A Flavor Explosion in Andaman
The moment I scooped up a spoonful of creamy prawn curry in Port Blair, I knew Andaman wasn’t just about beaches—it was a food paradise too. I’d spent the day snorkeling, my stomach rumbling, when a waiter at a seaside café grinned and said, “This is our island’s soul.” He was right—one bite, and I was hooked on Andaman’s flavors. From spicy seafood to tangy sweets, this place is a feast waiting to happen.
For your 2025 adventure, I’ve whipped up this Andaman Food Guide—a mix of top local dishes and the best restaurants to try them. Whether you’re a kid eyeing desserts or an adult craving a spicy kick, I’ve got stories, tips, and tastes to make your trip delicious. Want more island prep? Check out my Street Food in Andaman. Let’s dive into the foodie side of these 572 islands—your plate’s calling!
Why Andaman’s Food Scene is Special
Andaman sits in the Bay of Bengal, blending Indian, Burmese, and tribal vibes into every dish. Fresh fish hauled in at dawn, coconuts cracked open on the spot, and spices that wake up your senses—it’s a melting pot of yum. I once saw a fisherman hand a chef a lobster still wriggling—talk about fresh!
In 2025, with more travelers flocking here, the food game’s leveling up. From street stalls to fancy rooftops, Andaman’s got flavors for every wallet and palate. This guide’s your map to the best bites—local specialties and where to eat ‘em. Let’s get tasting!
Top Local Dishes You Can’t Miss in Andaman
These dishes are Andaman’s pride—rooted in the islands, bursting with flavor. I’ve tracked them down, tasted them all, and here’s the scoop.
1. Fish Curry – Spicy Sea Star
- What: Fresh fish (mackerel or tuna) in turmeric, chili, and coconut gravy.
- Taste: Spicy, tangy, with a creamy finish.
- Cost: ₹200-₹400
I tried this at a Havelock shack—hot rice, steamy curry, and a view of the sea. The fish melts, the spices dance—it’s Andaman’s signature.
2. Prawn Malai Curry – Coconut Comfort
- What: Prawns in coconut milk, mild spices, served with rice or roti.
- Taste: Rich, sweet, with a subtle kick.
- Cost: ₹300-₹500
A Port Blair waiter slid this my way—prawns so plump I forgot my manners! The coconut’s local, the prawns fresh—it’s a hug in a bowl.
3. Grilled Lobster – Island Luxury
- What: Lobster grilled with butter, garlic, and chili flakes.
- Taste: Smoky, sweet, downright decadent.
- Cost: ₹600-₹1000
I splurged on this at Radhanagar Beach—grilled right there, lime squeezed on top. It’s a treat you’ll dream about long after!
4. Bamboo Shoot Fry – Tribal Twist
- What: Bamboo shoots stir-fried with coconut and spices.
- Taste: Crunchy, nutty, mildly spicy.
- Cost: ₹100-₹200
A Diglipur vendor handed me this—didn’t expect to love it! It’s a tribal fave, veggie-friendly, and totally unique.
5. Coconut Ladoo – Sweet Island Kiss
- What: Coconut and jaggery balls, rolled in sugar.
- Taste: Sweet, chewy, with a tropical vibe.
- Cost: ₹50-₹100/pack
My nephew nabbed these in Aberdeen Bazaar—sticky fingers, big grin! It’s a kid’s dream and a light dessert for all.
Best Restaurants to Savor These Dishes
These spots nail the local flavors—my taste tests prove it! They’re different from my Port Blair Restaurants list—wider reach, fresh picks.
1. Sea Dragon – Havelock’s Seafood King
- Where: Havelock Island, Beach No. 5
- Must-Try: Fish Curry (₹350), Grilled Lobster (₹800)
- Vibe: Beachfront, rustic, breezy
I ate here post-snorkel—fish curry so spicy I guzzled water, lobster so good I forgave the bill! Waves crash, plates steam—perfect combo.
Tip: Ferry from Port Blair—90 mins, ₹1500.
2. Rony’s Restaurant – Port Blair Gem
- Where: Aberdeen Bazaar, Near Clock Tower
- Must-Try: Prawn Malai Curry (₹400), Bamboo Shoot Fry (₹150)
- Vibe: Cozy, local buzz, affordable
A local tipped me off—prawn curry here is creamy heaven, bamboo fry a crunchy surprise. It’s wallet-friendly and packed with flavor.
