Taste of Global Shillong at its Best - Deja vu

• Location: Police Point, Latiumkhra, Shillong - 793003 
• Category : Fine Dinning / Lounge Bar 
• Cuisine: Asian / Chinese, Continental 

One of Shillong's most highly acclaimed restaurants, Deja vu is said to be providing TASTE of MODERN SHILLONG. Regionally renowned, Deja vu received reputed reviews and ratings from various travelers and international travel companies. The restaurant's Asian and Chinese cuisine creations with some popular American foods are magical, drawing the maximum of flavor from the very freshest of ingredients. The separate lounge area give you the facility to wine and dine.

The setting is comfortable with a vibrant atmosphere. Interior is nice; designed for the centrally located area of a medium sized city. With pinewood coverings make it properly looks like a Shillong's genuine restaurant. Live music makes it better and more vibrant specially in the evenings. Stuff members are polite and very helpful. It is one among the best fine dining restaurants in the region.

On a recent visit, I began with American chopsey. Really it was at its best!! Do not miss this when you visit the best Chinese restaurant of the city. The lunch buffet cost approximately Rs. 350 per head. Lung Fung is given before the main course comes to you. Lung Fung - the chicken soup can be extra spicy for some people. Main course of this eating point includes Vegetable Fried Rice, Vegetable Chowmein, Fish Curry, Chilly Chicken, Chicken Manchurian and Potato Fingers. Potato Fingers with wine can be given a extreme good rating. To finish the food course comfortably the restaurant serve lovely desserts with varieties.

Deja vu has a very large menu to choose dishes. And here the problem is that all of their items has wonderful taste. However no need to be confused. The staff will generously help you to choose proper foods for you. All the foods has excellent quality and quantity too. Locals are fortunate that they have Deja vu to enjoy the tastes with frequent changes of items for lifetime. In this land of mainly non - vegetarian habitation vegetarians also can experience the beauty of the food world; - just check their vegetable steamed momo if I am lying. Though they are specialized in Chinese cuisine why not try some extra? Like Pork Ribs or Tom Yum soup. One of my friend advised. Thanks to him. Do not like fish? Eat Deja vu's Fish Finger and Fish Manchurian; your mouth will send signal to your brain to fish to be loved. They have a good collection of alcoholic beverages too.

No one can say the restro bar overpriced. The food quality, taste, the ambiance, service (actually not service but genuine hospitality!) and interior............just everything is fine. Advice? Go to Deja vu to spent time and money well when you are in Shillong.

By Pradyut Pawan Gogoi
Photography by Surjit Boruah

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Khasi Tribe of Maghalaya

Meghalaya, one of the state of North East India, known as 'Abode of Clouds' is a habitat to three major tribes Khasi, Garo and Jaintiya and are found in different location of the state. These tribes are very lively with their rich culture and tradition. One of the most interesting thing that is enough to draw the attention of the busy world about these tribes is that they follow matrilineal system, which is practiced by only few tribes in India, where women are regarded as head of the family. Though I am mentioning them as ‘tribe’ or are regarded as so, still the people are very modern not only in the way they live their life but also in their thoughts, their mental outlook and so follows.

My experience with these tribes though not for a longer span of time but still it was very mesmerizing and long-lasting. Within the limited period as per the calendar and my watch, I have traveled many places in Meghalaya, and few of them were the hotspots for attracting the tourist all around. Among them the village Nongsophan and Mawlynong were quite famous because of their landscape beauty. Luckily as I always wish to explore new adventures, during my college days, I got the opportunity to travel to these places for my field visit where I could spend some valuable time to get closer to the natural beauty of Meghalaya.

Naturally when any tribe is tend to characterize, it is done by explain their practices such as food habits, marriage system, clothing and religion. Not moving away from this track, even I tried to study and understand a brief their customs and practices. 

Khasi tribe is very lively tribe in North East India, which can be underlined by their culture. Basically tribal people in North East are mostly non-vegetarian and are lovers of meat especially pork and beef and dry fish. So even among the Khasi we can see that most of them live on these food habits. Their traditional dish is called ‘Jadoh’ which is cooked in vary occasion; the dish is prepared from rice and oil extracted from pork fat, their meal is incomplete without ‘Kwai’ (dose of areca nut, betel leaf and lime) which is served at the end of every meal. They are also very much fond of wild vegetables, fruits and leaves, among that bamboo shot is very popular.

