Vegetarian Naga Sides and Traditional Dishes
Think Naga cuisine is all about meat? We also cherish our wild vegetables. From the pungent, tangy Rusep to our spicy noodle bowls, here is how we bring the flavours of our home to your table.
This is 'Rusep', a traditional vegetarian delicacy from the Ao tribe. It's a boiled mix of wild vegetables, including bitter eggplant and bitter gourd, creating a unique blend of bitter and tangy flavors.
Our Naga-style noodles are packed with flavor and spice. This hearty bowl is tossed with fresh vegetables and shredded meat, served with a side of our house-made chili paste.
A large pot of 'Rusep' being prepared in our kitchen. Even though we are known for our pork, we love our vegetables and are excited to share this authentic wild veggie dish with you.
A close-up of our 'Rusep' served on a banana leaf. The mix of textures and flavors from the various wild vegetables makes this a must-try side dish to accompany your meal.
About this collection
If you are new to Naga vegetables, start with our 'Rusep.' It is a traditional Ao tribe delicacy made by boiling seasonal wild vegetables like bitter eggplant and gourd. Because it is oil-free, it cuts through the richness of our smoked pork perfectly, which is why we always recommend pairing it with your main meat dish.
In our kitchen, we treat vegetables with the same respect as our smoked meats. Many guests are surprised to learn that much of Naga cooking is actually boiled, not fried. This approach keeps the textures intact and lets the natural flavours of ingredients like bamboo shoot and fresh herbs shine through.
The 'Rusep' is our pride here. It brings together bitter eggplant, bitter gourd, and various wild leaves. It is an acquired taste for some, but for us, that slight bitterness combined with a sharp, tangy finish is exactly what home feels like. It creates a balance that makes a heavy meal feel light and digestible.
We also believe in hearty portions. Our vegetable-loaded noodle bowls are tossed with spicy house-made chili paste, offering a different kind of comfort—simple, filling, and packed with the spice levels we grew up eating in Dimapur. If you are ordering for a group, these sides ensure everyone has something to enjoy, regardless of their meat preferences. Whether you are craving the raw, honest taste of our seasonal greens or just want a filling, spicy noodle dish, our vegetarian options capture the true, humble spirit of Naga dining.
Naga Belly
We’re Aren and Juliet, childhood friends who brought the flavours of Dimapur to an Andheri kitchen. We aren't chefs by trade, just two people who missed the clean, simple taste of Naga greens and wanted to share that warmth with our neighbours in Mumbai.
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