If you’re a foodie who loves to travel then Assam food would be something you must definitely tick off your bucket list. The Assam cuisine has a distinct flavour that is marked by Bengali influence and consists of a delicate taste that would make anyone go gaga thanks to the choicest herbs and fresh fruits and vegetables that are used in the dishes. So if you’re traveling to Assam or just wanna try it at an authentic Assamese restaurant, these are the best dishes to go for.
Famous Food Of Assam
1. Khaar
When it comes to main food of Assam, Khaar is a non vegetarian dish that comes on top. This meat delicacy is made from the main ingredient khaar on which it is named and also has raw papaya, pulses, and taro. The preparation also involves filtering all of the above through dried banana leaves for its distinct signature flavour. This curry delicacy is usually accompanied by rice and is often part of the lunch.
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2. Masor Tenga
This tangy curry is one of the most popular food in Assam. The fish is slow cooked with a broth made from outenga, tomatoes, and lemon and offers an extremely tangy refreshing flavour once done. This is one dish every Assamese definitely loves and you can make that out from their enthusiasm when you ask about it from them.
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3. Duck Meat Curry
Another one of Assam’s special food items, duck meat is a dish generally reserved for special occasions. If cooked properly, the dish can blow you away thanks to the use of whole spices. It is generally cooked with Ash Gourd but one can also cook it sesame, pumpkin, lentil and more.
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4. Xaak Aru Bhaji
Usually a side dish, it is made from vegetables and herbs and seasoned with garlic, ginger, and occasionally with lemon. This is an everyday sort of dish that is part of lunch and dinner when it comes to Assam food.
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5. Oou Khatta
This is a sweet and sour chutney that is made from elephant apple (Ou) and jaggery. It is a must try food item that perfectly compliments your meal.
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6. Aloo Pitika
This is the Assamese version of mashed potatoes and is an excellent side dish for lunch and dinner. The mashed potatoes, which are cooked in mustard oil, onion, salt, and coriander is one of the most simple dishes to cook and yet one of the most enjoyable.
7. Paro Manxho
Image Source: Crazy Masala Food
Another one of popular Assam food items, this dish is essentially pigeon meat and a delicacy of the region. It is best complemented by Koldil or banana flowers which adds to its unique taste. In general, pigeon meat is said to keep the body warm in winters and is thus cooked on special occasions and seasons.
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8. Baanhgajor Lagot Kukura
Image Source: Crazy Masala Food
One of the most popular dishes in Assam food cuisine, this is essentially chicken cooked with bamboo shoots and lentil. Try this if you want to experience the unique flavour of bamboo shoots which is mostly uncommon in other dishes.
9. Silkworm
Image Source: Tastes Of North East India
Yes the Assamese eat silkworm and as creepy as it sounds and looks, it is one of the most delicious dishes of Assam food. The larvae is stir fried with spices and tastes crunchy on the outside and liquid like on the inside. This is essentially a tribal dish that one should definitely not miss out on.
Best Sweet Dishes Of Assam
10. Pitha
This is one of the most famous sweet dishes of Assam food cuisine and can be sweet and savoury depending on its ingredients. Although a bit tricky to make, it can be home cooked and served at breakfast or evening tea.
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11. Gooror Payas
A sweet dish that tastes similar to rabdi, this one is made from rice, milk, jaggery, dates, cashew, and bay leaves. The addition of dates in this dish gives it a distinct flavour.
12. Narikol Pitha
Image Source: Veg Indian Recipes
Another sweet dish that is made from roasted coconut, flour, and sugar, this one is pretty easy to make and an excellent dish to serve after you’re done with your main course.
13. Narikolor Laru
Image Source: Veg Indian Recipes
In simple terms this is a coconut laddu that has the best of both worlds, coconut and sugar. And yes, having one is simply not enough.
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14. Komolar Kheer
Image Source: Veg Indian Recipes
This is your usual kheer made from rice but with a tangy orange twist. The addition of orange pulp adds a refreshing flavour to the sweet dish and one can also use the pulp to garnish the dish.
15. Rice Payas
Joha rice is used in making this sweet dish that is loaded with ghee, dry fruits, and milk. Cooked on a low flame, one can also add cardamom and saffron for garnishing it. Overall, this is a must try dish for all those with a sweet tooth.
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Now that you know all about the must try dishes when it comes to Assam food, we know you’re craving for a taste of these delicacies. So if you’re planning a trip to Northeast, don’t worry. Simply book a Assam package from TravelTriangle and let us do the planning for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Assam Food
What is the famous food of Assam?
Assamese Khar is one of the top dishes of Assam prepared from raw papayas and chillies.One should really try this among other local Assamese dishes.
What can I buy in Guwahati?
If you are planning to go shopping in Guwahati, then the first item in your shopping bag should be the famous Assam tea and the pickles. Other than food items, one can also buy handicrafts here.
What is the famous food of Guwahati?
Momos and Thukpa are quite popular food items that one can find in almost all the restaurants in Guwahati.
Where can I buy Assam tea?
One can buy Assam Tea anywhere in the markets of Assamese cities like Guwahati. Nowadays Assam tea is available in other cities of India too due to the high demand.
What is the famous sweet of Assam?
Pitha is one of the most popular sweet dishes of Assam. The best part of this is that one can prepare it as either sweet or savory.
What do Assam people eat?
Rice is the staple food item consumed in Assam.
What is famous in Assam?
The aromatic Assam tea and the tea plantations are one of the most famous things in Assam. Take a tour of the tea plantations here and buy Assam tea on a trip to this state.
Which is the most beautiful place in Assam?
Assam is a beautiful state covered in tea plantations, and lush jungles. One of the most beautiful places to visit in Assam is the famous Kaziranga National Park. Other tourist attractions here are Manas National Park, Kamakhya Temple, Majuli Island, Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, Kakochang Waterfalls, Tocklai Tea Research Centre, Nameri National Park, Padam Pukhuri, Haflong Lake, Haflong Hill, and Panimur Falls.
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