Food In Assam

Food History of Assam, India

Assamese cuisine is a rich mosaic influenced by its diverse cultural heritage and topography. With a history that goes back centuries, the food here revolves around the main crop of the region: rice. Assamese cuisine is characterized by its simple cooking style, subtle flavors, and the use of local ingredients like freshwater fish, rice, and leafy vegetables. The Ahom dynasty, which ruled for 600 years, introduced methods such as smoking and fermenting, which are prevalent in Assamese cooking to this day. The use of bamboo shoot and bhut jolokia (ghost pepper) are unique to the region's culinary practices. As a predominantly agrarian society, Assamese people have a diet that mirrors the seasonal produce of the land.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Assam for Tourists

1. Khaar - An authentic Assamese dish made by filtering water through the ashes of sun-dried banana peels and adding it to a variety of ingredients (usually duck meat or fish). This dish is non-vegetarian.
2. Aloo Pitika - A comfort food of mashed potatoes, usually seasoned with mustard oil, onion, coriander, and salt. This dish is vegetarian.
3. Masor Tenga - A tangy fish curry flavored with tomatoes, lemon, and outenga (elephant apple). It is light and refreshing, perfect to enjoy with rice. This dish is non-vegetarian.
4. Baanhgajor Lagot Kukura - A chicken dish cooked with bamboo shoots, providing a unique flavor. This dish is non-vegetarian.
5. Ou Khatta - Made with elephant apple (ou) and jaggery, this sweet and sour chutney complements any meal. This dish is vegetarian.
6. Bilahi Maas - Fish curry cooked with tomatoes (bilahi), and spices, offering a tangy flavor. This dish is non-vegetarian.
7. Patot Diya Mas - Fish baked in banana leaves, which infuses the fish with a distinctive, smoky flavor. This dish is non-vegetarian.
8. Bhapot Diya Bhat - Steamed rice wrapped in a special leaf known for adding a unique aroma. This dish is vegetarian.
9. Luchi - A variation of poori, which is a deep-fried bread made of wheat flour. It is often paired with sweet or savory accompaniments. This dish is vegetarian.
10. Pitha - A traditional Assamese cake, usually made during harvest festival Bihu. It comes in many varieties such as til pitha, ghila pitha, and narikol pitha. Most pithas are vegetarian.

Top Famous Restaurants in Assam, India

1. Khorika - The Ethnic Assamese Cuisine
   Address: GNB Road, Opposite Goswami Service, Guwahati, Assam
   Famous for: Grilled food (Bamboo shoot chicken and fish offerings), which are non-vegetarian dishes.
2. Paradise Restaurant
   Address: S.S. Road, Fancy Bazar, Guwahati, Assam
   Famous for: Traditional Assamese thali, which usually includes a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, catering to all preferences.
3. Heritage Khorikaa
   Address: Brahmaputra Ashok Hotel Compound, M.G. Road, Guwahati, Assam
   Famous for: Duck roast and fish items, which are non-vegetarian, and a variety of vegetarian thalis.
4. Delicacy - Restaurant & Lounge
   Address: GS Road, Christian Basti, Guwahati, Assam
   Famous for: Multi-cuisine offerings with popular Assamese non-vegetarian dishes like masor tenga and also a range of vegetarian options.
5. Gam's Delicacy Restaurant
   Address: Near Nehru Stadium, B. Barooah Road, Guwahati, Assam
   Famous for: Ethnic Assamese cuisine with a selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, including fish and pigeon preparations.