Lien Gangte, who hails from Kanggui in Manipur lived in the UK for more than 13 years and moved to Brest in 2015 as part of what he calls “my adventure.”
Kafé Kanggui serves savoury snacks such as Samosas, Bora (Pakora), Momos and Spring Rolls besides Singju (Manipuri Salad) and his own version of Manipuri Thali and Biryani. On the menu are also Masala Chai, Khongma Cha (Sumac Berry Tea), Lemon Tea, varieties of Teas carefully selected from Churachandpur in Manipur and other standard drinks available in France with Wine from Bordeaux area and Local Beer.
Vishü Rita Krocha
Kohima | February 2
On the walls of Kafé Kanggui in Brest, France, are photographs featuring various states of Northeast. These pictures are usually ‘conversation starters’ as Lien Gangte, the owner of the Kafé says while relating to The Morung Express that “the photos on the wall are my way of telling a Northeast India story.”
“I have a few collections of photos from traditional attires to landscapes and food. Customers are very intrigued about these photos by asking many questions during their meals or even after. It is such a joy to be able to describe each photos and let them know how beautiful and diverse our cultures and traditions are in Northeast India,” he goes on to say.
Lien Gangte, who hails from Kanggui in Manipur lived in the UK for more than 13 years and moved to Brest in 2015 as part of what he calls “my adventure.” This is when he also decided to open a café with the firm belief that food connects people. Through Kafé Kanggui, he says, “I am able to connect with many people and also tell my story to the wider communities.”
Many of his customers are intrigued by the photographs on the wall, through which he takes them on a journey to the Northeast. “I really enjoy answering questions about the photos on the wall, the food and some of the decorative items,” he puts across.
Kafé Kanggui serves savoury snacks such as Samosas, Bora (Pakora), Momos and Spring Rolls besides Singju (Manipuri Salad) and his own version of Manipuri Thali and Biryani. On the menu are also Masala Chai, Khongma Cha (Sumac Berry Tea), Lemon Tea, varieties of Teas carefully selected from Churachandpur in Manipur and other standard drinks available in France with Wine from Bordeaux area and Local Beer.
“I am not a professionally trained chef,” he confesses but says that “whatever I cook is something I have picked up over the years from friends and families. I have a small menu and I make everything from scratch. Even my Masala powder is homemade and my own recipe.”
Stating that the nicest thing about his Kafé is to see customers coming to let him know they have visited Northeast India and how much they have enjoyed the hospitality, he further expresses that “I am so grateful to see so many returning customers enjoying the simple food I make.” Lien Gangte further plans to have weekend pop-up events as a way of introducing all the states of Northeast India by cooking something that represents each state.
An avid traveller, he has also travelled to over 31 countries and plans to continue discovering new countries and places in the future. Gangte moved to the UK in 2002 where he worked in different capacities with various organisations and has been in Europe since.
Terming “Brest” as home now, he further expresses, “Brittany is a beautiful region in France and I loved living here and made so many friends over the years.” While the concept of Kafé Kanggui came about as his way of connecting people and clearly indicates his love for cooking, he also says, “As I grew older, working for myself became more important than ever.”
