Food & Shopping

Food & Shopping

Mon, the land of the Konyak Nagas, offers a unique culinary experience and a chance to buy authentic tribal handicrafts. Whether you’re a food lover eager to try smoked pork and fermented soybeans or a shopper searching for handwoven shawls and handmade weapons, Mon has something special to offer.

 Best Naga Dishes to Try in Mon

1. Smoked Pork with Bamboo Shoot  (Signature Konyak Dish)

• A traditional Konyak dish, featuring smoked pork slow-cooked with bamboo shoots for a rich, smoky, and tangy flavor.
   Where to Try: Local homestays, Mon Town Market food stalls

2. Axone (Fermented Soybean Curry)  (Unique Naga Flavor)

• A strong-smelling, fermented soybean dish used in pork curries, chutneys, or soups.
   Where to Try: Traditional kitchens, Mon Town eateries

3. Raja Mircha Chutney  (For Spice Lovers!)

• Made from one of the world’s hottest chilies – Raja Mircha (Ghost Pepper).
• Often served as a side chutney with smoked meats and sticky rice.
   Where to Try: Street food stalls, local restaurants

4. Galho (Naga Khichdi)  (Comfort Food)

• A Naga-style rice porridge, similar to khichdi, made with smoked meat, vegetables, and perilla seeds.
   Where to Try: Local village kitchens, Mon Market food stalls

5. Rice Beer & Wild Honey  (Traditional Konyak Drinks)

• Zutho (Rice Beer): A mildly alcoholic, fermented rice-based drink, commonly served in bamboo mugs.
• Wild Honey: Harvested by the Konyak Nagas from forest beehives, available in local markets.

 Where to Try: Local homes, traditional festivals (Aoling Festival in April).

 Best Places to Eat in Mon

1. Konyak Kitchen  (Best for Traditional Naga Cuisine)

• Serves authentic Konyak dishes, including smoked pork, axone, and bamboo shoot curries.
   Location: Mon Town

2. Local Village Homestays  (Best for Traditional Food Experience)

• Stay in a traditional Konyak home and try home-cooked delicacies like fermented meats, spicy chutneys, and sticky rice.
   Location: Longwa, Chui, Hongphoi Villages

3. Mon Town Market Street Stalls  (Best for Local Snacks & Fast Food)

• Explore bustling street food stalls selling:
  ✅ Pork momos & smoked meat skewers
  ✅ Raja Mircha pickle & bamboo shoot pickles
  ✅ Handmade rice cakes & spicy Naga sausages

 Location: Mon Market Area

 Best Shopping Places in Mon

Mon is one of the best places in Nagaland to buy tribal handicrafts, handwoven shawls, and Konyak artifacts.

1. Mon Town Market  (Best for Local Shopping & Street Food)

• The biggest market in Mon, selling:
  ✅ Handwoven Konyak shawls & tribal textiles
  ✅ Handmade bamboo products & jewelry
  ✅ Dried meats, smoked fish, and Raja Mircha chilies

 Location: Mon Town Center

2. Wakching Village Craft Stores  (Best for Handmade Tribal Artifacts)

• A traditional Konyak village, known for:
  ✅ Handmade tribal knives & war artifacts
  ✅ Hand-carved wooden masks & sculptures
  ✅ Locally made jewelry from brass, beads, and animal bones

 Distance: 36 km from Mon

3. Chui Village Craft Shops