I recently had the opportunity to visit this place, and I must say, the ambience truly stood out. From the moment I walked in, I was impressed with the warm lighting, well-planned interior design, and relaxing atmosphere. It felt like a perfect place to unwind and enjoy a good meal with friends or family. The staff were courteous, and the service was prompt and friendly, which definitely added a positive touch to the overall experience.
Encouraged by the pleasant surroundings and service, I decided to order a few items from the menu. I went with the Schezwan Chicken Noodles, Chilli Garlic Chicken, and a Fermented Pineapple Juice. While I was looking forward to a flavorful and spicy dining experience, I was unfortunately a bit disappointed with the food quality.
The Chilli Garlic Chicken, to my surprise, had a noticeably sweet taste, which did not match its description or the flavor profile one typically expects from such a dish. I was anticipating a bold, spicy, and garlicky punch, but instead, the sweetness overpowered everything else, making it feel more like a sweet-and-sour variation.
Similarly, the Schezwan Chicken Noodles lacked the spice and tanginess that usually define Schezwan cuisine. The noodles were decent in texture, but the flavor was quite bland and did not deliver the fiery kick one usually associates with this dish.
The Fermented Pineapple Juice was refreshing and had a unique taste, which I did enjoy. It had a nice tang and was well-chilled, which complemented the meal nicely.
I genuinely appreciate the effort put into creating such a beautiful space and the attentive service, but I would highly recommend focusing more on food quality and consistency. With such a great ambience and friendly staff, improving the flavor and authenticity of the dishes would truly elevate the entire...
Read moreWent to Maven Kitchen located in Eejipura yesterday. Known for their Northeast cuisine, it's been a while since I'd been in one since Zingron. It was quite nicely decorated for valentine's day and we got a nice nook for ourself just near the kitchen. Whats better than to sit near the source eh? The whole place had that aromatic axone smell which got us salivating. For those that don't like it, the main tables are far from the kitchen and is free of the smell.
What we wolfed? Rice beer - can't go wrong there. A nice naturally fermented beer. Available for special occasions only. Pork momos - if it's not pork, it's not momos. This was a classic with the dip Buff stew - though they called it a stew this was a brilliant soup with thinly cut buff slices. Tangy and spicy Axone smoked pork ribs - exquisitely cooked with the flavor of axone and Naga chillies. Superb stuff Maven special chutney - this was other wordly stuff. Absolutely amazing with a burst of flavor, fresh exciting on the tongue, spicy with naga chilies, wild garlic from Manipur and axone Garlic chicken and noodles for the kid - good decent flavor Since we were curious about their cuisine, they were good enough to give small samples of their buff curry, a pressurized green peas curry called Ooti with manipuri spices, Eronba a soup with fermented dried fish, naga chillies and herbs from Manipur.
All this ended with a fermented pineapple juice. So good. A strong flavor that wraps up everything nicely. Excellent service and hospitality. Looking forward to all their...
Read moreMaven Kitchen is a hidden gem for authentic Naga and Manipuri cuisine, tucked away in a narrow alley that makes parking almost impossible. But once you step inside, it’s spotless, cozy, and welcoming—like a quiet escape from the busy streets.
The menu is a love letter to authentic Naga and Manipuri cuisine, and we decided to dive right in. Our culinary adventure began with the Pork Chilli—juicy, well-cooked, and served in a generous portion.
Then came Manipuri sticky rice, soft and subtly fragrant, paired with Smoked Pork Ribs with Axone (fermented soybeans). The flavor was strong and bold—true to its roots—but the aroma and taste might feel a bit overwhelming if you’re not used to it. The meat quality varied too—one piece was all fat, another all meat.
Next up was the much-awaited Crispy Pork. It took around 40 minutes to prepare, but the texture was spot on—crunchy outside, tender inside, and with the right meat-to-fat balance. The only downside? It was completely bland to our spice-loving palates - just pure, honest pork. If you’re someone who enjoys trying new cuisines and appreciates authentic flavors, this is worth a try.
They also serve unique fermented juices made from banana, pineapple, and grapes—something you won’t find in many places.
Overall, Maven Kitchen is perfect for those looking to experience genuine Northeast flavors. Go with an open mind, some patience, and a big appetite for...
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