NESFAS-supported café inaugurated in Ri-Bhoi

NONGPOH, Jan 28: A café, going by the name Mei Ram-ew, was on Saturday inaugurated at Khweng village under Bhoirymbong C&RD Block in Umroi.
Supported by the North East Slow Food and Agrobiodiversity Society (NESFAS), the café serves sumptuous and indigenous cuisines, something which the district already is known for.
The café was inaugurated by in charge of Empowerment Monitoring Committee and Innovation of NESFAS, Khrawborlang Wahlang, in the presence of village headman Jomke Amju, locals and others.
It may be mentioned that the NESFAS had extended support to the owner Plantina Mujai in giving a new lease of life to the café, which is now serving the rich traditional cuisines of the district.
Shedding light, Mujai said she had been interested in cooking indigenous food since her childhood days and with the support of NESFAS, she was able to set up Mei Ram-ew Cafe, which was earlier functioning from a bamboo house.
“It was not an easy journey. I met several difficulties during the course of this café for years with the only objective to serve local indigenous cuisines. People from across the state as well as tourists from outside the state and from other countries have visited my café, which indeed encourages me. I especially would like to thank the NESFAS for its continued support, which enabled me to build this cafe as it is today to further my business and support other local youths and farmers,” an elated Mujai said, adding that she still is in need of government support.
It may be mentioned that the initiative of NESFAS was aimed at preserving the locally available seeds, vegetables and other edible items, including those which have medicinal benefits, which are rare and on the brink of extinction.