O’Shillong: Delhi’s newest address for authentic Meghalaya food, experience
From Our Special Correspondent
NEW DELHI, May 22: Delhiites looking for authentic cuisine amid local vibes from the Northeast have finally got a choice with the Meghalaya-themed cafĂ© and community space O’Shillong being launched here on Friday with streams of people from the region already making a beeline for it.
The cafĂ©’s home-inspired Dukan Ja (diner) floor comes with a feeling of classic coziness, no matter what the season. The cafĂ©’s ground floor is marked by a hill-station styled Tyndur (bakery) that nods to all baked goods representing traditions around tea-time back in Meghalaya.
The four-storied cafĂ© in a posh locality in Safdarjung has a high concentration of people from the region. The cafĂ© also comes with a well-thought-out O’Shillong Studio and Co-Work that will provide a conducive atmosphere to creative professionals and artists from the region. Cha Dukan (cafe) at the terrace offers a close-up view of the Safdarjung neighbourhood stories.
Tipriti Kharbangar performs during the cafĂ©’s opening in New Delhi. (ST)
The opening was headlined by Shillong’s rockstar Lil Mama Tips (Tipriti Kharbangar). Garo band Skubo Project played a great supporting act in the celebrations, giving the guests a diverse Meghalayan flavour of music.
The Shillong star also launched the cafĂ©’s studio with an interesting chat on The Riniki Podcast. Rinki, a poetess, emphasised the importance of using her voice to advance environmental causes, with a special mention about her forest campaign in her Malki neighbourhood. She declared her happiness at the launch of O’Shillong.
“So happy to be part of the culture and community of O’Shillong, where the taste, traditions and tales of Shillong, our beautiful abode, find a home in the big city!” she said.
“We are a community where our people can engage, contribute and represent Meghalaya with pride and professionalism,” another partner of the cafĂ© said. (Contd on P-7)