Tavinto K Sumi, proprietor of Khonheche Café at his cafe on June 9. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Zunheboto | June 9
Khonheche café in Zunheboto has reopened in a new location on June 9. The café is now at Project Colony near Rochill Hospital, Zunheboto town.
With renewed focus and community support, Khonheche Café aims to continue as a space where tradition meets opportunity, where students can earn money through part time job at the cafe as well as space for people to spend quality time.
Tavinto K Sumi, proprietor of Khonheche Café, highlighted the significance behind the café's unique name, stating that while the name may sound foreign, it is actually rooted in local tradition. “Khonheche is the name of a tree found in his native village Litsami,” (Chui su in Sümi and in English it is known by the name Trumpet flower tree), he explained. “During the headhunting era, our forefathers would leap from this tree as a test to determine their readiness for war,” Sumi added.
The café was originally launched in 2021 with support from the Land Resources Department (LRD) of Nagaland. As part of the initiative, Sumi received a one-week training in coffee processing and was also sponsored a coffee machine to begin operations. Sumi thanked LRD Nagaland for promoting entrepreneurship in the district. Sumi emphasised that Nagaland-grown coffee beans are among the finest in the world, a distinction he takes pride in bringing to local customers.
At present, the café employs three staff members, all from the Sumi Naga community, thereby contributing to local employment and youth empowerment.
Speaking on the challenges faced as a café owner in Zunheboto, Sumi pointed out the issue of low customer turnout. He encouraged the community to spend more quality time with family and friends, adding that social gathering spots like cafés can help bridge community gaps and strengthen relationships by spending quality time over a cup of coffee.
Looking ahead, Sumi shared plans to introduce dart games at the café, starting with dart coaching with the help of Nagaland Darts Association. He also expressed a desire to offer part-time jobs to college students in the future, depending on customer response and business growth. “This would help reduce the small financial burdens many students face,” he said.
