About Us

Welcome to The Hungry Hornbill – A Journey into the Heart of Northeast India

Where Tradition Meets Flavor, and Every Meal Tells a Story

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Goa, The Hungry Hornbill is more than just a restaurant—it is an experience, a journey, and a heartfelt tribute to the rich culinary traditions of Northeast India. Every dish we serve is crafted with love, using indigenous ingredients and time-honored recipes passed down through generations. Whether you're a curious foodie exploring new flavors or someone from the Northeast looking for a comforting taste of home, we invite you to embark on a gastronomic adventure that reflects the authenticity, warmth, and diversity of the region.

Our Story – Bringing the Northeast to Goa

The idea behind The Hungry Hornbill was born from a deep desire to share the vibrant, yet lesser-known, cuisine of Northeast India with the world. Despite its diverse flavors, rich cultural influences, and deep-rooted traditions, Northeast Indian food remains underrepresented in mainstream culinary landscapes. We wanted to change that.

Just like the Great Hornbill, a revered symbol of strength, unity, and tradition across many Northeastern communities, our restaurant represents a bridge between cultures, a gathering place where food, stories, and people come together.

From the bustling street markets of Guwahati to the smoky kitchens of Nagaland, from the terraced rice fields of Manipur to the misty hills of Meghalaya—our menu is a tribute to the age-old recipes, indigenous cooking methods, and bold flavors that define the soul of the Northeast.

Our Cuisine – The Soul of Northeast India on Your Plate

1. Fresh, Authentic, and Locally Sourced

At The Hungry Hornbill, we take immense pride in staying true to tradition. Our ingredients are carefully sourced to maintain authenticity—whether it’s the fermented bamboo shoots from Assam, smoky Axone (fermented soybean) from Nagaland, fiery Bhut Jolokia chilies, or the delicate black rice from Manipur.

We believe in minimal processing, slow cooking, and bold flavors—just as it has been done for centuries in the kitchens of the Northeast.
2. Unique Dishes You Won’t Find Elsewhere

Northeastern cuisine is unlike any other in India—it is a blend of smoky, spicy, earthy, and umami-rich flavors, often using fermentation, slow cooking, and steaming techniques. Some must-try dishes at The Hungry Hornbill include:
- 🔥 Smoked Pork with Bamboo Shoot – A beloved Naga dish, slow-cooked to perfection with bamboo shoots for a rich, smoky, and slightly tangy flavor.
- 🔥 Assamese Masor Tenga (Tangy Fish Curry) – A light, refreshing, and mildly sour fish curry, flavored with tomatoes, lime, and mustard seeds.
- 🔥 Pork with Axone (Fermented Soybean) – A delicacy from Nagaland, where slow-cooked pork is infused with umami-rich Axone, delivering deep, earthy flavors.
- 🔥 Jadoh – A Khasi tribal favorite from Meghalaya, featuring rice and meat cooked in aromatic spices.
- 🔥 Eromba – A classic Manipuri dish made with mashed potatoes, fermented fish, and fiery chilies—bursting with bold flavors.
- 🔥 Sticky Rice with Chicken Curry – A simple yet comforting dish that is a staple across the Northeastern states.
- 🔥 Thukpa (Tibetan-Naga Noodle Soup) – A warm, soul-satisfying bowl of noodle soup with vegetables and meat, perfect for chilly evenings.
- 🔥 Chakhao Kheer (Black Rice Pudding) – A sweet ending to your meal, made with the famous Manipur black rice, known for its nutty, aromatic taste.
3. Flavors That Transport You Home

Every bite at The Hungry Hornbill is a reflection of home-cooked warmth, handed down through generations. Whether it’s the fermented flavors of Nagaland, the refreshing lightness of Assamese dishes, or the bold, spicy delights from Meghalaya and Manipur, our food tells the story of the land it comes from.

A Cultural Experience Beyond Food

At The Hungry Hornbill, we don’t just serve food—we celebrate Northeastern culture, history, and traditions.

🌿 Traditional Ambience – Our interiors are inspired by the rustic charm of Northeast India, with bamboo decor, tribal motifs, handcrafted elements, and warm earthy tones that transport you straight to the hills.
🎶 Cultural Nights & Live Folk Music – We often host folk performances, tribal storytelling sessions, and interactive cultural experiences, giving our guests a deeper insight into the traditions of the Northeast.
🔥 Seasonal & Festival Specials – Our menu is dynamic, changing with the seasons and important festivals, ensuring that every visit brings a new experience.
💬 Community & Togetherness – In Northeastern culture, food is meant to be shared and enjoyed together. Our restaurant is designed to be a space where people connect, converse, and celebrate the beauty of diverse flavors.

Our Promise – Quality, Authenticity & Warmth

✔ Authenticity – Our recipes are traditional, and we use the finest ingredients to ensure an authentic experience of Northeast Indian flavors.
✔ Freshness & Quality – We believe that good food starts with good ingredients. We source locally, handpick our produce, and maintain the highest standards of hygiene.
✔ Hospitality with Heart – In the Northeast, guests are considered family. Our team is dedicated to making every guest feel at home with warm smiles and heartfelt service.

