Chef Joel Basumatari is on a quest to popularise Naga Food and let the world know its flavours and taste. With a degree in Hospitality Management from Thames Valley University and from International Institute of Hotel Management, Kolkata, Chef Joel has worked in the food and hospitality industry for many years.

At present he owns and runs a restaurant “ Smokey Joes” in Dimapur which focuses on progressive Naga Food, is also a Judge with the popular contest “Naga Chef “ , an active associate of NESFAS ( North EAST SLOW FOOD AGRODIVERSITY SOCIETY) and representing and serving many a guest in the international Food Fest in India and Italy, with North East Flavours.

He has worked at Crown Plaza London, Washington Mayfair and also at the Oberoi ,Mumbai but his heart lay at home and so returned back to Nagaland and started his restaurant and regularly hosts Pop Ups across the country, in order to connect people with Naga Food.

He laments that Naga Food has so much to offer yet there is much misconception and perception about the Cuisine. That the Naga Cuisine is a balanced and healthy meal and eating close to nature is the core of all their cooking and eating.

He is also bringing forward various local products like millets and corns that are grown locally and showcasing in his restaurant. He is creating authentic Naga flavours using his expertise and creativity.

Chef Joel is also an expert vegetable carver, having represented the country in International Food Festival and winning prizes on vegetable carving

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