Andaman food is a highlight for every traveler, with dishes that capture the true flavor of the islands. Fresh catches from the sea dominate the menu, making seafood in Andaman a must-try experience. For anyone wondering what to eat in Andaman, start with classics like fish curry cooked in coconut milk or the indulgent coconut prawn curry. Grilled lobster and butter garlic crab are unmissable delicacies that showcase the freshness of the waters here.
For those who enjoy spicy flavors, tandoori fish tikka and crab masala add a smoky, fiery twist to your plate. Bengali-inspired macher jhol brings a lighter option, while cuttlefish fry offers something unique for adventurous eaters. You can also try Indo-Chinese favorites like chilli fish or Burmese Khao Suey for a comforting bowl of noodles. Every dish in this Andaman food journey gives travelers a taste of the islands’ richness in the most memorable way.
What to Eat in Andaman: A Seafood Lover’s Paradise
When we talk about Andaman food, the first thing that comes to mind is seafood. The truth is, seafood in Andaman is the main highlight of the islands. The waters here are full of fish, crabs, lobsters, and prawns. Most dishes are made from seafood caught only a few hours earlier.
The best part is the taste. Whether it’s grilled, fried, or cooked in coconut curry, the flavors are fresh and full of the sea. You can enjoy whole grilled fish with local spices, juicy tandoori prawns, or butter garlic crab that melts in your mouth.
If you walk along the beaches of Havelock or Neil Island, you will smell fresh seafood in Andaman being grilled over charcoal. It’s an inviting aroma you cannot resist. For anyone wondering what to eat in Andaman, the options are endless, and every bite feels special.
The Ultimate Andaman Food Checklist: Must-Try Dishes
Ready to eat? Here is a list of must try dishes that will give you a real taste of the local food in Andaman.
Fish Curry
A quintessential Andaman food experience, the local fish curry is a comforting and flavorful dish. It’s typically prepared with fresh, locally caught fish simmered in a rich and aromatic gravy. The use of coconut milk gives it a creamy texture and a subtle sweetness that beautifully balances the blend of island spices. It’s a true taste of the islands in a bowl.
- Where to Try: You can find excellent fish curry at local eateries and beachside shacks across Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil Island. Full Moon Café on Havelock Island is often recommended for its authentic preparation.
- Pricing: A bowl of fish curry with rice typically costs between ₹250 to ₹500, depending on the restaurant and the type of fish used.
Coconut Prawn Curry
Imagine succulent, juicy prawns bathed in a creamy, coconut infused curry. That’s exactly what you get with this iconic dish. It’s a milder yet incredibly flavorful curry that showcases the sweetness of the fresh prawns against the rich backdrop of coconut. Often seasoned with delicate spices, it’s a dish that feels both luxurious and comforting.
- Where to Try: Many restaurants specializing in seafood in Andaman offer this delicacy. Golden Spoon on Neil Island is noted for its delicious Prawn Coconut Curry. Anju Coco Resto on Havelock is another popular choice.
- Pricing: Expect to pay between ₹400 and ₹700 for a satisfying portion of this delightful curry.
Grilled Lobster
For a truly special treat, indulging in a grilled lobster is a must. Freshly caught lobsters are often marinated in a simple yet flavorful mix of garlic, butter, and herbs, or sometimes a spicier tandoori marinade, and then grilled to perfection over open flames. The result is tender, smoky, and unbelievably delicious.
- Where to Try: New Lighthouse Restaurant in Port Blair is famous for its grilled lobster. Many upscale beach resorts and fine dining restaurants on Havelock Island also feature it on their menus.
- Pricing: Grilled lobster is a premium dish, with prices generally ranging from ₹600 to ₹2,500, depending on the size.
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Tandoori Fish Tikka
While tandoori dishes are popular across India, there’s something special about enjoying Tandoori Fish Tikka on a tropical island. Chunks of fresh fish, often kingfish or snapper, are marinated in yogurt and a blend of spices before being cooked in a traditional clay tandoor. The fish comes out incredibly tender and infused with a smoky flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Where to Try: This is a popular item on the menu of many restaurants. Bonova Café and Pub in Havelock is a hotspot for fantastic tandoori prawns, and their fish preparations are equally lauded.
- Pricing: A plate of Tandoori Fish Tikka will typically cost between ₹400 and ₹800.
Crab Masala
A flavor explosion awaits you with Crab Masala. Fresh crabs are cooked in a thick, spicy, and tangy gravy made from tomatoes, onions, and a host of aromatic Indian spices. It’s a messy, hands on affair, but cracking through the shells to get to the sweet, succulent meat is part of the fun and incredibly rewarding.
- Where to Try: A Beachside Café on Havelock Island is a highly recommended spot for this dish. You will also find excellent versions at many local restaurants in Port Blair.
- Pricing: Depending on the size of the crab, this dish can range from ₹500 to ₹1,200.
Macher Jhol
Reflecting the strong Bengali influence on the islands, Macher Jhol is a light and fragrant fish stew. Unlike the creamy coconut curries, this one is typically made with a thinner, tomato and mustard oil based gravy. It’s seasoned with traditional Bengali spices like turmeric, cumin, and ginger. It’s a comforting, soulful dish, usually eaten with steamed rice.
