Food & Shopping

Food & Shopping

Zunheboto, home to the Sumi Naga tribe, offers a unique blend of traditional Naga cuisine and handcrafted tribal products. Whether you’re a food lover eager to try smoked pork and bamboo shoot curry or a shopper looking for handwoven shawls and bamboo handicrafts, Zunheboto has something special for you.

 Best Naga Dishes to Try in Zunheboto

1. Smoked Pork with Bamboo Shoot  (Sumi Naga Specialty)

• A signature Sumi dish, featuring smoked pork slow-cooked with bamboo shoots for a smoky, tangy flavor.
   Where to Try: Local homestays, Zunheboto 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, Zunheboto local eateries

3. Raja Mircha Chutney  (For Spice Lovers!)

• Made from one of the world’s hottest chilies – Raja Mircha (King Chili).
• 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 Sumi-style rice porridge, similar to khichdi, made with smoked meat, vegetables, and perilla seeds.
   Where to Try: Local village kitchens, Zunheboto Market food stalls

5. Rice Beer & Wild Honey  (Traditional Sumi Naga Drinks)

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

 Where to Try: Local homes, traditional festivals (Tokü Emong Festival in November).

 Best Places to Eat in Zunheboto

1. Sumi Kitchen  (Best for Traditional Naga Cuisine)

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

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

• Stay in a traditional Sumi Naga home and try home-cooked delicacies like fermented meats, spicy chutneys, and sticky rice.
   Location: Shiyepu Village, Satakha

3. Zunheboto 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: Zunheboto Market Area

 Best Shopping Places in Zunheboto

Zunheboto is one of the best places in Nagaland to buy tribal handicrafts, handwoven shawls, and bamboo products.

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

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

 Location: Zunheboto Town Center

2. Satakha Handicraft Shops  (Best for Handmade Tribal Artifacts)

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

 Distance: 25 km from Zunheboto

3. Shiyepu Village Craft Stores  (Best for Traditional Accessories & Textiles)

• A perfect place to buy:
  ✅ Handwoven Sumi tribal shawls
  ✅ Beaded jewelry & traditional warrior headgear
  ✅ Naga hunting spears & wooden carvings

 Distance: 10 km from Zunheboto

4. Tokü Emong Festival Market  (Best for Seasonal Shopping – November)

• A temporary market during the Tokü Emong Festival, where locals sell:
  ✅ Handwoven Naga shawls, beads & ornaments
  ✅ Traditional Sumi warrior dance accessories
  ✅ Local snacks, pickles & rice beer

 Best Time to Visit: November (During Tokü Emong Festival)

 Shopping & Food Tips

✔ Bargain at local markets – especially for handicrafts & textiles.
✔ Try local food stalls – some of the best flavors come from small vendors.
✔ Cash is preferred – most small shops and markets don’t accept digital payments.
✔ Buy directly from artisans – for the best quality and to support the local economy.

 Summary: Best Places for Food & Shopping

✔ For Authentic Sumi Naga Food → Sumi Kitchen, Local Village Homestays
✔ For Trendy Shopping → Zunheboto Town Market
✔ For Traditional Handicrafts → Satakha, Shiyepu Village
✔ For Spices & Local Produce → Tokü Emong Festival Market

Zunheboto is a paradise for food lovers & cultural shoppers, offering a mix of flavorful Sumi cuisine and handcrafted souvenirs. Whether you're savoring smoked pork and rice beer or buying handwoven shawls and tribal jewelry, Zunheboto provides a memorable cultural experience!