As I have mentioned before the Khasi, the largest tribe of Meghalaya is chiefly the followers of the matriarchal system. Normally the marriage between the same clan is not allowed in the state of Meghalaya. Even you would find it much interesting when I would tell you all that they follow the customs and traditions wherein weddings include the practice of girls proposing to boys. There need not be any agreement between the families of both boy and the girl before they get into a formal relationship; the marriageable folk is given full liberty to choose their own partners. There is no system of dowry in their marriage system. The marriage is successful once the groom shifts into the bride’s residence Isn’t it all interesting? 

When you would talk about attire, a Khasi lady wears a ‘Dhara’ or ‘Jainesm’ known in local language Physically these dresses are quite detailed and comprise of not one but several pieces of clothing, and hence give an attractive cylindrical shape to the woman’s body. The Jainesm includes two pieces of contrasting fabrics, which rest on each shoulder. Khasi men wears a sleeveless shirt called Jymphong.

One of the major festivals celebrated by Khasis is Nongkrem celebrated in the month of November every year which last for five days. It is popularly known as the Ka Pomblang Nongkrem. Another major festival celebrated in the month of April is known as the Shad Suk Mynsiem; a three days long celebration. 

Mawlynong, one of the memorable experience in my life and would even to many is a village in the East Khasi Hills district of the Meghalaya state. This village is also known as the cleanest village in Asia. The population over there is mostly Khasi. This village is the center of attraction for its maintenance which is in itself an example to the outsider. As I have interacted to the villagers in Mawlynong, I could feel the sense of responsibility of the villagers towards their surrounding, which they handle in a very organized manner. If you take a walk around the village you can notice how the villagers have put handmade dustbin for dumping the waste in every nook and corner of the village. Also we can see the bamboo huts and different kind of orchids in every household which are very eye-catching. Also the village is surrounded by water falls and if we travel 1km from the village we can enjoy the beauty of famous root bridge in Riwai village which is famous all over the world. With the natural beauty the place is also blessed with many other natural resources. The Mawylonong village is not only an example to the outside world but also to the neighboring village such as Thai village and Nongsophan. 

The description regarding this village highlights a few important characteristics of Khasi people in Mehgalaya. So I don’t hesitate to reveal about the village to anyone I come across. In fact I believe everyone should come here to this world of beauty with some beautiful creatures of the globe.


By Madhu Manjuri Gohain
Photography by: Madhu Manjuri Gohain

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Shillong : A piece of Heaven on Earth

Ever heard the term "Scotland of East"? Within the extending Pine forests there lies a piece of paradise where the sunshine make hearts warmer, slowly blowing wind transform minds into heavenly calmness; it is Shillong, where stars falls at every single night. It is Shillong, where two skies rise every late night.

Shillong reminded the European settlers about Scotland. So she is locally popular as Scotland of the East. It is approximately 104 km away from Guwahati; the major metropolis of North East India. Once the Guwahati-Shillong journey happened to be a picturesque memory. However now extension of outskirt urban structure of both of the cities is a great hamper for such a refreshment searching journey. However instead of the threat of spreading urbanization Shillong is still a ideal holiday destination throughout the year. Visiting only the main city is not fruitful without experiencing the ornaments of nature around Shillong proper.

Though the nearest airport to Shillong is Umroi(Shillong) Airport (40 km) it is the best option to arrive first at Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport (129 km) at Guwahati due to the frequent inclement weather of Umroi Airport. From there cabs are available to Shillong for an journey of approximately 5 hours; which cost around 1500 Indian Rupees. The cab will drop you at Police Bazar; from where you can go to almost anywhere within and around Shillong. If  an accommodation point have been already chosen, with or without some extra bucks the driver will drop you there.

