Shillong has further solidified its emerging status as a prime culinary hub, with two dining spots from the Meghalaya capital earning spots among the top 50 dining establishments in India for 2026. The milestone brings the diverse food heritage of the northeastern state into sharp focus across the country.
Securing Places Among the Country's Elite Eateries
The honours arrived through the Condé Nast Traveller x District Top Restaurant Awards for 2026, which featured Rynsan and Nonna Mei among the nation's premier dining venues. In the latest standings, Rynsan climbed to the 32nd position, while Nonna Mei took the 44th spot. Both dining venues are spearheaded by musician-entrepreneur Hammarsing Kharhmar along with his wife, Riyaki Jana.
The current placement represents notable progress for Rynsan in particular. During the 2025 cycle of the awards, the venue held the 49th rank before jumping 17 places to land at 32nd this year. Kharhmar pointed out that this widespread recognition arrives at a moment when interest in the culinary identity of Meghalaya is growing in tandem with the state's longstanding reputation for landscapes and scenic travel destinations.
Fusing Regional Heritage with Global Influences
The two restaurants offer entirely distinct culinary philosophies. Rynsan is housed within a restored Assam-type bungalow, where it reinterprets Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia culinary traditions by integrating culinary elements from Nagaland, Mizoram, Burma, and Thailand into its dishes.
Nonna Mei pursues an alternative culinary route by blending Italian cooking techniques and profiles with indigenous ingredients from Meghalaya. This innovative method produces a specialized menu that directly connects regional heritage with international gastronomy, offering patrons an uncommon dining perspective.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma Extends Congratulations
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma publicly lauded both establishments for achieving national acclaim. Offering his congratulations to the teams, Sangma said,
“Congratulations to Rynsan and Nonna Mei on being named among the Top 50 winners of the Condé Nast Traveller × District #TopRestaurantAwards 2026 in the country!”The Chief Minister emphasized that both venues reflect the diversity, creativity, and sophistication defining Meghalaya's regional culinary identity, noting that the state's flavors are actively carving out their place on the broader national food map.
