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Maestro Jrnys

ChefTZac's Guwahati & Shillong

A Culinary Trail

TRIP DATES

17 Oct 24 - 20 Oct 24

PRICE PER PERSON

$ 797.15

CULINARY

Overview Stay Itinerary FAQs

Bookings Closed

ChefTZac's Guwahati & Shillong: A Culinary Trail

TRIP DATES

17 Oct 24-20 Oct 24

PRICE PER PERSON

$ 797.15

Bookings Closed

About this Jrny

The Northeast’s diverse cuisine deserves an in-depth exploration, and who better to explore with than Chef Thomas Zacharias, aka Chef TZac. With his culinary expertise and passion for local produce, Chef TZac will be diving into Meghalayan and Assamese cuisine, and taking you along for the ride.

Guwahati, a vibrant Assamese city bordering the mighty Brahmaputra river, is our first stop. Assam may have cemented its place on the world map for its Bhut Jolokia pepper, but the local cuisine has so much more to offer. Assamese food is savoured for its fresh ingredients, fragrant herbs, and restrained but nuanced use of spices. Fermentation also plays a central role in Assamese cuisine, be it comfort food like poita bhaat (fermented rice) or panch khatta, a flavourful fermented condiment.

Shillong, our second stop, is the capital of Meghalaya and lovingly referred to as the “Scotland of the East”. Alongside its boundless green fields and misty mountains, Shillong boasts of delectable Meghalayan cuisine. Meghalaya’s culinary landscape has been influenced and shaped by the diverse ethnic communities that call the state their home. The food is characterised by its use of seasonal local ingredients, local meats, and fascinating cooking techniques.

Join us as we dive into the world of Assamese and Meghalayan cuisine, as we float down the Brahmaputra and experience a rural farm, learning about authentic food and the people who keep its secrets.

Highlights

Deep-dive into the traditional cuisine of Assam and Meghalaya with delicacies like jadoh (a Khasi breakfast pulao), masor tenga (a tangy fish curry), and many more.
Accompany Chef TZac through the bustling street markets and discover the local produce, spices, and meats that Shillong and Guwahati have to offer.
Dig into a traditional Assamese thali with a dining experience at the home of Kashmiri Nath a well-known custodian.
Participate in a hands-on cooking demonstration with MasterChef Nambie Marak in Shillong
Enjoy a local breakfast on a river cruise and take in the breath-taking views of the Brahmaputra

Overview

Dates

17Oct’24 - 20Oct’24

Suggested Ages

Any

Duration

4 days

Activity Level

Moderate

Group Size

Travel Style

comfort

Price per person

$797.15

Itinerary

Thu 17 Oct

Arrive in Guwahati

Fri 18 Oct

Guwahati - Ri Bhoi - Shillong

Sat 19 Oct

A Day in Shillong

Sun 20 Oct

Depart from Shillong

From ChefTZac's Guwahati & Shillong's Jrny

Loved the food experience, especially the ones that highlighted the modern interpretation of local Khasi and Garo cuisine. Communication from the team, arrangements, follow ups were done immaculately. Sanjith was a sport in discussing drawbacks and suggestions from us. The PR team and JrnyOn did a wonderful job of all preparations. They also took care of seat preference on the aircraft.

Prabalika Borah

ChefTZac's Guwahati & Shillong

The core team, led by Sanjith Mukund of JrnyOn and Chef Thomas Zachariah, made the trip even more memorable. They were gracious hosts, always ensuring we were comfortable and enjoying ourselves. One particularly lovely moment was getting to chat with Chef Tzac's mother, who had so many interesting stories to share.

Our fellow travelers made the trip even more special. Many thanks to Hari and Steve for capturing our beautiful photos and videos.

Rajeshwari R

ChefTZac's Guwahati & Shillong

Stay

CHECK IN 17 Oct

1 N

CHECK OUT 18 Oct

Novotel Guwahati

Guwahati

CHECK IN 18 Oct

2 N

CHECK OUT 20 Oct

Courtyard by Marriott Shillong

Shillong

Your Daily Itinerary

Thu 17 Oct

Arrive in Guwahati

Welcome to Guwahati, the gateway to the Northeast! Upon arrival, arrange your own transport to the pre-booked hotel. Check in and rest to unwind from your journey before joining us for a short meet-and-greet session.

