point is that even though the restaurant is right in front of the main road, the ambience is hardly affected by the bustle.
Small and cozy, the restaurant is also an ideal place for young lovers and is a perfect go-to place on any occasion. However, the problem will be finding a place to park your car since there is no parking facility.
Trelly also joins Three Pines Café as the only other place in Laban where you can attend live music shows as local talent are free to perform for diners. The small restaurant does not have enough room for an entire band but solo performances and karaoke gigs are its mainstays.
Diners recently had an evening with Lou Majaw, Milan Lyngdoh Mawphlang along with music veterans Jop Wahlang and Angel Wahlang.
Apart from the daily specials, the most popular items on the menu just happen to be the most common as well as Trelly is known for its noodles.
The most recommended is Schezwan Pork Noodles, which has always been well received by customers.
The menu has the unique Green Curry and Red Curry. Both are Thai dishes and one can either order them with pork, chicken or together. The Chinese Kung Pao chicken is also a must-try.
Though it started as a small eatery, Trelly has surprisingly maintained its popularity graph over 25 years. Megha Kharmawphlang, the owner, explained how it happened. “We have had the same cook since Day 1 and that’s why the food has remained consistent throughout the years.”
Kharmawphlang said the eatery was started by her mother and she took over the business this year. With the new look, Trelly is also offering variety on its menu.
“We made more than a few subtle changes. We added new items like Thai cuisine, Pan fusion, Indian appetizers and ice creams. We also plan on including buffets and exploring new ideas as well. My motto is to serve good food and attract customers from all age groups. That’s when I decided to revamp the entire place 2 to 3 months back,” said the restaurateur.
Kharmawphlang wants to make live music a regular feature on Saturdays. “The first time was a flop but I hope that things pick up as this would also be a platform for local talent to expose themselves to the public,” she said.
Lou Majaw, who was enjoying food after his performance, was more than happy to give his opinion. “There’s always room for improvement. The chicken I had was good and tasted fresh even though there were a few misses here and there. Overall, I had a good time,” he said.
“I really like this place and I wish there were more places like this in Laban where youngsters can hang out instead of loitering around on the streets. They can have fun responsibly and perform as well. I highly recommend Trelly,” said an elderly woman who wished to remain anonymous.