Food & Shopping

Food & Shopping

Phek, home to the Chakhesang and Pochury Naga tribes, offers a rich culinary experience and vibrant handicraft culture. Whether you’re a food lover eager to try traditional Naga dishes or a shopper looking for handwoven textiles and bamboo handicrafts, Phek has something unique to offer.

 Best Naga Dishes to Try in Phek

1. Smoked Pork with Bamboo Shoot  (Nagaland’s Signature Dish)

✔ One of the most famous Naga dishes, featuring slow-cooked smoked pork with fermented bamboo shoots.
✔ Has a unique smoky and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with sticky rice.
 Where to Try: Local homestays, Phek Town Market food stalls

2. Axone (Fermented Soybean Curry)  (Chakhesang Naga Specialty)

✔ A strong-smelling, fermented soybean dish used in pork curries, chutneys, or soups.
✔ A favorite among the Chakhesang and Pochury Nagas.
 Where to Try: Traditional kitchens, Phek local 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.
✔ A healthy and comforting meal, best eaten on cold days.
 Where to Try: Local village kitchens, Phek Market food stalls

5. Rice Beer & Wild Honey  (Traditional Naga Beverages)

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

 Where to Try: Local homes, traditional festivals (Sukrunye Festival in January).

 Best Places to Eat in Phek

1. Chakhesang Kitchen  (Best for Traditional Naga Cuisine)

✔ Serves authentic Chakhesang dishes, including smoked pork, axone, and bamboo shoot curries.
 Location: Phek Town

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

✔ Stay in a traditional Chakhesang or Pochury home and try home-cooked Naga delicacies like fermented meats, sticky rice, and smoked fish.
 Location: Khezhakeno, Tsütuobia, Meluri

3. Phek 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: Phek Market Area

 Best Shopping Places in Phek

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

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

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

 Location: Phek Town Center

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

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

 Distance: 105 km from Phek

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

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

 Distance: 45 km from Phek

4. Sukrunye Festival Market  (Best for Seasonal Shopping – January)

✔ A temporary market during the Sukrunye Festival, where locals sell:
✅ Handwoven Naga shawls, beads & ornaments
✅ Traditional Chakhesang warrior dance accessories
✅ Local snacks, pickles & rice beer

 Best Time to Visit: January (During Sukrunye 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 Chakhesang Naga Food → Chakhesang Kitchen, Local Village Homestays
✔ For Trendy Shopping → Phek Town Market
✔ For Traditional Handicrafts → Meluri, Khezhakeno Village
✔ For Spices & Local Produce → Sukrunye Festival Market

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