Before dinner, take part in the ‘Locavore Shuffle’, a unique activity where you will meet your fellow travellers and bond over thought-provoking conversations. To close the day, you will join Chef Thomas and the gang for a sumptuous welcome dinner, a delightful preview of the deliciousness that awaits you for the next few days.

Meals included: Dinner

Activities

Meet & greet in Guwahati hotel

17:00 - 17:30

After you’ve had a chance to rest and refresh yourself, head to the hotel lobby to join us for a short meet-and-greet session.

The Shuffle

17:30 - 18:15

Participate in the ‘Locavore Shuffle’, a social experience designed for you to get to know your fellow travellers and set the stage for your upcoming adventures together.

Welcome dinner

19:15 - 21:30

Dig into a delicious Assamese dinner showcasing local ingredients and flavours. This gorgeous meal is just a preview of the culinary journey you are about to embark on.

Fri 18 Oct

Guwahati - Ri Bhoi - Shillong

Start your day bright and early Guwahati’s bustling morning market, browsing the plethora of fresh vegetable and seafood produce on offer. From the market, you will head to the Brahmaputra for a scenic river cruise, to soak in the tranquillity of the river in the morning light. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the boat to accompany the breathtaking views.

Post breakfast, make your way to Ri Bhoi, a quiet district carved out of the East Khasi Hills. The drive takes around 3 hours with serene, picturesque views of the Meghalayan countryside. In Ri Bhoi, you will visit a rural farm, observing the rhythms of everyday farm life. Engage with the farmers, lend them a helping hand, and learn about their produce and farming techniques. Reward yourself with a mouthwatering lunch, featuring fresh and locally sourced ingredients.

In the afternoon, you will make your way to Shillong, with more stunning views on the way. The evening is yours to spend as you wish; you may explore the charming city, visit local stores or simply sit at a quiet cafe and watch the world go by. The day ends with a dinner at Rynsan restaurant, famous for its delectable fusion cuisine and enchanting views.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Guwahati - Ri Bhoi - Shillong - Day 2 image

Activities

Visit Guwahati market

06:30 - 08:00

Start your day with a visit to Guwahati’s morning market, where fresh produce and seafood are showcased for purchase.

Boat cruise & breakfast on the Brahmaputra

08:00 - 09:30

A boat awaits your arrival on the Brahmaputra river, ready to take you on a scenic journey downstream while you enjoy a local breakfast.

Drive to Ri Bhoi

09:30 - 12:30

Settle in for a comfortable 3-hour journey to Ri Bhoi, watching the gorgeous Meghalayan countryside pass you by.

Farm visit & lunch

12:30 - 16:00

Enter the world of rural agriculture as you meet local farmers and learn about their produce. Treat yourself to a delicious lunch starring freshly sourced, local ingredients.

Drive to Shillong

16:00 - 18:00

Make your way to Shillong in a comfortable vehicle, with even more serene views to keep you company on your journey.

Dinner at Rynsan

20:00 - 22:00

End your day with a flavoursome dinner at Rynsan restaurant, renowned for its fusion cuisine and local ingredients.

Sat 19 Oct

A Day in Shillong

Begin your day early at Laitumkhrah Market to enjoy the bustling morning atmosphere. Breakfast on jadoh, a traditional khasi breakfast pulao, amidst the bustle of morning shoppers.

Afterwards, you will participate in a hands-on cooking demonstration, guided by a local chef, to learn traditional preparation techniques for dishes like kyat (a marinated fish and vegetable dish) and dohneiiong (a traditional pork and vegetable dish). Lunch is for savouring the demonstrated recipes, tasting the fruits of your labour. Take a post-lunch stroll, exploring the area further or relax before the afternoon’s activities.

Later in the afternoon, journey to Mylliem, a village near Shillong, to explore the vibrant street food scene. Taste local favourites like doh shain (minced and fried beef balls), pu tharo (a plain rice pancake), doh snam (blood sausages), and more. Wander through the streets of Mylliem, immersing yourself in the rich food culture of the region.

The day comes to a close with a special farewell dinner, a culinary feast to celebrate the end of a successful travel experience. Reminisce with your newly-made friends and watch a spectacular live performance showcasing Meghalaya’s rich culture.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Activities

Local market visit

06:30 - 08:30

Explore Laitumkhrah’s bustling morning market, known for its array of local food items. Start your day with a traditional Khasi breakfast.

