Been around for some years now Dzukou Tribal Kitchen located in Hauz Khas Market is now known among foodies in Delhi for serving authentic Naga food. But only a handful of passionate food lovers know are familiar with the taste of the Naga cuisine. Keeping this in mind, this Naga restaurant organised an event.
Karen Yepthomi, owner and chef of Dzukou Tribal Kitchen, says, “This place promotes the culture of Nagaland. With musical evenings, fashion shows and book launches, we try to educate people about our culture. I am a big time foodie. Since I come from a tribal area of Nagaland, I wanted to showcase something authentic for people to like.” The restaurant derives its name from the Dzukou Valley situated on the border of Nagaland and Manipur. The place is heaven for non-vegetarians. Since Nagaland’s staple diet is pork and rice, Karen recommends smoked pork curry with the State’s fresh pork with bamboo shoots. Its chicken momos are a delectable mix of chicken and veggies like capsicum and onion and served with a green chutney made of garlic, ginger and tomatoes. In the chicken section of the menu, chicken with black sesame seeds is soft and juicy.
The steamed sticky rice pairs well with pumpkin with potato curry. Another highlight of the menu lies in its chutney section which includes Raja Mirchi, which has been certified as the world’s hottest chilli pepper by the Guinness World Records. Naga food is quite healthy as well.
“The best thing about Dzukou is that the amount of oil we use in the food is very limited. It is only used when it’s absolutely mandatory,” says Karen. Majority of the food that they serve is steamed. “Even the herbs we use are different and organic and are specially brought from Nagaland,” she adds.
With Naga music playing in the background, delicate pounding of the water from the built waterfall, lemon fragrance in the air, bamboo furniture and Naga food to relish one’s hunger, one feels transported to the verdant valleys of Nagaland.
The restaurant is rustic in its décor with tribal paintings and lanterns on the wall, an open kitchen and wooden tables.
Location: E- 22, 3rd floor, Dzukou Tribal Kitchen, Hauz Khas Main Market