Tip: Walk from Cellular Jail—10 mins!
3. Barefoot at Havelock – Upscale Island Eats
- Where: Radhanagar Beach, Havelock
- Must-Try: Grilled Lobster (₹1000), Fish Curry (₹450)
- Vibe: Chic, open-air, sunset views
I treated myself here—lobster grilled to perfection, curry with a beach backdrop. It’s fancy but worth every bite.
Tip: Sunset slot—book ahead!
4. Annapurna Cafeteria – Veggie Haven
- Where: Aberdeen Bazaar, Port Blair
- Must-Try: Bamboo Shoot Fry (₹120), Coconut Ladoo (₹60)
- Vibe: Simple, green, pure veg
I popped in after a sweaty day—bamboo fry was a veggie win, ladoos a sweet finish. No seafood, all soul!
Tip: Lunch rush—beat it at 11 AM.
5. Dakshin – South Indian Soul
- Where: Junglighat, Port Blair
- Must-Try: Prawn Malai Curry (₹350), Fish Curry (₹300)
- Vibe: Bright, bustling, family-friendly
A waiter here dared me to finish the curry—spicy, creamy, gone! South Indian flair meets Andaman seafood—magic.
Tip: Try their dosa (₹100) too!
My Foodie Story: A Curry Catastrophe
On my first night in Havelock, I hit Sea Dragon, craving fish curry. It arrives—steaming, red, gorgeous. First spoonful? Spicy bliss. Second? My tongue’s on fire! I grab coconut water, the waiter chuckles, “Island heat!” I laugh too—sweaty, happy, and full. That’s Andaman food—wild, warm, unforgettable. Want more prep? See my Street Food in Andaman.
Where to Find These Dishes Beyond Restaurants
Not all the best bites are indoors—here’s the scoop:
- Street Stalls: Fish curry at Phoenix Bay (₹200), ladoos at Aberdeen (₹50).
- Markets: Bamboo shoots in Diglipur (₹100), prawns in Havelock (₹300).
- Beaches: Grilled lobster at Radhanagar—vendors roam!
Love streets? My Street Food Guide dives deeper.
Budgeting Your Andaman Food Trip
Here’s what I spent for two:
| Dish/Restaurant | Cost (₹) |
|---|---|
| Fish Curry (Sea Dragon) | 350 |
| Prawn Malai (Rony’s) | 400 |
| Grilled Lobster (Barefoot) | 1000 |
| Bamboo Fry (Annapurna) | 120 |
| Coconut Ladoo (Market) | 60 |
| Total (Mix) | 1930 |
Mix restaurants and streets—₹2000-₹4000 for a tasty week! More savings? Check my Taj Mahal Budget Tips.
Tips for a Tasty Andaman Food Journey
From my fork to yours:
- Ask Locals: “Best curry?”—they’ll point you right!
- Go Fresh: Morning catches = best flavors—hit stalls early.
- Mix It Up: Street one day, restaurant the next—variety rules.
- Spice Check: “Less chili?”—save your tongue!
- Carry Cash: ₹1000 in small notes—cards lag here.
Love water with your meal? See my Andaman Water Safety Tips.
FAQ: Your Andaman Food Questions Answered
Top local dish?
Fish curry—spicy island soul!
Best seafood restaurant?
Sea Dragon—fresh and fiery!
Veggie options?
Bamboo shoot fry at Annapurna—yum!
Kid-friendly food?
Coconut ladoo—sweet and simple!
How much to budget?
₹2000-₹4000/week—eat like a king!
Feast in Andaman in 2025!
Andaman’s food is a love letter to the sea—fish curry that bites back, prawns that melt, and sweets that hug you. From Sea Dragon’s grills to Rony’s bowls, this 2025 guide has your flavor fix. My curry meltdown turned into a foodie crush—yours is next! Craving more? Explore my Andaman Quiz or Local Tips. Pack your appetite, hit the islands, and taste the magic!
What’s your first dish? Tell me in the comments—I’m drooling already!
References:
- Indian Ministry of Tourism – Official insights on Andaman cuisine.
- Andaman Tourism – Local food and dining highlights.
- Tripadvisor India – Traveler reviews on Andaman eats.