Cooking demo and lunch with Nambie Marak

11:00 - 14:00

Join MasterChef Nambie Marak for a hands-on cooking session, delving into regional cuisine. Enjoy the session’s delicious results for lunch.

Excursion to Mylliem

16:30 - 18:30

Head to Mylliem, a village near Shillong, to sample Meghalaya’s favourite street food dishes.

Farewell dinner

19:00 - 22:00

Conclude your Meghalayan adventure with a feast of local delicacies, as you watch a spectacular live performance and unwind.

Sun 20 Oct

Depart from Shillong

Your Assamese and Meghalayan adventure comes to an end today. As you depart, carry with you the vibrant culture of the places you visited, their mouth-watering delicacies, and the new friendships you have made.

Meals included: Breakfast

Activities

Depart from hotel

11:00 - 12:00

Make your way to the airport, fondly recalling the excitement and learnings from the past few days.

Frequently Asked Questions

- You are passionate about the culinary and cultural heritage of a place, and are keen to explore them thoughtfully, beyond the typical tourist trail.

- You’ve always wanted to experience a place through the eyes of a localite, and interact with them more closely.

- You geek out on local Indian food, and are always on the lookout to try new, lesser-known dishes that deserve more of the spotlight.

- You are curious about the people who grow and cook your food.

- You are excited to forge meaningful connections with like-minded travellers, who share the same passion for conscious and sustainable travel as you.

- You are not the kind of tourist seeking only luxurious comfort, and are open to getting your hands dirty while on the adventure!

The tour starts at the Guwahati hotel at 5pm on 17 Oct. So please ensure you are in the hotel lobby few minutes before. The hotel check in time is 2pm. So please make sure you book a flight which arrives in Guwahati a couple of hours prior to this as it can take around 45 minutes to an hour from the airport to the hotel. Or you can arrive a day earlier, please let us know at [email protected] if you would like us to book a pre night at the hotel (subject to availability) or you can book a standard category of room directly online.

You can depart anytime. The tour ends in Shillong on 20 Oct morning after breakfast. There are no activities scheduled on 20 Oct. The hotel check out time is 12noon. There are limited flights out from Shillong, so we will provide an included transfer at 9 or 10am from Shillong to Guwahati. You can book your flights from either Shillong (airport code - SHL) or from Guwahati after 1pm (Airport code - GAU).

The tour starts in Guwahati and ends in Shillong. So you should arrive in Guwahati Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport. Airport code is GAU. The tour ends in Shillong (Airport code is SHL)or you can book a flight out of Guwahati (GAU) after 1pm. Since number of flights from Shillong are limited we will include a shared transfer from Shillong to Guwahati airport.

No, the tour starts at the hotel.

Many of our travellers do travel alone as our JRNYs provide an opportunity to meet and share experiences with like-minded people. We normally pair up solo travellers, but if you would like to have your single room, we offer that. There will be a supplement cost for the single room.

You will have to be 12 yrs or above to join this JRNY. Anyone 12 - 17 should be accompanied by an adult above 18 years old.

Absolutely, please rest assured we will try our best. From flavourful vegetarian dishes deeply rooted in local culinary traditions to specially curated menus, we ensure a delightful array of vegetarian choices on all our tours. However, North East India cuisine is predominantly non-vegetarian, so choices in your table might be a lot lesser.

We try and cater to other diet restrictions as much as possible. But, we do focus on regional local cuisine. So there will be limitations. Please write to [email protected] with you booking number in the subject line to inform us well in advance of any such restrictions.

Sorry, this trip might not be for you. We endeavour to introduce people to local food & culture and expect our travellers to be adventurous when it comes to life.

Please read through the itinerary in detail. Overall for the tour on a scale from 1 - 5, a fitness level of 2 would be ideal.

Please refer to the daily activities in the itinerary, where the driving distance and duration for each day is given. The longest drive in this tour appx 3 hrs (depending on traffic) between Guwahati and Shillong.

We expect the weather to be nice and cool during this time of the year. We suggest you carry a light jacket or a sweater for the evening. Don't forget essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable walking shoes.

- 20% advance payment (fully refundable) is required to confirm the booking.

- Balance full payment to be done 62 days before the date of travel

- Till 62 days, 100% refundable

- From 61 days onwards 100% cancellation charges

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