Visit Us & Be a Part of Our Story

If you have never tried Northeast Indian cuisine, you’re in for a treat. If you’re from the Northeast and missing home-cooked food, we promise to bring a piece of home to your plate.

📍 Location: Marquis Vado Main Road, Next to Stop & Shop Supermarket/ Johns boat, Candolim, Goa 403515.
📞 Phone: 9075687466 / 8729822592
📧 Email: hungryhornbill18@gmail.com
📲 Follow Us:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter: Coming soon

🌿 Come, indulge in flavors that tell a story. Come, experience the magic of Northeast India at The Hungry Hornbill!

Meet the Founder – Huto Chophi

Bringing the Heart of Northeast India to Goa

Every great restaurant has a story, and at the heart of The Hungry Hornbill Bar & Kitchen is a man with a vision—Huto Chophi, a passionate chef, a hospitality expert, and the visionary behind this unique culinary experience in Goa.

The Journey from the Kitchen to Entrepreneurship

Hailing from the culturally rich landscapes of Northeast India, Huto Chophi’s love for food started at an early age, inspired by the traditional flavors and cooking techniques of his hometown. His journey in Goa began over 10 years ago, working tirelessly across the hospitality industry as a chef, waiter, and bartender.

Through years of experience in various roles, he not only mastered the art of service and fine dining but also recognized a missing piece in Goa’s diverse culinary scene—authentic Northeast Indian cuisine. The longing for flavors of home, combined with a passion for sharing his heritage, led him to take a bold step: bringing the food of his roots to Goa.

The Birth of The Hungry Hornbill

After years in the industry, one thing became clear to Huto: Goa was missing something special—an authentic, heartwarming taste of Northeast India. The smoky, fermented, bold, and comforting flavors of home were nowhere to be found.

So, he did what any true food lover would do—he built it himself. With fire in his heart and a vision in his mind, The Hungry Hornbill Bar & Kitchen was born. More than just a restaurant, it’s a place where people discover the lesser-known but spectacular cuisine of Northeast India—where every bite tells a story of tradition, culture, and passion.

A Commitment to Authenticity & Hospitality

For Huto, food is more than just a meal—it’s an emotion, a connection, and a way to bring people together. His commitment to authentic flavors, quality ingredients, and warm hospitality makes The Hungry Hornbill a place where every guest is treated like family.

"I started as a simple chef, a bartender, a waiter. I’ve seen the industry from every angle. But my dream was always bigger—to bring the food of my people to the world. The Hungry Hornbill isn’t just a business—it’s my home, my culture, my love for Northeast Indian flavors, and my way of sharing it with you."
— Huto Chophi

Come, be a part of this journey! Whether you’re craving a spicy, smoky adventure or a comforting taste of home, you’re always welcome at The Hungry Hornbill.

Where Tradition Meets Flavor, and Every Meal Tells a Story

Our Story – Bringing the Northeast to Goa

Just like the Great Hornbill, a revered symbol of strength, unity, and tradition across many Northeastern communities, our restaurant represents a bridge between cultures, a gathering place where food, stories, and people come together.

From the bustling street markets of Guwahati to the smoky kitchens of Nagaland, from the terraced rice fields of Manipur to the misty hills of Meghalaya—our menu is a tribute to the age-old recipes, indigenous cooking methods, and bold flavors that define the soul of the Northeast.

1. Fresh, Authentic, and Locally Sourced

2. Unique Dishes You Won’t Find Elsewhere

3. Flavors That Transport You Home

Bringing the Heart of Northeast India to Goa

Every great restaurant has a story, and at the heart of The Hungry Hornbill Bar & Kitchen is a man with a vision—Huto Chophi, a passionate chef, a hospitality expert, and the visionary behind this unique culinary experience in Goa.

The Journey from the Kitchen to Entrepreneurship

The Birth of The Hungry Hornbill

After years in the industry, one thing became clear to Huto: Goa was missing something special—an authentic, heartwarming taste of Northeast India. The smoky, fermented, bold, and comforting flavors of home were nowhere to be found.

A Commitment to Authenticity & Hospitality

For Huto, food is more than just a meal—it’s an emotion, a connection, and a way to bring people together. His commitment to authentic flavors, quality ingredients, and warm hospitality makes The Hungry Hornbill a place where every guest is treated like family.

Come, be a part of this journey! Whether you’re craving a spicy, smoky adventure or a comforting taste of home, you’re always welcome at The Hungry Hornbill.

Delicious Food, Memorable Experiences

Home Delivery

Dine-In Experience

Outdoor Catering

Event Hosting

Why We're the Best

Authentic Flavors

Fresh Ingredients

Warm Hospitality

Comfortable Ambiance