As our next pop-up, we bring to you Heirlooms from the Hills by chef Chef Rita Blah
A nostalgic retelling of Shillong’s Culinary Landscape
Meet Rita: The Home Chef from Shillong
Born and raised in the lush hills of Shillong, Rita’s cooking tells stories of community, memory, and quiet mastery. She learnt by watching — her grandmother stirring smoky bamboo shoot stews over a wood fire, her mother marinating pork with local spices, neighbours sharing recipes through whispered tips and shared meals.
For over 50 years, Rita has cooked — not for acclaim, but for love. Her kitchen has always been open to family, friends, and the lucky few who get to experience her deeply rooted, intuitively crafted dishes. Her food has travelled quietly from Shillong to Bombay, with chefs from places like The Bombay Canteen and Masque and Naar counting themselves among the fortunate who've tasted it.
Rita doesn’t believe in shortcuts. She cooks with memory, community, and soul. Not everyone gets to eat her food — but those who do never forget it.
About the Meal -
This meal is a celebration of everyday Khasi flavours — the kind found in family kitchens, bustling tea shops, and humble canteens across Shillong. Made with ingredients deeply rooted in the land, it features smoked pork slow-dried over a wood fire for up to 24 hours, giving it a rich, earthy depth. Nutty nei iong (black sesame) and fragrant nei leih (round sesame) lend texture and warmth, while sticky rice ties it all together — simple, grounding, essential.
A spoonful of soh iiong, the tart local blackberries, adds a bright, unexpected note — just like the hills themselves. Eaten on quiet mornings and festive nights alike, this is a meal made from memory, meant to nourish and bring people together.
MENU
✨ STARTERS
1. DOH THAD | Dried Smoke Pork
Description - A bold and fiery starter featuring pork that's been traditionally smoked over a wood fire for up to 24 hours, then crisp-fried with onions, capsicum and green chillies. Deeply savoury with a smoky kick, it’s the kind of dish that lingers — in memory and on the palate.
2. MOMOS & SOHMYNKEN SAW | Pork Momos with Dried Red Chilly Chutney
Description: A beloved tea-time bite in Khasi homes and hill-side stalls alike. Juicy pork, hand-minced, is wrapped in delicate dough and steamed to perfection. They're served with a fiery dried red chilli chutney — earthy, smoky, and just the right kind of heat to cut through the Shillong mist.
✨ MAINS
1. DOH SYIAR SHET KYLLA | Chicken curry and rice
Description: A wholesome Khasi-style chicken curry, slow-cooked with potatoes and local spices and served with steamed rice.
Accompaniments
1. TUNGTAP CHUTNEY | Dried fish chutney
2. NEPALI CHUTNEY | Cold chickpea with Chayote Squash chutney
2. JA STEM WITH DOH NEI IIONG | Rice cooked in Pork Broth with Black Sesame Pork
Description - Rice simmered in rich pork broth, paired with tender pork cooked in nutty black sesame; a soulful Khasi dish layered with depth, smoke, and tradition.
Accompaniments
1. SOH SAW | Charred Tomato Chutney
2. DOH KHLIEH | Cold pork salad
✨ DESSERT
JA SHULIA with SOH IIONG | Sticky rice, black berry jam and icecream
Accompaniment
SHA SAW | Khasi Black tea
Notes
1. This meal cannot accommodate any allergies or vegan/vegetarians.
2. All courses contain pork and chicken.
Terms & Conditions:
- Please arrive punctually.
- Late arrivals may miss the first few courses.
- Booking Fee are non-refundable under all circumstances once booked.
- Tickets are transferrable to a third party.
- No shows/ cancellations will not be refunded, but you can reschedule your booking for within the week 48hrs before your slot is due.
- Alcohol will not be served to guests under the age of 21
- No liability or claims that may arise due to the consumption or intake of any food or drink will be entertained by the management.
- The booking fee total includes the online transaction fee.
- Parking at the event premises is at the risk of the vehicle owner.
- Valet is available.
- Photographs and videos of ticket holders may be uploaded to social media. In case you do not wish to be featured, let our team know.