Food in Imphal

When we talk about Manipuri cuisine the first things that come to our mind are Iromba, Ngari, Morok, Chamfoot  and different herbs. Manipuri dishes are generally simple, healthy and organic. The staple diet of the people of Imphal is rice. Manipuri people also love eating fishes. Manipuri dishes are normally rich and hot.

Most of these people love to eat a lot of green vegetables and herbs and so they prefer to maintain their own kitchen garden. They also love to rear fish in small ponds.


The Manipuri cuisine not only includes chillies and herbs but also unusual vegetables like Soibum (Khorisa), Thangjing (Gorgon), Yongchaak (sataw), Hawaijaar (fermented soyabean). Apart from vegetables the Manipuri gastronomy also includes five varieties of mushrooms.

They also consume edible fresh water snail called Tharoi in the local language. Tharoi which is eaten in Manipur are mainly of three types Labuk Tharoi, Lai Tharoi and Tharoi Ningkhabi. Among the fishes are Pengba, Sareng, Rohu, Ngakra, Ngamu, Nganap, Ngasep, Ngakijou, Porom, Ngasang, Phabou Nga, Khabak, Ukabi, etc

The people of this region have a keen liking towards food and hence, they never compromise with food. Along with the traditional Manipuri dishes, the people also like to have food from other regions as well like chinese and north India.

Top Restaurants in Imphal

Apart from the local dishes, Imphal is also popular for its Indian and Chinese mouth watering cuisine. Some of the restaurants that offers delicious Indian and Chinese delicacies include Rita cafe, Nikheel cafe, Uptown cafe, Classic cafe and many more.

Classic Cafe

Located in the heart of the city, this multi-cuisine restaurant is one of the most luxurious eating joints in Manipur. The restaurant offers a variety of options from Continental, Oriental to Indian cuisines. The hotel staff is well trained and the ambience of the restaurant is also very pleasant.

Meal for two: Rs 700
Address: North A.O.C, Imphal: 795001
Phone no: 0385-2443967

Rita Cafe

With a cozy seating arrangement and a live music, Rita Cafe is the popular hangout place for the young people of Imphal. One can spend the evening in the café and the enjoy the music.

Meal for two: Rs 500
Address: North A.O.C, Imphal : 795001
Phone no: 0385-2443967

Nikheel Cafe

Nikheel Café is one of the most popular restaurants in the city of Imphal. It is multi-cuisine restaurant and is well known for its Chinese cuisine, specially the noodles and dumplings. It is also a popular hangout place for the young crowd. Apart from its Chinese dishes, the place is also is also popular for its pork macroni ,chicken noodle soup and chicken biryani.

Meal for two: Rs 300
Address: North AOC, Imphal: 795001

Uptown Cafe

If you are a fast food lover, then Uptown café is the best option. The restaurant is famous for its dumplings, noodles, burgers, coffee and many more. The ambience of the place is also very pleasant.

Meal for two: Rs 300
Address:Keishampat Aheibam Leirak,
Opposite Cada Office.Imphal: 795001

Some other restaurants and cafes in Imphal are:

Big Chill
North A.O.C, Imphal, Manipur: 795001
Meal for two: Rs 200

Naoba's Restaurant
RIMS Road, Lamphel, Imphal, Manipur: 795001
Meal for two: Rs 200

Classic Cafe
North A.O.C, Imphal:795001
Meal for two: Rs 700

A to Z
Kwakeithel, Imphal, Manipur: 795001
Meal for two: Rs 200

Azad Hotel
Imphal, Manipur, 795001
Meal for two: Rs 150

Chakluk Hotel
Mapal Kangjeibung, Imphal: 795001
Meal for two: Rs 300

Sumo's hotel
Chingamakha, Singjamei, Imphal
Meal for two: Rs 200

Fresh Point
Pallel Chandel, Imphal : 795135
Meal for two: Rs 300

L E Cafe
Sangai Express, Imphal
Meal for two: Rs 500

Cine View Restaurant
Churachandpur, Imphal, India
Meal for two: Rs 500

RTC Route39
Mantripukhri, Imphal: 795002
Meal for two: Rs 300