10 Best Local Foods in Little Andaman Island

So let’s delve deeper into the world of Local foods in Little Andaman Island and lets embrace the taste of the Island.

1. Coconut Curry 
2. Andamanese Fish Curry 
3. Banana Flower fitters 
4. Jackfruit Curry 
5. Andamanese Crab Curry 
6. Bamboo shoot Curry 
7. Breadfruit Curry 
8. Andamanese Smoked fish 
9. Coconut rice 
10. Papaya Flower Fritters

1. Coconut Curry (Nariyal Curry)

• Address: Hut Bay Local Market, Hut Bay, Little Andaman
• Price: Rs. 100-150 per serving

Is it possible that you are on an Island and you do not find any food related to coconut? Well, you are on Little Andaman Island, the land of Mangroves, where you are going to witness coconuts in every dish. Well, Coconut curry, is one of the most favorite local food in Little Andaman Island. It’s obvious that you will thrive for the recipe once you taste this delicious dish. If you are craving to know what is it made up of,  this curry is made with freshly grated coconut, which is the primary ingredient that gives it its a very unique creamy and coconutish taste. The coconut is submerged in an aromatic blend of spices, herbs, and seasonings to create a thick, velvety curry.

Thanks to the islandian taste of the curry, which includes a combination of cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili peppers, and other warm spices that are common in Indian cuisine, Overall this dish is a pure delight who loves spicy cuisine with a blend of tangy texture. 

Suggested Read: Places to visit in Little Andaman Island

2. Andamanese Fish Curry

• Address: Hut Bay Local Market, Hut Bay, Little Andaman
• Price: Rs. 150-200 per serving

Aren’t fishes common in the Island and that to for preparing food? Well,  it might be common but this dish named Andamanese Fish Curry is just a wow for anyone who tastes it for the first time ( well, yeah every time tastes like the first time ) one of the most common but delicious Local food in Little Andaman island which is a perfect blend of mixed spices and curry like taste. 

If you’re looking for the ingredients to prepare the dish, well, do not worry the blog got you covered, the ingredients include Fresh fish (typically local varieties like sea bass, snapper, or grouper), coconut milk, Onions, Tomatoes, Ginger, Garlic, Chili peppers, coriander leaves, mustard seeds, Cumin seeds and Salt. 

Suggested Read: Scuba diving in Little Andaman Island

3. Banana Flower Fritters (Moori)

• Address: Hut Bay Local Market, Hut Bay, Little Andaman
• Price: Rs. 50-75 per plate

Have you ever heard of Banana Flower Fritters? Well, not that you remember right?, yes It’s true that this is not a food that you will see in every hotel on Little Andaman Island but is also true that you will find this particular local food in Little Andaman Island on every local people’s must-try list, if you are new to the island, you must know about some of the best local food in Little Andaman Island and this for sure is one of them which is also referred to as “Moori”. Well, the specialty of this dish is, it was never meant to be a dish but, since the Andamenes are known for their ability to transform the bountiful natural resources of the islands into delectable and nourishing meals, made this extravagant and delicious food beauty of the Island.

Well, the recipe is pretty simple to know but the taste is pretty unique, It all starts with selecting and preparing, by taking proper sanitation measures, the banana flowers are carefully selected cleaned, sliced, and then coated in a delicate batter made from a blend of local spices, herbs, and rice flour. Now to make this a bit crunchy and tasty, they are then deep-fried to a golden crisp, which results in a delicious snack that is both crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. 

Thanks to those home grown spices which add up to the flavor of Banana Fitters those aromatic spices, create a harmonious balance that truly tantalizes the taste buds.

4. Jackfruit Curry (Kathal Curry)

• Address: Hut Bay Local Market, Hut Bay, Little Andaman
• Price: Rs. 120-150 per serving

One of the most delicious and biggest fruits has something to do with your tastebuds and when mixed with the Andamanian style of making food, this can send you in the world of delights. This jackfruit dish is one of the best Local foods in Little Andaman Island which also known locally as “Kathal Curry,” This food represents Andaman’s way of connecting to the natural surroundings and the special ability to use the natural resources for their daily lives. 

If you are searching for some recipes to make it on your own while staying in some resorts in Little Andaman Island, this blog got you covered. This curry is made by selecting a young, tender jackfruit, which is cleaned, peeled, and chopped into bite-sized pieces. If you like coconut milk,  then it will be the best dish you could have ever tasted off, these pieces are dipped into the odorous blend of coconut milk, aromatic spices, and locally sourced herbs and chili peppers. The result is a rich, creamy curry that showcases the distinct flavor of the jackfruit, which is further enhanced by the complementary spices and herbs.

5. Andamanese Crab Curry

• Address: Hut Bay Local Market, Hut Bay, Little Andaman
• Price: Rs. 200-250 per serving

The little Andaman Island, also known for its delectable seafood, Just like the unique and beautiful beaches in Little Andaman Island, this dish is just like no other. Andamanese diet for generations, the Andamanese Crab Curry. This delicious dish is proof of true maritime tradition in the Island 

A must local food in Little Andaman Island to experience which begins with properly selecting and cleaning fresh crabs, which are then simmered in a fragrant coconut milk-based curry. The curry is infused with a blend of aromatic spices, locally sourced herbs, and chili peppers, creating a delicious balance of flavors that perfectly complements the sweet and succulent crab meat. The hard body of the crab are then cooked to perfection just to make the warm flash in it as delicious as you want it to be, this whole process makes the food more naturally sweet and juicy, while the creamy curry sauce just adds upto the charm and taste of the food. With a modern serving style accompanied by steamed rice or local tubers, the Andamanese Crab Curry is a true culinary delight that you must experience eating.

