5 CAFÉ’S OF MEGHALAYA THAT YOU SHOULD NOT MISS

Meghalaya or the abode of the clouds is not just breathtakingly beautiful with its roiling highlands that remind you of its Scottish counterpart, but is also home to in-numerous waterfalls and other natural attractions. But at the end of a well spent day of sightseeing and tourist activities, you still want to wind down, relax and sip your caffeine. If you are looking for a little more than coffee in terms of ambience and environment, then this is the countdown to ear mark the places to visit for a good cuppa joe.

5. Swish Café (Laitumkhrah)

This cafe is owned by Ms. Mary Tariang and was started in 2003. Why is it noteworthy? This is because it was the first café opened in the state of Meghalaya and from where the coffee culture was permeated through the length and breadth of this state. It is located at the Laitumkharah Beat House. Swish café has a very happening, cool and artistic vibe and is frequented by the young crowd and many musicians too. This café has a mini library and a television too. You can have a great cup of coffee with some awesome dumplings and other scrumptious food here.

4. Muchies (Don Bosco Square, Laitumkhrah)

Munchies may be a distinctive restaurant with associate individualistic identity. It a cultured ornamentation, and offers Lebanese, Russian, Italian and Mexican food. Set within the hub of Shillong, Munchies enjoys a large student crowd. Their pocket-friendly costs and quick service makes it very talked-about and therefore the al-fresco charm of it being in an exceedingly car parking zone simply adds to everything. This eatery are often noted because the 1st restaurant to be opened within the entire state of Meghalaya.

3. The YOU & I – Arts Café (Mawroh)

This is a little known gem of cafes which is part of the Pine Air Lodge in Shillong. It is a non-profit café which runs on a sustainability model. More unique is the fact that this cafe serves more than fifty different flavoured teas (herbal) ranging from rosella to tumeric. The interiors are also put together on a sustainability model with up-cycled furniture, handmade tables and also houses traditional bpard games, many art pieces and crafts work from indigenous artists/ craftsmen across Shillong. These works are also for sale and proceeds go towards supporting such small communities who are preserving such craftsmanship. It is open from Monday to Saturday and also serves traditional Khasi fare.

2. ML 05 Café (Mawsynram-Shillong Road)

Are you a biker at heart? If yes then you don’t need to think twice but head straight to ML 05 Cafe, the only bike-themed concept cafe in Shillong. It is named after the sate transport code. The setting of the cafe itself is in a very picturesque location of 5^th Mile road which is dotted with tall pine trees The building however may look unassuming from outside, but the decor inside spells travel and transport-love through and through. Its proud mantle-piece is a Harley Davidson in all its glory. This cafe opened its doors only a couple of years back. The menu has something for everyone including pasta, pizza, Chinese, hot chocolate, tea, coffee, milkshakes, and desserts.

1. Dylan’s Café

One of the most iconic of cafes in Shillong or Meghalaya as a whole is the Dylan’s Cafe. It is touted as the first tribute cafe in North-East india and was started in the year 2016. This cafe is a tribute to the legendary singer-songwriter, ‘Bob Dylan’ who had a major influence in the evolution of western music culture in Shillong. The menu here is hearty and comforting, much like Dylan’s music and includes favourites such as all day breakfast platters, succulent burgers, pancakes, waffles and a range of decadent desserts. The most instagrammable part of the cafe is their couch on the balcony overlooking lush fields. Dylan’s Cafe also offers open mic, poetry, storytelling and fine arts. You can paint a tile or more and even bring in or exchange a book here. Overall, it is a must-visit if you are a Bob Dylan fan and that’s why its number 1 on our list.