The food in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands combines coastal Indian flavors, tribal cooking, and lots of seafood. With its beautiful beaches and rich marine life, it’s a heaven for seafood lovers. Thanks to its island geography, fresh fish, prawns, crabs, and lobsters play a starring role in local meals.
Rice and coconut are everyday staples, often paired with spicy curries, grilled seafood, or tangy chutneys made from raw mango and tamarind. With a diverse range of dishes—from South Indian dosas to North Indian curries—this tropical destination has something for every palate.
If you’re planning a trip to Andaman and Nicobar and want personal suggestions on what to try (and what to skip), this guide is for you. And to drink, nothing beats fresh tender coconut water or local fruit juices.
Craving island flavor? Let’s dive into Andaman’s most delicious bites!
1. Seafood Platter
If you’re a seafood lover, visiting Andaman can be a wholesome treat for your tastebuds. There’s no doubt that seafood is at the top when it comes to the most famous foods of the islands. A platter of grilled fish, prawns, lobster, and squids—marinated in authentic spices and cooked over charcoal or firewood—offers a rich, smoky flavor that’s hard to resist.
These are often served with tangy chutneys, garlic butter, and rice, making them perfect for both lunch and dinner.
You can enjoy this delicious island delicacy at Full Moon Café, Anju Coco Resto, and Red Snapper.
2. Fish Curry
The creamy and tangy fish curry in Andaman is a must-try for every seafood lover. It’s made using the fresh catch of the day, cooked slowly in rich coconut milk, and mixed with locally loved spices.
What makes it special is how different it tastes from the Bengali or South Indian versions. The flavors are milder and creamier, and have a unique island-style kick.
You can try this dish at many local restaurants and food corners. Combine it with hot steamed rice—it’s comforting, filling, and full of flavor. For the best experience, try it at New Light House Restaurant, Welcome Restaurant, or Blue Planet Café—each known for their authentic take on this Andaman specialty.
3. Lobster Thermidor
Seafood in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is known for its unbeatable freshness, and Lobster Thermidor is a perfect example. This dish gives a local twist to the famous French classic.
Fresh lobster is filled with creamy cheese, garlic butter spiked with chilli, and a mix of island spices. It’s then baked until it’s golden, bubbly, and full of rich flavor.
The result is a dish that feels both fancy and comforting—perfect for anyone who enjoys bold, buttery seafood. You can try this delicious treat at Fortune Resort Bay Island, Something Different – A Beachside Café, and SeaShell Resort Restaurant, where it’s served with just the right Andaman touch.
4. Andaman Mud Crab
Are you a spicy food lover? Then you definitely shouldn’t miss trying Andaman Mud Crab during your visit. This coastal delicacy brings bold Indian flavours to life. Prepared with black pepper, red chilli, and roasted coconut paste, the dish strikes the perfect balance between heat and richness—making it flavourful without being too overpowering.
Much like a classic crab masala, this Andaman-style version stands out for its slow-cooked tenderness and deep, satisfying taste. Its unique island twist makes it a must-try for anyone who enjoys Indian-style seafood.
You can savour the best version of this dish at The Sinclair’s Bayview and Fat Martin Café—both known for serving it fresh, spicy, and full of flavor.
5. Coconut Prawn Curry
Coconut prawn curry holds a special place in Andaman’s coastal cuisine. It is a rich, flavor-packed dish loved by both locals and tourists. Succulent prawns are cooked in a creamy base of fresh coconut milk, with a touch of green chili that adds just the right amount of heat. The result is a mildly spiced, aromatic curry that’s both rich and refreshing.
What makes this dish truly enjoyable is how the sweet taste of coconut blends perfectly with the soft, juicy prawns. It creates a smooth and creamy coastal-style curry. You can enjoy it best with Kerala-style appam, plain steamed rice, or soft Kal dosa (a spongy, pancake-like dish).
For the best experience, try it at Annapurna Restaurant, known for exclusively serving prawn curry. You can also enjoy this dish with a side of live music at Bonova Café and Anju Coco Resto.
