On May 9, 2026, Taj Bengal, Kolkata, will host a special dinner experience called “Italy Meets Meghalaya” at The Souk, which will be prepared by renowned chef Niyati Rao from Nonna Mei.

This unique display combines fresh, regional Meghalayan ingredients with the coziness of home-style Italian cooking. Nonna Mei, a personal and ingredient-focused concept that was founded in Shillong, honors the relationship between Italian customs and North-Eastern Indian flavors. Warmth, tradition, and home-style cooking are reflected in the name, which combines the words “Nonna” (Italian for grandmother) and “Mei” (Khasi for grandmother).

One of India’s top young chefs, Chef Niyati Rao, is renowned for using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. She worked at the internationally famous restaurant Noma in Copenhagen and received training at the Taj Mahal in Mumbai.

The Nonna Mei Caprese Salad, Sourdough Pizzas, Meghalayan Pineapple with Homemade Mozzarella, Chicken Sausage Pasta, and house-made Gelatos with unusual flavors like Sohiong and Almond Praline are all available on Souk’s à la carte menu.

Robb Report named Nonna Mei one of the “Best of the Best” new eateries in India, and Condé Nast praised it for emphasizing the distinctive produce of Meghalaya.

Priyanka Dutta