In an exclusive interview with Nagaland Tribune, Hravei and Megosa, the dynamic couple behind The Local Harvest- a community kitchen- shares their inspiring journey of creating a community kitchen that celebrates local, healthy food. Their story is a beautiful blend of passion, faith, and a deep commitment to wellness in a world increasingly dominated by unhealthy eating habits.
A Vision Rooted In Tradition and Health
Hravei and Megosa’s love for traditional Naga cuisine and their concern for the growing crisis of junk food consumption inspired them to establish The Local Harvest. Their mission is simple yet profound: to promote wholesome, locally sourced food and foster wellness in their community.
“We often found ourselves disappointed by the lack of local food options when dining out,” Megosa shared. “We wanted to create a space where people could experience the richness of Naga cuisine in a healthy way, making them feel closer to home with every bite.”
Located near NLA road, opposite NPSC office, the couple also expressed their desire to open their restaurant on Sundays when competitive exams are held. “Our motivation isn’t driven by business but by the fact that many parents and guardians come to wait for their children and often go hungry for hours due to the long duration of these exams. With no other restaurants or options available in the area, it becomes a significant challenge for parents to manage meals, and bringing tiffins is often inconvenient,” they share.
Faith as the Foundation
For Hravei and Megosa, their faith has been the guiding force behind their journey. “Putting God first and living in the fear of the Lord has made everything fall into place,” Megosa says. Despite the challenges of running a business and managing their personal lives, their unwavering belief in God helped them overcome obstacles and stay true to their purpose.
Their marriage, an Inter-community union between the Mao and Angami tribes, has also been a source of strength. “We have our differences and weaknesses, but our shared faith and love for God keep us united,” adds Hravei.
A Commitment to Local Farmers and Sustainability
At the heart of The Local Harvest is a commitment to sustainability and community support. The duo sources 99% of their vegetables locally, either from farmers or their own kitchen garden. “We even give seasonal vegetable seeds to farmers to encourage organic farming,” Hravei explains.
With some vegetables like onion and garlic difficult to find in the market during off season, they are compellee to use the imported ones.
Their menu is designed around seasonal produce, ensuring freshness and quality. During dry seasons, they use dried vegetables like Kholar, dried yam leaves etc .“We want to encourage healthy eating habits, so we even let our customers pluck fresh herbs from our potted plants to add to their meals,” Hravei shares with a smile.
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A Community Kitchen with a Heart
The Local Harvest is more than just a restaurant; it’s a community kitchen that brings people together. Hravei and Megosa envisions a space where cooking enthusiasts, especially mothers (who are the original cook of our kitchen but not recognised as professional cook )from across Nagaland, can come together to share their culinary traditions . “This way, people can experience a variety of dishes and celebrate the diversity of Naga cuisine,” Hravei says.
Their dedication to the community extends beyond food. By purchasing vegetables directly from local farmers and supporting their livelihoods, they aim to make a positive impact on society. “Food comes from the farmer, so respecting and loving farmers is a way of giving back to the community,” Megosa emphasizes.
Challenges and Triumphs
Running a restaurant that prioritizes quality and health in a competitive market is no easy feat. “The vegetables we use are of the best quality and are expensive, but we can’t price our food too high because we cater to everyone, including students and families and we might lose our customers,” Hravei explains .
Despite the financial challenges, the couple remains steadfast in their mission. “We may not be making much profit, but we’re happy to promote healthy Naga food and ensure our customers eat well,” expresses Megosa. The Local Harvest have also introduced a special kids’ menu to encourage healthy eating habits from a young age—a rarity in most restaurants.
Words of Wisdom
Hravei and Megosa’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. Reflecting on their experience, Hravei advises aspiring entrepreneurs, “Don’t wait for a government job to make a living. Start early, while you have the health and energy. Once you have a family, other commitments make it harder to pursue your dreams.”
Megosa echoes this sentiment, urging people to embrace local food and stay healthy. “Naga local food is incredibly healthy. Let’s start practicing what we preach and make a conscious effort to eat well and support our farmers.”
