Dylan's Café — Restaurant in Meghalaya

It all started with a delay.

We were supposed to reach our hotel in time for a sunset view, but instead, we were stuck in Shillong’s famously unpredictable traffic — the kind that slowly chips away your patience but also forces you to look around and soak in the charm of the city at a slower pace.

Tired, a bit cranky, and starving, we just wanted simple food. No frills, no fancy fusion — just warmth on a plate. That’s when we stumbled upon Dylan’s Café. It was the closest café on the map and honestly, we weren’t expecting much. But, oh, were we in for the sweetest surprise.

The moment we stepped inside, the vibe changed. Soft music, the hum of happy conversations, and that unmistakable aroma of something soulful cooking in the kitchen. We found a corner table and waited. That’s when Kim arrived.

Kim isn’t just a server — she’s part chef, part mind-reader, and all heart. She’ll ask you what you like, tell you honestly what not to order if she thinks it won’t suit your taste (blunt, yes — but bless her honesty), and then recommend the perfect dish like she’s known you forever. She’s got the charm of a storyteller and the sharp instincts of a seasoned marketer. We genuinely felt like we were being hosted, not served.

The food? Oh, where do I start?

The Shillong noodles were a bowl of comfort — delicate, flavorful, made with local veggies that tasted like they’d been plucked from a garden that morning. No loud spices, no overcomplicated garnishing — just real ingredients and love.

And then came the apple cinnamon tea — warm, gently spiced, and honestly, a hug in a cup. It felt like it was made just for us.

Everything we tasted was magic — and not because it was gourmet, but because it was honest. That’s the beauty of Dylan’s Café. It doesn’t try too hard. It just is — wholesome, heartwarming, and unforgettable.

So yes, this wasn’t part of the plan. But sometimes, the best stories begin with detours. And if you’re ever in Shillong, Dylan’s Café is a must-visit. Come for the food, stay for Kim, and don’t you dare leave without trying the apple cinnamon tea.

You’ll thank yourself...

Dylan’s Café – A Tribute to Art, Music & Flavours in Shillong

Visited Dylan’s café on a Thursday, 1st May and was floored by the unique theme and cozy ambience adorned with very thoughtful artworks to celebrate Bob Dylan, creating a trendy and artistic dining experience. The soft music in the background added to the pleasant, laid-back vibe.

Located on the first floor, the café offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with separate zones for smoking and non-smoking guests. The service staff was exceptionally warm and welcoming — their friendly demeanour and helpful recommendations added to the charm of the place.

Ordered Crunchy chicken burger, Naga Chili pork with Shillong noodles. The food was sumptuous and portions were very good. The chili pork was a standout — tender, flavour-packed, and perfectly spiced. Shillong noodles had a fresh, peppery punch and tender chicken chunks, it was truly the chef’s delight.

Adequate parking within the café premises and well-maintained washrooms also enhanced the overall experience.

The place was a bit pricey, but felt the quality of the food quality, ambience, and experience made it worth every penny. Would definitely recommend Dylan’s café for a relaxed, romantic casual outing and enjoy the signature dish - Naga Chili pork with...

Visited Dylan's on a Sunday morning. The opening time on the Net was mentioned as 1030, although it opens at 0930. We reached around 1020 & the staff was still getting their act together. However, there was no wait and our orders were taken without delay.

We ordered for mushroom & cheese omelettes (229/-), which was served with brown bread toast & butter. The cheese was hardly discernible in the omelette. We also ordered for American pancakes (269/-) with blueberry sauce, which was okay. The Banana Nutella pancakes (259/-) were good. The Veg Fajita wrap (299/-) was good, though high on sauces. We also had Hash brown (59/-) sassy sides, which was okay.

The place has a great vibe and great character. They also sell their merchandise at the cafe.

The service was quick and smart.

The toilet was neat.

The parking is on the road side and not very much.

If you love English breakfast and confectionery in a place with great ambience, this is the place in Shillong.

Visited again on a Sunday morning. The lady took our orders. Thereafter, after about 15 minutes we were informed that there were no eggs in the kitchen and so our orders couldn't be served. We were offered alternatives,...