Visit Hornbill for Authentic Naga Food

Hornbill is a sneak peak into the Naga way of life. In appearance and vibe like a family home, the food captures elusive umami undertones and exotic flavour combinations.

Smoked Pork with Yam, Axone chutney

Fruit beer

Undiluted authenticity, products sourced from Nagaland

Slightly over six months old, Hornbill has made its niche in the north-eastern culinary haven that Humayunpur village has come to be. Walking down to this basement establishment, wafts of bamboo shoot, smoked meats and other intriguing ferments welcome you. The walls are lined with bamboo mats and cane lamps and the tables are packed with patrons who seem to be polishing off their dinner with relish {always an encouraging sign}.

The best sellers here are the thalis, offering a balanced combo meal with lentils and steamed vegetables; the rice is served in individual portions on lovely wooden pedestals. Combined with a simple dal and the exotic axone chutney {a fermented soya bean preparation}, this cuisine is best enjoyed eaten traditionally by hand.

The highlight of our dinner was the pork. The frizzled pork is addictive in its crunchy-exterior-tender-meat high cholesterol goodness. But what blew our socks off were the smoked pork preparations. Cured meat with woody hints is a winner in its own right, but cooked in wonderfully delicate yet complex curries takes it to a special place. The smoked pork dishes with bamboo shoot and yam are delectable.

…Is a dessert option. On the day of our visit, they had also run out of fish {apparently, that is not unusual towards closing, given the popularity}.

They home deliver, if you prefer to eat snuggled up at home. Also, JNU students get a 10% discount!

Where: 104/A, Basement Backside NCC Gate, Safdarjung

Nearest Metro Station: Green Park

Contact: +91 9654781284

Timings: 12:30pm – 11pm

Price: Rs 600 for two {approx}