Top Dishes: 10 Best Cuisine of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

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If you think the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are only about beaches and blue water…

Wait till you meet their food.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands cuisine is where tropical vibes meet full-flavoured chaos in the best way possible. Imagine seafood so fresh it probably swam onto your plate, coconuts in everything, and spice levels that whisper, “Don’t underestimate me.”

It’s not just food. It’s a cultural buffet.

You’ll find influences from Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Burma, and even tribal traditions – all tossed together like the perfect fish curry.

And the best part?

You don’t need a cruise ticket to taste it.

Whether you’re here for the famous food of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, or just curious about what the locals actually eat (spoiler: it’s not just coconuts and sunsets), you’re about to discover 10 dishes that define the island’s deliciously wild food scene.

So come, khaana shuru karein?

Flavours of the Islands: 10 Local Dishes Worth Dropping Your Beach Plans For

From smoky seafood to coconut-laced comfort food, the cuisine of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands brings bold flavours straight from the coast.

Every bite tells a story – some spicy, some sweet, all unforgettable.

These dishes aren’t just meals, they’re a delicious glimpse into island life.

If you’re hungry for something local, rustic, and full of soul, you’re in the right place.

1. Fish Curry

If there’s one dish that defines the Andaman and Nicobar cuisine, it’s fish curry.

Fresh catch, bold spices, and the magic of island-style cooking – this one’s non-negotiable for seafood lovers.

Cooked with native spices, hints of tamarind chutney, and often enriched with creamy coconut milk, this curry is served hot with rice and a side of sunset (or so it feels).

Whether you try it in a local home or at the New Lighthouse Restaurant in Port Blair, the flavour hits differently when it’s cooked close to the coast.

Recipe:

• Marinate fresh fish in turmeric, salt, and lime juice.
• Sauté onions, garlic, and a mix of fish masalas in coconut oil.
• Add fish, water, and tamarind extract – simmer until you smell pure comfort.

It’s spicy, tangy, and rich – the curry that makes even foreign tourists ask for seconds with a smile.

2. Coconut Rice

If the Andaman & Nicobar Islands had a comfort food anthem, it would be coconut rice humming in the background. Fragrant, fluffy, and laid-back – this dish tastes like someone put a hammock and a holiday in a bowl.

Cooked with freshly grated coconut, native spices, and sometimes a few sneaky cashews, this rice is usually served with a scrumptious gravy or fried seafood. And yes, it pairs beautifully with a tall glass of coconut water (bonus points if you sip it with shades on).

Recipe:

• Cook rice with curry leaves, mustard seeds, grated coconut, and green chillies.
• Fry lightly for that nutty aroma.
• Serve hot with fish curry or enjoy it solo like the beachy boss you are.

It’s light, simple, and oddly satisfying – the dish that doesn’t shout, but still gets all the compliments.

3. Coconut Prawn Curry

This one’s not just a dish – it’s an experience.

Coconut Prawn Curry involves juicy prawns dipping in a pool of creamy coconut milk, spiced just right, and served with rice like royalty arriving on a large plate.

Found in both homes and hotels in Andaman, this dish is a star attraction in many Andaman tour packages because nothing says “beach holiday” like curry that tastes like the ocean hugged you.

Recipe:

• Sauté onions, ginger, garlic, and various spices in coconut oil.
• Add prawns and cook until they blush.
• Pour in creamy coconut milk, simmer, and finish with fresh coriander.

Mildly spicy, rich, and oh-so-satisfying – it’s the ultimate reward after a long day of scuba diving… or just scrolling food blogs.

4. Barbeque Food

When in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, skipping the barbeque food is like going to the beach without taking a selfie – unacceptable.

Whether it’s fish, prawns, or lobsters, everything tastes different when grilled over open flames, brushed with garlic butter, and served fresh under the stars. Many beachside street vendors and hotels in Andaman offer this fiery treat that’s perfect after a long day of beach hopping (or pretending to be in an ad for Andaman tour packages).

Recipe (vibe edition):

• Marinate your seafood in lime juice, chilli, and native spices.
• Grill on skewers until charred and smoky.
• Serve with a wedge of lime, a side of chutney, and an ocean view (optional but recommended).

It’s smoky, spicy, and screams “vacation mode” louder than your full-volume ringtone.

5. Tandoori Fish

You’ve had tandoori chicken, sure. But tandoori fish in the coastal region of Andaman Nicobar? That’s a whole different level of delicious.

This is where North Indian cuisine meets local ingredients, giving seafood the bold, spicy makeover it totally deserves. Served hot off the grill, it’s crispy, juicy on the inside, and basically a supermodel of the fish world.

Recipe:

• Marinate whole fish with curd, lime juice, and a riot of native spices.
• Let it rest like royalty, then grill or roast until smoky and golden.
• Serve with onion rings, lime wedges, and that perfect sizzle.

It’s fiery, fabulous, and the kind of authentic dish that turns a regular dinner into a traditional feast – no tandoor required.

6. Grilled Lobsters

If barbeque food had a king, grilled lobsters would wear the crown, draped in butter, and waving a lemon wedge.

These beauties are a must-try for serious seafood lovers. They can be found on beachside grills and fine-dining menus across Port Blair and other islands of Andaman. Charred just right and bursting with flavour, the extravagant dish makes you forget you’re still in flip-flops.

Recipe:

• Halve the lobster, brush generously with garlic butter and herbs.
• Grill flesh-side down until juicy and slightly smoky.
• Serve hot with tropical sides or just chilled coconut water.