Within and around the city there lies a number of waterfalls as the holy guardians of Shillong. The major attraction is Elephant Falls. Local people referred this fall as ‘Ka Kshaid Lai Pateng Khohsiew’ which means ‘Three Steps Waterfalls’. The British named it as Elephant falls because there was a elephant shaped rock near the left side of the fall till the earthquake of 1897. The fall is actually the compilation of a number of small falls and does not deluge down in a continuous column. Weitden or Sweet Falls; which is about at a 9 km distance from Shillong is regarded as one among the most beautiful falls; situated near Happy Valley. On the very outskirt of the city there is a waterfall which looks like a flying Eagle; locally known as ‘Umkaliar’ but popular as Spread Eagle Falls. Beadon and Bishop Falls, Gunner's Falls and Crinoline Falls are some other falls easily accessible from the urban hustle and bustle of Shillong; covered with majestic natural scenery. Crinoline Falls is more than a falls. The natural swimming pool is a added attraction to this falls. Tourists like me no doubt should have the utilization of the chance to swim within nature. Besides there is a restaurant to serve delicious foods and a small zoo to have the refreshment of a full day. The waterfalls of Shillong are also the home to innumerable wild animals such as wild cats, leopards, deer, colorful birds, langurs etc. During proper weather the eye catching view of these falls and magical orchids hypnotize visitors not to return from Shillong. Spring is the best season to visit the waterfalls.

Shillong Peak (6,433 Feet) is not only the highest geographical point of Shillong but also of Meghalaya. The peak is located approximately 9 km south to the city. This classical tourist hotspot is the best spot to have a heart throbbing visual experience of the entire city and scattered countryside. During day one can observe the mesmerizing botanical cum urban beauty whereas in night Shillong looks like a miracle dazzling with thousands stars from this peak.

Travelers with some more adventurous attitude can choose well known Marai Cave on Shillong-Jowai road to reach Shillong Peak.

Sohpetbneng (Navel of Heaven) Peak is located at the centre of the Shillong Pleatue. It is believed that a visit to the Sohpetbneng Peak grants answers to all the questions associated with the existence of the Universe to the visitor. This spot is a point of spiritual relaxation and frequently visited by the tourists. The peak is 20 km away from Shillong.

As there are rarely any dangerous animals in Shillong's thin forests, grassland and popular natural tourist spots; for adventurous visitors trekking exploration or forest camping can be a valuable experience. Laytlum Canyon is the best option to have a trekking beyond experience where its feels like walking on the last end of the world. David Scott Trail and Mawphlang along with its sacred forest are other thrilling areas for trekking near to the city.

Khasi Heritage Village which is located in Mawphlang deliver a glimpse of Khasi tradition, culture and practice at a very single spot. The village has shops, food stalls and picnic space with necessary modern amenities.

The romantic Lady Hydari Park (Designed like a Japanese Garden), Ward's Lake and adjacent Botanical Survey of India Orchidarium, Sohliya Strawberry Farm are some of the recommendation for natural refreshment.

The huge water body of Umium is a perfect destination for those who like skiing, boating and angling. Umium or Barapani is a artificial lake which is presently one among the most popular picnic spots of North East India.

A portion of the virgin nature of Shillong was transformed into a Golf Course by a Group of British civil servants in 1898. The Shillong Golf Course- "The Gleneagle of the East" is not only a scenic one but also one of the wettest, largest and toughest golf course of the world.

Apart from tourist hotspots of State Central Library and Capt. Williamson Sangma State Museum, Wankhar Memorial Museum of Entomology (Butterfly Museum), Don Bosco Center for Indigenous Cultures and Chrysalis the Gallery a traditional traveler has a lot to see like Rhino Heritage Museum, Zoological Museum, Anthropological Museum, Arunachal Museum, Air Force Museum, Motphran, XSV Adventures Paintball Zone etc.

Police Bazar is the business hub of the entire state and people find almost everything in their shopping list. But it is ‘Lewduh’ or Bara Bazar, the largest street market of North East India which attracts majority of tourist due to the availability of verities of ethnic products; from local vegetable and forest herbs to traditional handloom and handicrafts.

The locality of Shillong has high sense of eating culture. Foods in Shillong are tasty but not cheaper though reasonable. Almost all the noteworthy restaurants of Shillong serve better quality coffee and milkshake at value for money. Eating in Shillong is fun, enjoyment as well as refreshment. Shillong is also a heaven for those who like more alcohol at less price. Street food stalls in Bara Bazar offers real Khasi foods along with other varieties.

Shillong will make you experience and explore a piece of heaven on Earth definitely.

By Arijit Baruah
Edited By Pradyut Pawan Gogoi
Photography By Pradyut Pawan Gogoi and Madhu Manjuri Gohain

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