Its much-hyped launch has already created a buzz in the city drawing many curious citizens to the small outlet at Dhanketi for a leisurely bite and Shillong Momo has disappointed none.
Momo shops are found in every nook and cranny of the city but Shillong Momo, which is part of Guwahati-based Barman Food and Beverage, promises quality.
The shop in one corner of Bawri Mansion not only sells momos, but also has burgers and rolls on the menu. Beside the regular momos, there is tandoori momo, a new introduction.
Shillong Momo serves its food with the motto ‘Aiming world peace by spreading joy, happiness and momos’. The smiling staff at the quick service restaurant and the prices on the menu are sure appetisers for any food lover, especially the youth.
Tandoori momo is one of the special recipes here. The fusion taste may surprise even a foodie who loves momo the traditional way. The steamed momo, though not great, is not a disappointment.
Though the shop flaunts ‘momo’ in its name, it is not a bang for the buck. What one should look forward to when visiting Shillong Momo is its variety of rolls which have distinct flavours of Kolkata.
Rolls are a speciality of the city of joy and the new quick service restaurant serves its rolls the Kolkata way. Wrapped in a soft paratha made with minimum oil, the succulent tandoor chicken can stimulate a Shillongite’s taste buds for more variety. The Kathi roll, the most sought after among Kolkatans, is also a delight.
“The Baba Roll, which we have only in chicken, is a must try,” says manager Badashisha Lyngdoh.
The juicy Chicken Sheekh Kebab Roll can give gastronomic orgasm to a Kolkatan and rouse curiosity in any northeasterner who will be compelled into more
indulgence.
Owner Deba Kumar Barman confesses that his nine-year stay in Kolkata has reflected in the choice of menu. He says he always wanted to introduce this unique recipe from the eastern state in this part of the country to create a bonding through food.
Shillong Momo also uses indigenous ingredients.
The food chain has outlets in Kolkata which specialise in rolls. The Barman Food and Beverage has presence in five cities, including Delhi and Bengaluru.
Barman says Shillong Momo is all about Shillong and for the “beautiful people of the hill state”.
“The logo itself talks about Shillong, its pine trees and clouds. True there are numerous momo shops in Shillong and some are quite old. But we want to build a strong brand and want our consumers to know that unlike the roadside shops, our food is prepared from fresh ingredients under hygienic condition,” says the owner, who plans to take the flavours of Shillong Momo to other parts of the North East. He believes Shillong Momo is not just another venture but a platform for cultural exchange.
Lyngdoh says the shop has more takeaway orders. The outlet is planning home delivery service within 4km radius after puja. “The service will be from 8pm to 10.30pm and we will charge a nominal amount for delivery,” says Barman.
But has the location of the shop behind Bawri Mansion a negative on the list? Barman says though he was initially sceptical but later found out that the position of the shop is, in fact, convenient because the “rush of the main road” can be avoided and customers can park their cars and relax and enjoy the food.
~ NM