Ethnic Table opens with a modern take on Naga dining

November 1, 2024 5 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Dimapur | Nov 1

The much-anticipated Ethnic Table restaurant opened its doors this evening in Notun Bosti, offering a fresh and authentic take on Naga cuisine. Owned by Aketoli H Zhimomi, the winner of Naga Chef Season One, and partnered with Chef Soni Rana, the restaurant is back in business with a renewed vision of bringing indigenous Naga flavours to a broader audience. The launch event was marked by a dedication led by Visasier Kevichusa, Pastor of Kingdom Culture Church.

Ethnic Table first began in 2014 and is now relocated under the same banner, with its core concept to preserve authentic Naga culinary traditions and to elevate the indigenous produce with a fresh, modern take on Naga food.

The menu boasts an array of traditional ingredients such as millet, Job’s tears, perilla seeds, black sesame among others.

The new venue will serve as an experimental place where the Chef and her team will explore both food and drink with distinct Naga ferments, while offering guests a fine dining experience.

Reflecting on her career spanning over a decade now, Chef Aketoli said she was an unemployed person before competing in the Naga Chef. The winning moment solidified her passion for culinary arts. The three years spent at ITC Royal Bengal in Kolkata, further made her realise the increasing appreciation for Naga dishes. These observations made her come back home and introduce people to a delectable world of authentic Naga food.

“Because of the support I receive from my mum, sisters, friends and family, I am able to do all of these things,” she said, expressing her gratitude.

At Ethnic Table, Chef Aketoli leads a dedicated team of eight, who are young, hardworking individuals with a desire to learn and excel. By training them in Naga culinary techniques and many other skills, she hopes to make a difference in her community.

The proprietor and her co-partner Chef Soni Rana worked together in ITC, Royal Bengal, Kolkata. While Chef Soni is currently working in Copenhagen at a Michelin restaurant, the two friends decided that it was now time to have a fresh perspective on the traditional Naga food, which inspired them to embark on a journey to explore exotic Naga cuisine on a blank canvas, providing a modern interpretation.
They envision making Naga cuisine more accessible to a broader scale while maintaining the quality and authenticity that the restaurant is known for. It offers birthday bookings and catering services along with the full service dine-in experience.

The restaurant’s interior was crafted by designer Menuolhoulie Kire of Kharu Design. Upon arrival, one is enveloped in a friendly, family-centric setting that honours and celebrates cultural heritage.

The menu includes Comfort Bowl, Small Bites, Noodles, Fried Rice, Meal (Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian), Naga Curries, along with Kids Menu and Kids Meal. The restaurant will serve green tea and herbal wellness tea from Sunika Enterprise, a product of Nagaland.

The restaurant has collaborated with Fusion Store, welcoming guests to a delightful space where they can explore a collection of decorative trinkets and charming gift hampers.

Chef Aketoli was recently recognised as one of India’s Top 30 Chefs by Culinary Culture Cop. She hopes the restaurant will become a cherished place where everyone can savour the richness of Naga cuisine.