Seafood dominates the food culture in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as it is a cluster of islands. Most of these seafood delicacies inherit the cooking styles of Burmese and Thai as both these countries are quite close to the islands. The seafood culture is so prominent in this region that it is available at almost every local joint. You can find a great variety of exotic seafood such as prawns, lobsters, fish, crabs, and many more.
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Being a tourist destination, the islands are flooded with hotels and each hotel has their own restaurants. Hence, despite being a bit too high on the pricing, these seafood delicacies are worth every penny because each island has something different, unique and tasty to offer.
While you can always pay that extra dime to enjoy these delicacies at your hotel, you can also hunt for cheaper joints for local exotic kinds of seafood. You can ask the locals and they will guide to the cheapest and best places to eat. On a wiser note, it is advisable to dine at the shacks along the beach as they often have the best and the fresh catch.
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Sea Food Delicacies at the Islands
Prawns, crabs, and fish are available almost everywhere throughout the islands. However, you must rely on upscale restaurants for premium kinds of seafood like lobsters as they are quite expensive. Tandoori fish is the hot favourite dish available at Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Although every local joint serves this dish, we suggest you try it at the Lighthouse House Residency in Port Blair.
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This dish is basically cooked in an open tandoor by covering the fish with a different variety of spices. The exotic taste of cooked fish and the fine blend of spices offer the right sizzling flavour that one desires in a seafood delicacy. Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a paradise for seafood lovers and everywhere around the streets, you can discover a variety of different dining options serving excellent seafood dishes to soothe your taste buds.
Other Cuisines at the Islands
Well, if you are not a fan of seafood delicacies, you can also try Mainland Indian cuisine and Chinese cuisine. While the continental cuisine is available only at four or five-star hotels, you can always look for cheaper and local options to explore the authentic taste of Andaman and Nicobar culture.
Typical Indians can enjoy rice, roti, and naan complimented with a wide range of Indian curries at the local dhabas around the islands. To spice things up with some seafood, you can also try prawn curry or grilled lobsters.
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The locals are very fond of barbeque parties and grilling sessions during the winter season. If you are visiting the islands during that time of the season, then don’t forget to experience it. Fresh mackerel, sardines, crabs, and king prawns will be served at such parties.
Drinking at the Islands
The bars and pubs at the Andaman and Nicobar islands are popular watering holes and not recommended for tourists. They are quite creepy and poorly lit. Instead of the drinks served at these bars, you can opt for fresh coconuts as they are perfect to go with any seafood dish.
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You can also pick alcohol if required from the retail liquor outlets set up on most of the main islands. Remember that beer won’t be cold at all places and the nightlife in the islands is mostly restricted to the beaches.
Over to you!
If you are visiting Andaman and Nicobar Islands, remember that it is part of India. The culture is no different from India. Public display of affection is a big no-no at the islands. The wearing bikinis and sarongs are only restricted to the beaches. Try out the local diners or shacks to enjoy the authentic and rich taste of the islands. Remember to explore different seafood delicacies if you are a thorough seafood lover.
Uttpal K
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