A Food Lover’s Guide to Andaman: Must-Try Dishes and Local Delights

The Andaman Islands, with their pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, aren’t just a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers—they’re also a culinary paradise for food enthusiasts. The island’s cuisine is a delightful fusion of fresh seafood, rich spices, and local ingredients, reflecting the diverse cultural influences of the region. Whether you’re a seafood aficionado or someone who loves exploring new flavors, Andaman’s food scene will leave your taste buds craving more. Here’s a food lover’s guide to the Andaman Islands, showcasing must-try dishes and local delights that will make your visit truly unforgettable.

1. Fresh Seafood: A Must-Have Experience

The Andaman Islands are surrounded by the sea, so it’s no surprise that seafood is at the heart of the local cuisine. From succulent fish to tender prawns and crabs, seafood in the Andamans is incredibly fresh and flavorful.

Must-Try Seafood Dishes:

  • Grilled Fish: Freshly caught fish like barracuda, snapper, or pomfret are marinated with local spices and grilled to perfection. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that highlights the freshness of the ingredients.
  • Andaman Crab Curry: Sweet, tender crabs are cooked in a rich, spiced curry made with coconut milk and tamarind. The mix of flavors, from tangy to spicy, makes this a standout dish.
  • Prawns Masala: Prawns are cooked in a delicious, aromatic masala sauce made with fresh ginger, garlic, tomatoes, and a blend of spices, offering a fiery yet balanced flavor.

Where to Try: Local seafood shacks near Havelock and Port Blair serve freshly prepared seafood, often straight from the fishermen’s boats.

2. Fish Curry Rice: The Island Staple

A traditional and comforting dish, Fish Curry Rice is the quintessential meal for locals and travelers alike. This dish consists of steamed rice served with a spicy and tangy fish curry made from freshly caught fish, coconut milk, and a mix of aromatic spices. The bold flavors of the curry pair beautifully with the simplicity of the rice, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.

What Makes it Special:

  • The use of coconut milk and freshly ground spices creates a rich, flavorful curry.
  • The fish used is typically caught on the same day, ensuring maximum freshness.
  • It’s a staple meal, often enjoyed by locals daily.

Where to Try: Most restaurants in Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil Island will offer this dish, often accompanied by a side of crispy fried fish or vegetable curries.

3. Coconut-Based Delights

The Andaman Islands’ abundant coconut trees provide the perfect base for many local dishes. From curries to desserts, coconut is used in a variety of forms—whether as coconut milk, grated coconut, or coconut oil. It’s not only delicious but also adds a rich, tropical flavor that defines much of the island’s cuisine.

Must-Try Coconut Dishes:

  • Coconut Fish Curry: A lighter, tangier variation of the traditional fish curry made with coconut milk, adding a creamy texture and a subtle sweetness to the curry.
  • Coconut Chutney: Served as a side dish or condiment, this chutney is made from freshly grated coconut, chilies, and spices. It’s often paired with rice or seafood dishes.
  • Coconut Ladoo: A sweet dessert made from coconut, jaggery, and a touch of cardamom, rolled into small balls. It’s a simple yet satisfying treat that’s popular on the islands.

Where to Try: Coconut-based dishes are a common feature in many local restaurants and beachside eateries, especially on Havelock and Neil Island.

4. Tandoori Delights

While seafood dominates the menu in the Andaman Islands, you can also find a range of tandoori dishes influenced by the Indian mainland. From grilled meats to baked breads, these dishes bring a smoky, rich flavor that pairs well with the island’s coastal ambiance.

Must-Try Tandoori Dishes:

  • Tandoori Fish: Fish marinated in a blend of yogurt, spices, and herbs, then cooked in a traditional clay oven (tandoor) for a smoky, charred finish. It’s a perfect blend of flavor and texture.
  • Tandoori Prawns: Prawns marinated in a mix of spices and yogurt and cooked to perfection in a tandoor. The result is a smoky, spicy dish that’s incredibly juicy and tender.
  • Naan and Roti: These freshly baked Indian flatbreads, served with curries or grilled meats, are a staple side dish in most Andaman eateries.

Where to Try: Many multi-cuisine restaurants across Port Blair and Havelock serve Tandoori dishes. Look out for those near the beach for a fantastic dining experience with a view.

5. Pineapple and Papaya: Tropical Fruits

One of the best things about visiting a tropical paradise is indulging in fresh, local fruits. The Andamans are home to an array of tropical fruits, with pineapple and papaya being among the most popular. They’re often enjoyed fresh or used in a variety of dishes, from juices to salads to desserts.

Must-Try Tropical Fruit Dishes:

  • Pineapple Curry: A tangy, slightly sweet curry made with fresh pineapples, perfect as a side dish to balance out rich, spicy meals.
  • Papaya Salad: Fresh papaya is tossed with chilies, lime, and a sprinkling of sugar, creating a refreshing salad that pairs well with grilled seafood.
  • Tropical Fruit Juices: Freshly squeezed juices made from pineapple, papaya, or watermelon are common and refreshing in the heat of the islands.

Where to Try: Many street vendors, cafes, and beachside stalls offer fresh fruit salads, juices, and fruit-based dishes, especially in Port Blair and Havelock.

6. Kadi (Local Soup)

A popular soup made from coconut milk, spices, and vegetables, Kadi is a simple yet delicious dish that reflects the local flavor of the islands. It’s typically served with rice and is the perfect dish for those looking for a vegetarian option that’s rich, aromatic, and comforting.

What Makes it Special:

  • Coconut milk adds a creamy texture that blends with the spices to create a rich flavor.
  • Often served with steamed rice, making it a light but satisfying meal.

Where to Try: Kadi can be found at local restaurants and beachside eateries, especially those serving traditional Andaman cuisine.

7. Biryani: Andaman-Style

Biryani, the beloved spiced rice dish, has a unique twist in the Andaman Islands, thanks to the infusion of local flavors and seafood. Andaman-style biryani is often prepared with freshly caught fish, prawns, or even crab, making it a special seafood lover’s dish.

What Makes it Special:

  • The blend of seafood and aromatic spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves makes this biryani different from the traditional mainland varieties.
  • The use of local spices and coconut oil gives it a unique, tropical touch.

Where to Try: Many local restaurants in Port Blair and Havelock offer their take on this flavorful, seafood-infused biryani.

8. Local Sweets: A Sweet Ending

No trip is complete without indulging in some local sweets. The Andaman Islands offer a range of delectable desserts, often made from coconut, jaggery, and other locally sourced ingredients.

Must-Try Sweets:

  • Kheer (Rice Pudding): Made with rice, coconut milk, and jaggery, this sweet dessert is often served chilled and offers a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
  • Nadru Pulao (Sweet Pulao): A sweet, fragrant rice dish made with coconut milk and flavored with cardamom and saffron, making it a delightful dessert option after a spicy meal.
  • Rasgulla: Soft, spongy sweets made from fresh paneer soaked in syrup, often found in the island’s markets.

Where to Try: Local sweet shops in Port Blair and Havelock serve traditional desserts like Kheer and Rasgulla, often as the perfect conclusion to a meal.

Final Thoughts

The Andaman Islands offer an exciting culinary adventure for food lovers, with a perfect blend of fresh seafood, tropical ingredients, and traditional Indian spices. From mouthwatering seafood curries to tropical fruit-based delicacies and traditional Indian sweets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, when planning your trip to the Andaman Islands, be sure to indulge in the local cuisine to fully immerse yourself in the flavors of this tropical paradise.