If you enjoy traveling, you know there are many ways to learn about a place’s culture. One of them is understanding the culture through its cuisine. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a culinary lover’s heaven. If you are heading to these beautiful islands, you need to know about the diverse food choices in this place. The food in Andaman and Nicobar Islands contains a lot of exotic and fresh dishes that are hard to find anywhere.
We are here to give your taste buds a tour of Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ popular delicacies. So, keep reading to know what and where to eat the top delicacies of these islands.
Top 10 Famous Cuisines Of Andaman And Nicobar Islands
Get ready to tour the tasty and appetizing food of the Andaman And Nicobar Islands. To simplify your local food search, we are also going to recommend the place to eat these flavorful foods along with their pricing –
1. Fish Curry
The food of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is regarded as a seafood lover’s dream since they are near the sea and hence offer fresh seafood. One staple must-try dish from these islands is savoury fish curry. Made with tamarind, tomato sauce, and coconut milk creaminess, the curry goes well with steamed rice. This mouthwatering dish is served in many restaurants on these islands.
Where To Eat – Seafood Delights, Port Blair.
Price – ₹600-700/- per serving.
2. Macher Jhol
Originating from Bengal, the dish has taken place in everyone’s heart. Mixed with native spices, the flavour-packed gravy is made with onion, tomato, and garlic. The scent of herbs and fish will enchant you from afar. This popular soft fish dish is one of the local food specialties in Andaman. No one can resist leaving the islands without tasting this aromatic dish.
Where To Eat – Top In Town Restrobar, Port Blair.
Price – ₹500/- per serving.
3. Amritsari Kulcha
Although the islands are famous for seafood, the place also offers much for vegetarians. The stuffing of kulcha could be coupled with onion, peas, lentils, and cheese to complete your hunger. Chole and onion chutney accompany this tangy flavour and give you an unforgettable reminiscent of Punjab.
Where To Eat – Anju Coco Resto, Havelock Island, India.
Price – ₹500- 600 per serving.
4. Grilled Lobster
You must try the famous grilled lobster to relish the authentic taste of Andaman and Nicobar. This luxury dish is grilled with chilli garlic sauce and served with lime. The appetizing dish is not only good for health but is also pampered with flavors. Do not miss tasting this delicacy while visiting the island.
Where To Eat – Amaya Lounge Bar, Port Blair.
Price – ₹1500- 1600 per serving.
5. Coconut Prawn Curry
Another tasty dish to try for you is the creamy prawn coconut curry. The authentic flavors and spices will give you a ride to heaven. The mouth-melting prawns go well with steamed rice. The warm dish will keep you full for a long time. Served in many restaurants, you enjoy the fresh prawns while enjoying the beach view.
Where To Eat – Bonova Café and Pub, Havelock Island.
Price – ₹800- 900 per serving.
6. Crab Meat Curry
When it comes to unique food, Andaman offers a variety of seafood options. Crab meat is another mouthwatering meal you should absolutely try. When it comes to seafood, crab meat is another savoury and tasty portion of your seafood menu. Spicy curry helps in enhancing the flavors of crab meat flavor. You should try this fresh meat, popular among tourists from all over the world.
Where To Eat – Full Moon Cafe, Havelock Island.
Price – ₹700- 800 per serving.
7. Chilli Curry
Whether vegetarian or non-vegetarian, your trip to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is incomplete without the chilli curry. A super spicy choice for non-vegetarians, made of plenty of seafood and other meat. Vegetarian curry is simply made with lentils, vegetables, and lots of spices. You must enjoy the curry when visiting the island; the warm dish is delightful and full of flavors.
Where To Eat – MG Road, Aberdeen Bazaar, Port Blair.
Price – ₹700- 800 per serving.
8. Indian Cuisine
If you have tried every seafood dish and want something different, you can have an Indian thali. The thali consists of various types of curry, chapati, rice, and side dips. The finger-licking thali will give you a feel of home while keeping you full.
Where To Eat – Annapurna Restaurant, Port Blair.
Price – ₹250- 400 per serving.
9. Coconut Rice
Andaman’s coconut-based dishes are a hit among tourists. This Kerala-style coconut rice is served with spicy curry. The flavors of coconut water and grated coconut enhance the cooking of rice. Rice is one of the various staples of the islands and is widely available. Make sure to try this simple rice whenever you visit the island.
Where To Eat – New Lighthouse Restaurant. Port Blair, India.
Price – ₹150- 300 per serving.
10. Squid Fry
The crispy squid fry from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is another delicacy. Dressed in spices, the squids are deep-fried and served with a pinch of lemon and crunchy onions. This divine dish is a fantastic starter, giving you the traditional island flavours.
Where To Eat – Red Snapper, Havelock Island.
Price – ₹350- 600 per serving.
So these were some of the local food specialities of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. You can also try fish fry, barbeque dishes, tandoori fish, and Tuna and Banana Leaf.
What Should You Skip Eating in Andaman and Nicobar?
When you are in a new place, you often do not know what should be tried first. Travel means exploring, but when it comes to food, you should be careful with your choice of food and avoid anything that may lead to serious allergic reactions or risk your health. When you are in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, there is plenty of seafood, but the following things should not be eaten –
a) Raw or Undercooked Seafood
Street seafood is found all over the Andaman Islands. Although they might be cheaper than restaurants, you shouldn’t consume anything raw or undercooked. There are chances that it may upset your stomach, which you do not want, especially at a new place when you want to enjoy your trip.
b) Rare Fruits or Plants
Both islands have a lot of unusual fruits and plants. Before you try them, make sure to get enough information about it. You can ask the fruit seller or any local about the fruits. These exotic fruits may look edible, but some could be dangerous to eat.
c) Turtle Meat
Turtle meat is banned in the islands. If you see someone selling it, you must report about them. Due to the conservation of turtles, it is best to avoid eating them.
Explore: Places to Visit in Andaman and Nicobar
Conclusion
So, this was our list of famous dishes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Whenever you visit these islands, you get to enjoy the flavorful and traditional recipes of the place. Try exploring different restaurants, get the help of locals to know where to get the best foods, or read the reviews online to see the quality of food served. Have balanced meals and enjoy the seafood to the fullest. Do not forget to try out our recommendations for the best foods for these breathtaking islands.
Of the various food choices available in Andaman and Nicobar, the most widely known is seafood. Some famous dishes to relish here are fish and crab curry, coconut dishes, grilled lobster, and many more dishes made with native spices.
Yes, you can easily get Indian food on the Islands. From authentic Indian thali to soulful curries and bread, the island is filled with Indian food. There are also restaurants dedicated to Indian and vegetarian food.
The cuisine in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is rather inexpensive. Budget-friendly street food, which is tasty as well, could be eaten between the range of ₹200-350, while some traditional recipes can be eaten at famous restaurants that are served between the range of ₹800-1100/-.
From bananas, coconut, pineapples, and mangoes, you may enjoy a variety of indigenous fruits. These fruits are much bigger than the size you usually get in cities. Also, the sweetness and freshness are other factors that attract tourists to fruits.
There are a lot of drinks that compliments well with the seafood. Some of the famous beverages are coconut water, tamarind juice, and other other unique traditional beverages that give you the Islands’ exotic taste.
Yes, you can easily find many fusion dishes on the island. Traditional dishes are made with seafood, such as prawns biryani, which is one-of-a-kind, and you only get to eat on the island. Many Indian curries made with coconut milk also represent the diversity of different states.
