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While islands and water sports adventure are the main attractions of Andaman, one of the most underrated experiences is trying the street food in Andaman. One of the highlights of trying street food is that it features a blend of Indian, Thai, Burmese, and local flavours. Even the staple street foods that you are used to eating in other parts of India have a unique twist of flavours when you try them in Andaman. The next time you are in Andaman, planning a comprehensive food tour around different parts of Andaman is vital so you can make the most out of your travel experience.
Street Food In Andaman: 10 Dishes To Try
There are succulent seafood options, spicy snacks and a unique fusion of freshly prepared flavours, offering a satisfying experience.
1. Fish Curry
Photo: Seena.ge / Wikimedia Commons
If there’s one of the most famous street foods in Andaman labelled as “Andaman exclusive,” it’s Fish Curry. Now, you might think, what’s special about fish curry in Andaman? It’s the robust spices and the blend of coconut milk, tamarind, and a variety of spices that add a distinct taste to the dish. The dish has a creamy and tangy taste to it, which is often reminiscent of a blend of South Indian and Thai curry flavours. The fish curry is usually served with either rice or roti and is pretty much available throughout Andaman, especially in Port Blair.
Where To Try: All across Andaman, from bustling street vendors in Port Blair to beachside shacks in Havelock Island.
Cost: ₹300 to ₹1000 per plate
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Andaman
2. Andaman Lobster
Photo: Olivdediego / Wikimedia Commons
Another indulgence for seafood lovers lies in the Andaman lobster. It is a star attraction among the street food options in Andaman and a pretty expensive affair too. Grilled or cooked in a creamy butter garlic sauce, the lobster’s delicate sweetness shines through. It is truly a decadent taste and if luck is on your side, you might get to taste a freshly caught lobster grilled straight out of the fisherman’s basket. Also, try and enjoy the grilled lobster on its own. But, you can ask for lime wedges and butter with the dish for added flavour.
Where To Try: Radhanagar Beach (Havelock) and Long Island
Cost: ₹300 to ₹500 for a portion
3. Chilli Curry
Photo: Emy / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
For spice lovers, you have to indulge in a staple Andaman street food called Chilli Curry. It is exclusive to this place and consists of meat, often chicken or mutton, cooked with a generous amount of green chillies, garlic, onions, and tomatoes. The slow-cooked and roasted nature of the dish adds a lot of smokiness to the final dish. It has a very rich and robust taste to it, so the curry is usually served with some freshly steamed rice, which offers a balance of flavours, and blends well when put together in the mouth.
Where To Try: Port Blair
Cost: ₹200 to ₹250 per serving
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Andaman And Nicobar At Night
4. Andaman Chicken Fry
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
If you are a chicken lover, another staple Andaman street food option that you should try is Andaman Chicken Fry. This is a local favourite that features bite-sized pieces of chicken marinated in a blend of spices like turmeric, coriander, and red chilli powder, and then pan-fried until crispy on the outside and juicy inside. Most tourists often pair this side dish with their cocktails and drinks while chilling on the beaches. You can also pair this dish with thinly sliced onions and a squeeze of lemon to freshen up the taste of the spices.
Where To Try: Widely available across Andaman, from street vendors near markets to small eateries
Cost: ₹200 to ₹300 per serving
5. Coconut Prawn Curry
Photo: Batterypacks / Wikimedia Commons
Another popular street food option that you’d regret not trying is Andaman’s Coconut Prawn Curry. This delightful dish blends the sweetness of prawns with that of coconut milk to form a very light, creamy and subtly spiced curry. The prawns are cooked in a blend of coconut milk, turmeric, mustard seeds, and curry leaves, resulting in an aromatic curry. The best way to enjoy this dish is with some steaming rice. It’s very light on the stomach, making it a public favourite among the locals and the tourists too.
Where To Try: Port Blair and Havelock Island
Cost: ₹300 to ₹400 per serving
Suggested Read: The Festivals Of Andaman And Nicobar Islands
6. Aloo Tikki
Photo: Soumyasubhra16193003 / Wikimedia Commons
If you thought that the concept of chaat is a North Indian staple, you’d be mistaken. Aloo Tikki is a popular street food option across Andaman, especially around the beaches during the evening. In this, the mashed potatoes spiced with cumin, coriander, and green chillies, are shaped into patties, coated with breadcrumbs and deep-fried until golden brown. Once cooked to perfection, the smashed and crispy patties are covered in a layer of green chutney, tamarind chutney, chopped onions and bhujia, making it a popular vegetarian snack.
Where To Try: All across Andaman
Cost: ₹20 to ₹30 per serving
7. Crab Masala Fry
Photo: Kalaiselvi Murugesan / Wikimedia Commons
Although not a staple street food option but a full-blown meal option, crab masala fry is one of those dishes that you must try when you are in Andaman. This is a spicy and savoury dish that features a blend of a rich masala made using tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a variety of spices. The dish usually starts with deep frying the crab until it’s crispy on the outside. Once done, it is then cooked with the seasoned masala and cooked with the crab.
Where To Try: Port Blair
Cost: ₹400 to ₹500 per serving
Suggested Read: Temples In Andaman And Nicobar Islands
8. Fried Prawns
Photo: ProjectManhattan / Wikimedia Commons
Another street food and bar food staple around Andaman is fried prawns. The dish is just what the name suggests. Fresh prawns are marinated in a mixture of spices and then deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. It is a staple bar food enjoyed with cocktails and mocktails around Andaman. You can also find it across the street food joints around Andaman, especially around the beaches. Most street food joints also serve the dish with a tangy dipping sauce, which enhances the taste.
Where To Try: Havelock Island
Cost: ₹200 to ₹250 per serving
9. Seasonal Fruits
Photo: Dane Deaner / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
If you are on a health kick and don’t want to eat something heavy or deep-fried when in Andaman, you can try their seasonal fruit cups. It is one of the most popular healthy street food options where you get to indulge in a variety of unique fruits. From juicy mangoes and pineapples to exotic rambutan and mangosteen, indulging in fresh, seasonal fruits is a delightful way to experience the islands’ natural bounty. Most of the street food vendors around Andaman sell these fruits pre-cut and made into a refreshing platter with ice underneath to keep the fruit fresh and crisp.
Where To Try: All across Andaman
Cost: Around ₹100 to₹150 per serving
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Andaman And Nicobar Islands
10. Fish Amritsari
Photo: Karolina Grabowska / Pexels
Last on the list is Fish Amritsari, another popular staple food to try around Andaman. The dish originally originates from Punjab but has found its way to the Andaman Islands. It features fish fillets marinated in a spiced gram flour batter and deep-fried until crispy. Once the fish comes out crispy and golden brown out of the hot oil, it is served with a sprinkling of chaat masala, which adds to the taste of the dish. Ensure that you squeeze some lemon juice on top to further enhance the taste of the dish.
Where To Try: Havelock Island and Neil Island
Cost: ₹200 to ₹250 per serving
Andaman’s street food scene offers vibrant and bold flavours that you can enjoy with the views of the beaches and the bustling city. From the freshest seafood to unique local specialities, each bite is a journey into the islands’ rich culinary heritage. If you want to immerse in those robust spices and bold flavours, secure your bookings to Andaman with TripXL with the best deals and discounts.
Cover Photo: Sebastian Coman Photography / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