6. Bamboo Shoot Curry (Baans Curry)

• Address: Hut Bay Local Market, Hut Bay, Little Andaman
• Price: Rs. 120-150 per serving

What’s the first thing you would like to eat right after having an amazing experience of water sports in Little Andaman Island? If you ever look for it, you will really end up choosing this delicious and healthy Bamboo Shoot Curry, also known as Baans Curry, which is a unique and flavorful and most famous dish in Andaman and Nicobar Island.  Well, if we talk about the main ingredient, it includes fresh bamboo shoots, lend the dish a wonderfully crunchy texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor that perfectly complements the blend of spices used in the curry.

Most of the foodies and chefs often look for the origin of a food and how the dish came into existence and this food is surely one of the best dish to look for. The history of Baans Curry is closely related to the locals of Little Andaman island where bamboo has always been a crucial part in their daily lives. From a very long time the locals of these islands have perfected the art of preparing this curry, simmering the freshly chopped bamboo shoots in a fragrant sauce made with a mix of spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili peppers. The results in a royal creamy texture and has a truly unique and satisfying culinary experience.

7. Breadfruit Curry (Breadfruit Curry)

• Address: Hut Bay Local Market, Hut Bay, Little Andaman
• Price: Rs. 100-150 per serving

Here comes one of the most beloved local foods in Little Andaman Island, Have you ever interacted with a dish that whenever given to you, you would love to eat out the plates, well, this is exactly that type of dish. Breadfruit Curry is made of one of the most delicious locally grown foods in Little Andaman Island that showcases a unique flavor of tropical fruits. 

If clearly explained, this curry is known for its starchy, potato-like texture and mild, slightly sweet taste. Not only the taste and the texture is unique but the preparation style is unique. The unripe breadfruit is peeled, seeded, and then simmered in a fragrant curry sauce made with a blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili pepper and the result which comes out from the mix of all the ingredients is quite sweet, tangy and creamy. Visitors to the Hut Bay Local Market can immerse themselves in this unique gastronomic experience and savor the authentic flavors of the region.

Suggested Read: Homestays in Little Andaman Island

8. Andamanese Smoked Fish

• Address: Hut Bay Local Market, Hut Bay, Little Andaman
• Price: Rs. 150-200 per plate

You are on an Island and never tasted a smoked dish? Well, that’s astonishing. One of the most smoky Local foods of Little Andaman Island Andamanese the smoked Fish is a local favorite and is a majorly prepared at the Hut Bay Local Market in Hut Bay, Little Andaman. This traditional preparation showcases the abundance of seafood in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

So the smoked fish is not prepared from one big fish but is prepared by using a variety of fresh, locally caught fish, which are first cleaned, salted, and then smoked over a slow fire. This is more of a time-honored process instead of including a lot of spices and salts in the dish. The most satisfying part is, that this crispy salted dish can be a part of any occasion as a side dish. You must be thinking of how the fish is connected to the history of Little Andaman Island. Well, The history of Andamanese Smoked Fish is deeply rooted in the island’s traditional subsistence practices, where smoking and drying fish was a crucial method of food preservation, especially in the era before modern refrigeration.

Suggested Read: Adventure Activities in Little Andaman Island

9. Coconut Rice (Nariyal Bhat)

• Address: Hut Bay Local Market, Hut Bay, Little Andaman
• Price: Rs. 80-100 per serving

Have you ever wondered what is the most consumable food in Asia? Well, not any nonvegetarian dish, but its Rice, where about 90% of the world’s rice is produced and consumed in Asia. In the midst of all this, here we are discussing about another popular local food in Little Andaman Island which is called Coconut Rice, or “Nariyal Bhat” in the local language, This dish is not an ordinary rice dish but is a true reflection of the Andaman Islands’ rich culinary heritage, where the abundant coconut has long been a vital ingredient in the local cuisine.

This sweet creamy rice is firstly simmered in creamy coconut milk base, combined with the distinct aroma of freshly grated coconut to make it more delightfully soft and fluffy. Thanks to the history of the history of Coconut Rice in the Andaman Islands which gave a birth to this delightfully tasty dish which is often served in most cafes and restaurants in little Andaman Island. Over time, this simple yet delicious dish has become a beloved part of the Andamanese culinary tradition, offering a comforting and nourishing taste of the island’s unique heritage.

10. Papaya Flower Fritters (Pocha Moori)

• Address: Hut Bay Local Market, Hut Bay, Little Andaman
• Price: Rs. 50-75 per plate

We discussed about the delicious Banana Flower Fitters, which we of great taste aren’t they? Well, if you still didn’t like it, we have another same textured and natured treat for you, The Papaya flower fitters which is also locally known as “Pocha Moori,” is a delightful and unique delicacy that can be found at the Hut Bay Local Market in Hut Bay, Little Andaman. This unique dish showcases the different uses of the papaya plant, highlighting the often-overlooked edible flowers that bloom on the tree.

This light crispy side dish is prepared by dipping the delicate papaya flowers in a light, crispy batter and then deep-frying them to golden perfection and the result so obtained is a crunchy salted but subtly sweet and slightly tangy flavor. Not like your regular Nachos with cheesy dip cream, which is perfectly served with gentle floral notes of papaya blossoms. Whatever you do but do not overlook knowing the history of these local foods in Little Andaman Island, you might get totally indulged in the history of these unique dishes rooted in the traditional foraging and subsistence practices of the Andamanese people, who have long recognized the edibility and nutritional value of various parts of the papaya plant.