Dadra and Nagar Haveli Cuisine – An Exquisite Affair with Tribal Food Culture

Dadra and Nagar Haveli Cuisine

Known for its scenic beauty, Dadra and Nagar Haveli is a Union Territory of India located between Gujarat and Maharashtra. Dadra and Nagar Haveli has become a great tourist attraction for its historical ruins, extravagant tribal culture, and of course, the food. Besides its exquisite landscape, the place is also widely famous for its exotic cuisine. For its fine blend of great attractions both in terms of food and local places, this union territory of India is undoubtedly a dream destination for tourists.

The Food Culture of Dadra and Nagar Haveli

The exotic food served throughout Dadra and Nagar Haveli is highly influenced by the Gujarati cuisine. Besides the Gujarat influenced foods, you can also savor yourself with local tribal cuisine as well. The local food is mainly prepared using pulses and locally available vegetables such as wild mushrooms and bamboo shoots. These local tribal foods are served along with jowar roti, raagi, or rice.

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Dishes like sweet dal, kadhi, and of course lentils are also favorable part of tribal cuisine in Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The locals of Dadra and Nagar Haveli are also fond of chutney or sweet pickle prepared from the leaves of raw mangoes, Karanda berries, Ajoola leaves, and other fragrant herbs. Besides being nutritious, these simple but unique dishes are also delicious and persuade you often to ask for more.

Gujarat Influenced Vegetarian Cuisine

Well, Gujarat is one of the neighboring states and the locals in Dadra and Nagar Haveli are highly influenced by the cooking styles of the Gujaratis. One of the most popular festive dishes in Gujarat called Undhiyu is sort of a popular winter dish in this region, widely known as Ubadiyu. It is cooked with a fine blend of mix vegetables, beans, yams, and herbs.

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To resemble the rich culture and attain the traditional flavor, the locals prefer cooking over wood fires using earthen pots. A complete meal in Dadra and Nagar Haveli is incomplete without a glass of chaas (buttermilk) with a pinch of turmeric.

Freshwater Fishes Are A Thing Here!

Well, Dadra and Nagar Haveli is not only known for its vegetarian treat but also quite popular when it comes to seafood preparations. However, these seafood preparations are generally made from fishes such as rohu, mrigal, and katla caught from freshwater bodies.

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These fishes are normally caught from the rivers flowing through the region. So, if you have a taste for seafood delicacies, these scrumptious dishes can offer an ultimate experience like never before. To preserve the taste and the juiciness of the dish, these preparations are instantly served after it’s cooked.

Crab Hunting Adventure

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Besides the fish, the region is also famous for its sweet meat of crabs. There’s an age old tradition followed by the locals to hunt the wild crustaceans at night under the light of makeshift wooden torches. These crabs are then used to cook exciting delicacies. The crab dishes perfectly highlight the tribal nature and the rustic culture of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. These dishes are often complimented with thelocally brewed liquor called Tami.

Over to you!

Well, if you are bold enough to explore the nature of tribal cuisines, then Dadra and Nagar Haveli is the best place to start in India. The place is full of different attractions and their exotic cuisine is just one of them. Enjoy the culinary wonders of Dadra and Nagar when you bring your family for an overnight stay at this beautiful destination.