- Where to Try: Restaurants in Port Blair with a Bengali heritage are your best bet. Full Moon Cafe on Havelock Island and New Lighthouse Restaurant in Port Blair are best options.
- Pricing: A serving of Macher Jhol with rice is quite affordable, usually between ₹200 and ₹400.
Cuttlefish Fry
For those looking to try something different from the usual fish and prawns, Cuttlefish Fry is an excellent choice. The cuttlefish is chopped into rings, marinated in a spicy batter, and then deep fried until golden and crispy. It’s a popular appetizer or side dish that offers a delightfully chewy texture and a burst of flavor. This is a must try local food in Andaman.
- Where to Try: Many multi cuisine restaurants in Port Blair and Havelock will have this on their menu. Red Snapper restaurant is known for its diverse seafood preparations.
- Pricing: A plate of Cuttlefish Fry typically costs around ₹300 to ₹500.
Amritsari Kulcha
While not a native dish, the Amritsari Kulcha has been wholeheartedly adopted into the Andaman food landscape. This fluffy, stuffed bread from North India is a popular breakfast or lunch option, especially in Port Blair. It’s usually filled with a spicy potato mixture and cooked in a tandoor, served hot with a side of chana masala (chickpea curry) and tangy chutney.
- Where to Try: Icy Spicy in Port Blair is famous for its vegetarian fare, including excellent Amritsari Kulchas.
- Pricing: This is a very budget friendly meal, costing between ₹150 and ₹250.
Chilli Fish
A perfect example of the fusion of flavors in Andaman cuisine, Chilli Fish is a popular Indo Chinese dish. Cubes of boneless fish are batter fried until crisp and then tossed in a wok with a sweet, sour, and spicy sauce, along with onions and bell peppers. It’s an addictive dish that perfectly balances multiple flavors.
- Where to Try: This dish is a staple in most restaurants that serve Chinese food. The Dragon Restaurant at the Peerless Sarovar Portico in Port Blair is a great option for a more upscale version.
- Pricing: Expect to pay between ₹350 and ₹600 for a plate.
Burmese Khao Suey
Highlighting the Southeast Asian influence, finding a bowl of Khao Suey (or ‘Khow Suey’) can be a delightful surprise. This is a one pot meal consisting of noodles in a creamy, coconut milk based curry, often with chicken or vegetables. What makes it special is the array of contrasting condiments served alongside, such as fried garlic, chili flakes, and lime, allowing you to customize your bowl.
- Where to Try: Look for it in cafes that have a more eclectic menu. Bonova Cafe in Havelock sometimes features pan Asian specials like this.
- Pricing: A hearty bowl of Khao Suey can range from ₹400 to ₹700.
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A Vegetarian’s Guide to Andaman Food
With all the talk about seafood, you might be wondering if vegetarians have good options. The answer is a resounding yes! Thanks to its diverse population, there is a fantastic variety of vegetarian Andaman food available. You will find numerous pure vegetarian restaurants, especially in Port Blair, serving delicious South Indian and North Indian cuisine.
Restaurants like Annapurna and Icy Spicy in Port Blair are legendary among locals and tourists for their extensive vegetarian menus. Even in the more remote islands like Havelock and Neil, nearly every cafe and restaurant offers a good selection of vegetarian dishes, from flavorful vegetable curries and paneer preparations to classic dal and rice. So, rest assured, vegetarian travelers will be well catered to.
Read More: 20 Best Things to Do in Andaman in 2025 – Activities, Beaches & More
Your Essential Andaman Food Guide
As our culinary journey comes to an end, we hope this Andaman food guide has ignited your appetite and your wanderlust. The Andaman cuisine is a reflection of the islands themselves: beautiful, diverse, and full of wonderful surprises. Be adventurous, step out of your comfort zone, and try dishes you’ve never heard of. Talk to the locals, ask for their recommendations, and eat at the humble shacks as well as the fancy restaurants.
Exploring the local food in Andaman is an essential part of the travel experience, a way to connect with the culture and the people on a deeper level. It’s about more than just sustenance; it’s about creating memories, one delicious bite at a time.
Andaman Food FAQs
What is the most popular food in Andaman?
Seafood is the star of Andaman cuisine. Fresh fish, prawns, crabs, and lobsters cooked in coconut curries, grilled, or fried are must-try highlights for every traveler.
Are vegetarian food options easily available in Andaman?
Yes, Andaman offers plenty of vegetarian choices. Restaurants like Annapurna and Icy Spicy in Port Blair serve authentic South and North Indian vegetarian dishes, ensuring vegetarians enjoy diverse meals.
How expensive is seafood in Andaman?
Seafood prices vary by dish and restaurant. Simple meals like fish curry cost ₹250–500, while premium options like grilled lobster range between ₹600–2,500 depending on size and preparation.
Where can travelers try the best local food in Andaman?
For authentic experiences, explore Aberdeen Bazaar in Port Blair for street food, or visit Havelock and Neil Island’s beach shacks serving fresh seafood straight from the grill.
Does Andaman cuisine have cultural influences?
Yes, Andaman cuisine reflects South Indian, Bengali, and Burmese influences. Coconut-based curries, Bengali fish dishes, and Burmese Khao Suey showcase the islands’ diverse cultural history through flavorful, unique meals.
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