It’s rich, messy, and worth every delicious bite – bring napkins and zero regrets.

Also Read: Indian Lobster Recipes

7. Kacchi Biryani

Biryani is serious business. And Kacchi Biryani? That’s the kind you wait for – and then silently cry happy tears when you smell it.

This dish is a beloved part of the traditional food of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, especially during weddings, Sunday feasts, or any occasion that requires stretchy pants. What makes it unique is raw marinated meat cooked with rice in one pot, sealed tightly, and dum-cooked until everything is infused with spice and drama.

Recipe:

• Marinate mutton with curd, native spices, and fried onions.
• Layer raw meat with partially cooked rice in a heavy-bottomed pot.
• Seal and slow-cook until tender and aromatic.

Served on a large plate with raita, salad, and maybe some tamarind chutney, this is the perfect combination of curries and carbs – an authentic dish no foodie should miss.

8. Crab Masala

If you’re not wearing a bib or licking your fingers, are you even eating Crab Masala?

This fiery favourite from Andaman and Nicobar Islands cuisine is not for the dainty. Loaded with native spices, slow-cooked onions, and just the proper hit of chilli, it’s the kind of dish that grabs your full attention (and both hands). This one is a bucket list bite for food enthusiasts and seafood lovers.

Recipe:

• Clean and crack crab, then cook in a thick gravy of onions, tomatoes, and fish masalas.
• Add ginger, garlic, and lots of chilli for that spicy punch.
• Simmer until the masala clings to every juicy claw.

Messy? Yes. Intense? Absolutely. But the taste? Oh, it’s a scrumptious gravy situation you won’t forget any time soon.

9. Chilli Curry

Chilli Curry isn’t here to make friends. It’s here to wake you up, clear your sinuses, and wonder why pain tastes so good.

A staple in many island homes, this bold dish from the Andaman Nicobar region is made with green or red chillies simmered in a rich, scrumptious gravy. It’s usually served in small bowls alongside rice or scrumptious bread, and is absolutely not recommended for the faint of tongue.

Recipe:

• Sauté onions, garlic, and mustard seeds in coconut oil.
• Add whole green/red chillies, tomatoes, and various spices.
• Simmer until the curry thickens and bites back.

It’s fiery, fearless, and oddly addictive. Pair with rice, a glass of coconut water, and maybe a warning sign.

10. Tuna and Banana Leaf

Who needs foil when you’ve got a banana tree?

Tuna in a banana leaf looks humble but tastes like it got a five-star review from the ocean itself. Popular across the islands of Andaman, this dish wraps fresh tuna in banana leaves with a spicy marinade and then lets steam or fire do the magic.

Minimal fuss, zero plastic, maximum flavour. Mother Nature would be proud.

Recipe:

• Marinate tuna with lime juice, garlic, native spices, and a little drama.
• Wrap it up like a delicious birthday gift using banana leaves.
• Steam or grill until it smells like you’re definitely not sharing.

It’s light, flaky, eco-friendly, and basically the most delicious parcel you’ll ever unwrap. Sorry, Amazon, this one wins.

More Than Just Beaches: The Flavours of Andaman Stay With You

There’s something about eating on the islands – maybe it’s the sea breeze, the coconut in everything, or perhaps it’s just how Andaman and Nicobar​ food knows exactly what you need.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands food recipes aren’t just delicious – they’re grounding, soulful, and quietly unforgettable.

You may come for the views or the scuba diving, but it’s the food that lingers long after the trip ends.

Because here, meals aren’t rushed – they’re a warm invitation to slow down, savour, and stay awhile.

For more foodie adventures, coastal cravings, and delicious detours – stick around and check out our food blogs. This culinary ride is just getting started!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most popular dish among tourists in the Andaman?

Fish Curry is one of the healthiest protein options and is one of the most popular and loved dishes in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Being an island, fresh fish cooked in a spicy, aromatic curry with local spices is a sure hit among tourists.

Are there any food-specific festivals in the Andaman?

While several cultural festivals are celebrated in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, they do not have specific food festivals. However, each of their festivals does have a substantial food segment where one can enjoy local Andaman cuisine.

How does the local food influence Andaman tourism?

Food plays a significant role in Andaman tourism. Tourists love the unique blend of Indian and Andamanese flavours in the local cuisine, which is part of the diverse street food scene. Seafood, plants, exotic fruits, and staple food of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, owing to the tropical climate, are the main attractions. Hence, food is a major part of the Andaman experience for visitors.

What food is eaten by the tribes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

The tribes of Andaman and Nicobar, including the Great Andamanese, rely mainly on seafood like fish and crabs, wild fruits, and roots available locally. While these are their primary food sources, some tribal communities also practice farming.

What is the famous veg food in the Andaman?

Coconut Curry, Chilli Curry, and the Amritsari Kulcha are popular vegetarian dishes in Andaman, and the spicy vegan curry variations showcase this culinary richness. The use of rich Indian spices, coconut milk, and a range of vegetables makes vegetarian dishes in the Andaman Islands as engaging as their non-vegetarian counterparts.

What is the traditional of Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

The traditional food of​ Andaman and Nicobar Islands features a delightful fusion of flavours, including a blend of local seafood, coconut, and aromatic spices. Dishes like fish curry, coconut rice, and various indigenous preparations highlight the islands’ rich culinary heritage, which is influenced by tribal cultures and coastal living.