The Social Garden, a new fine dining restaurant, officially opens its doors at Aongza Ward, Mokokchung on February 11. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | February 11
A new fine dining destination, The Social Garden, was officially inaugurated on at Aongza Ward, housed in the Delhivery building adjacent to the Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung on February 11.
The restaurant was founded by two 27-year-old entrepreneurs, Ongjena and Chiben Jamir, who have been friends since their school days. While Ongjena is an interior designer by profession, Chiben is a civil engineer currently preparing for competitive examinations.
The Social Garden serves Asian and continental cuisines and features both indoor and outdoor seating arrangements, accommodating approximately 50–55 guests. It also houses a private lounge for more intimate gatherings. The space, conceptualized and designed by Ongjena herself, reflects a Scandinavian-inspired interior, while the outdoor area has been curated in a garden-style setting.
Sharing the concept and vision behind the venture, Ongjena revealed that the initial plan was to open a simple café. However, after conducting thorough research and studying the local market, they identified “an urgent need for a proper fine dining restaurant in Mokokchung.”
“So we conducted our research, developed a concept, and worked tirelessly to bring the vision to life. And this project is not just for us, but for the people of Mokokchung, for our community. This is like a way of giving back to the community, by providing refined experience through exceptional food and thoughtful interior design,” she stated.
She expressed gratitude to Almighty God for His guidance and thanked their friends and family for their unwavering support and sacrifices throughout the journey.
‘Only creativity can survive’
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was performed by Wapang Kichu, Councillor of Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC), who congratulated the young entrepreneurs and described the restaurant as “one of a kind in Mokokchung.” He noted that Mokokchung is a small town with a limited population and emphasised that “only with creativity we can survive to run a business.”
Drawing from his own experience, he cautioned that business ventures are not always smooth. “In business, it is not always up; it goes down as well. You have to prepare for the worst and also not to take success for granted,” he advised. He further stressed the importance of maintaining quality and consistency, particularly in food service, and commended the founders for establishing “a beautiful restaurant in a great location.”
The dedicatory prayer was led by Imnakumzuk Jamir, Associate Pastor (Youth), Kumlong Baptist Church, seeking blessings for the new establishment and its journey ahead.
