Andaman Food

Andaman food is simple, fresh and built around the sea. Fish, crab, prawns, lobster and squid arrive on the plate hours after they are caught, usually cooked in coconut, turmeric, chilli and a few well-chosen spices. The islands’ cooking is a blend of influences: the Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Kerala and Burmese communities who settled here, and the indigenous traditions of the Nicobar and Andaman peoples. The result is a relaxed, coastal cuisine that is easy to love, whether you are eating at a beach shack or a seafood restaurant.

This guide covers the signature dishes, the influences behind them, what vegetarians can eat, where to find good food on each island, how to order seafood sensibly and a few practical tips. If you would like meals, stays and sightseeing planned together, explore our Andaman tour packages, planned by Andaman Emerald Travels, a travel team based in Port Blair.

Andaman Food at a Glance

What Shapes Andaman Cuisine

For thousands of years, the indigenous peoples of the islands lived on fish, shellfish, forest fruits, roots and honey, and some of those traditions survive among the Nicobarese and other communities. When the British set up a penal settlement in 1858, people from the mainland arrived in large numbers, as convicts, guards and workers, and later as settlers. After Independence and Partition, more Bengali families were resettled on the islands, and Tamil, Telugu, Malayali and Burmese communities also made their homes here. Each group brought its own recipes, and over time they blended into a distinctly island style. To learn more about the people behind the food, read our guide to the history of the Andaman Islands and the tribes of Andaman.

Must-Try Andaman Dishes

Menus vary by island and by the day’s catch, but these are the dishes most visitors look for.

Another local fusion is the cutlet samosa, filled with spiced fish or chicken instead of the usual potato. Some Port Blair restaurants also serve Nicobari-style chicken, so ask what the kitchen is proud of.

Vegetarian and Special Diets

Seafood dominates, but vegetarians eat well. Most restaurants serve South Indian meals, North Indian thalis, vegetable kurma, dal, rice, paneer dishes, idli, dosa and fresh fruit. Local vegetable curries with coconut are common, and the hot chilli curry is often vegetarian. Jain and vegan meals are possible at many places if you ask in advance. If you have a strict dietary need, tell your hotel or our team early, especially on smaller islands where menus are short.

Drinks and Sweets

• Tender coconut water. Sold everywhere and the best way to cool down.
• Fresh fruit juices. Banana, pineapple, mango and papaya are common in season.
• Tea and coffee. Roadside stalls serve both, along with snacks.
• Bengali sweets. Rasgulla, sandesh and mishti doi are widely available in towns.
• Coconut desserts. Puddings and mousses made from coconut and tropical fruit appear on many menus.

Where to Eat on Each Island

For specific ideas, see our guide to restaurants in Andaman. If you are looking for evening entertainment after dinner, read about nightlife in Andaman.

How to Order Seafood Wisely

• Ask about the day’s catch. The freshest fish is often not on the printed menu.
• Check the price per weight. Lobster and crab are usually priced by weight, so ask for the total before it is cooked.
• Choose lighter preparations. Grilled or curried seafood lets you taste the freshness.
• Pick busy places. A restaurant with a steady stream of customers usually has fresher ingredients.
• Share dishes. Portions can be large, and sharing lets you try more.
• Avoid protected species. Never ask for turtle, shark fin or other protected marine animals, as they are illegal and harmful to the reefs.

Practical Food Tips

• Eat dinner early. Many restaurants, especially outside Port Blair, close by about 9 pm.
• Carry cash. Small cafes and stalls often do not take cards, and ATMs are limited on smaller islands.
• Drink bottled or filtered water. Avoid ice from unknown sources.
• Expect weather to affect supply. Rough seas can limit the catch, so menus may be shorter at times.
• Plan food for remote trips. On day trips to places like Baratang, Long Island or the marine park islands, carry a packed lunch and water.
• Try markets. Fruit stalls and local bazaars are good for snacks. See our guide to things to buy in Andaman for souvenirs.

Sample One-Day Eating Plan in Port Blair

Looking for a ready-made plan that includes great meals and sightseeing? See our 3 nights 4 days and 4 nights 5 days Andaman packages. You can also browse all Andaman destinations on our site.

Andaman Tour Packages for Food Lovers

Every traveller has different tastes, so we offer a package for each:

Not sure which suits you? Reach out through our contact page for a customised itinerary.

Why Book with Andaman Emerald Travels?

• Local Port Blair-based team that knows where the best meals are
• Customised itineraries for couples, families, groups and solo travellers
• Hotels, ferries, private transfers and sightseeing arranged for you
• Flexible 50-50 payment plan: pay 50% after reaching the Andaman Islands
• Personal support throughout your trip

See what travellers say about us on Andaman Emerald Travels on Google, then call +91 9933245630 or send an enquiry for a free quote on your Andaman tour packages.