6. Tandoori Fish
Tandoori Fish is a staple food in Andaman that is known for its bold flavors and smoky finish. The locals prepare the dish by marinating the fresh fish for hours in a mix of curd, red chili paste, ginger-garlic, and lemon juice. The marination process creates a unique flavor and taste.
Then they cook the fish in a traditional clay oven (tandoor), which gives it a crisp, slightly charred outer layer while keeping the inside juicy and tender. The dish is popular at local restaurants here and an everyday homemade favorite among locals. For the best experience, you can try it at The Tandoor Restaurant or Golden Spoon.
7. Barbecued Squids
Barbecued Squids are a true reflection of coastal island flavors in Andaman. Grilled over an open flame, the squid is brushed with butter, spiced just right, and finished with a dash of lemon for that perfect tangy and smoky bite.
This dish is often enjoyed as a light appetizer, especially when paired with cocktails or chilled beer by the beach. In many seaside cafés, barbecued squid is popular among travelers looking to try something adventurous yet simple. This delicious delicacy is found at Squid Restaurant, Corbyn’s Delight, and Island Vinnie’s Tropical Beach Bar.
8. Banana Leaf Thali
Your love for South Indian food might spike if you try the famous Banana Leaf Thali in the Andaman Islands. The thali is a classic South Indian meal, where various dishes are beautifully served on a fresh banana leaf. The thali usually includes steamed rice, sambar, rasam, vegetable curries, pickles, papadam, a sweet dish, and a banana. For those who prefer non-veg, you’ll also find versions with chicken or mutton gravy and crispy chicken 65 on the side.
Your love for South Indian food might spike after trying this wholesome, flavor-packed meal. Some of the best spots to enjoy it in Andaman are Annapurna Café, Kattabomman Hotel, and Amaya Lounge Bar.
9. Machor Jhol
Machor Jhol is one comforting dish that brings Bengal to the beaches of Andaman. Made with fresh reef or mackerel fish, soft island-grown potatoes, and a mildly spiced tomato-based gravy, it is a warm, hearty favourite among both locals and Bengali travellers.
The fish is lightly fried before being added to the gravy, giving it an extra flavor layer that blends perfectly with the stew. If you try it with plain steamed rice and a side of onions, it’s the kind of meal that feels like home—even when you’re far away.
If you’re looking to enjoy this traditional Bengali delicacy during your Andaman trip, try it at Annapurna Restaurant or Welcome Restaurant or while exploring the food options on Neil Island.
10. Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken Tikka Masala is one of the most loved North Indian dishes, and it has found its own fan base in the Andaman Islands. This dish features juicy tandoori chicken pieces soaked in a creamy coconut-tomato gravy, blending rich island flavors with traditional Indian spices.
The dish is prepared by marinating the chicken in a mix of hung curd, lemon juice, tandoori masala, and ground spices. This adds more flavor, making the meat tender, smoky, and packed with taste. Pair it with butter naan, tandoori roti, or jeera rice for a comforting lunch or dinner. If you want to try the best version of this crowd-pleaser, visit The Tandoor Restaurant or Bonova Café in Havelock Island. These spots are known for serving this dish with a delicious island-style twist.
11. Grilled Snapper
How can a seafood lover miss out on Grilled Snapper? It’s one of the most popular seafood dishes in Andaman, known for its light yet deeply satisfying flavors.
The snapper is locally caught and comes in both white and red varieties. It’s marinated with lemon, red salt, white pepper, and herbs like oregano and thyme, then gently grilled over charcoal to bring out its natural taste. The dish is typically served with grilled vegetables and a fresh salad.
For extra flavor, pair it with mango salsa, butter garlic sauce, or creamy mashed potatoes. For the most authentic taste, I highly recommend trying it at Full Moon Café or Bonova Café—they serve it fresh, perfectly cooked, and packed with island charm.
12. Chilli Curry
A traditional dish of Andaman, Chilli Curry is a savory favorite for everyone—from locals to tourists alike. Made with local dried red chilies, black pepper, garlic, and tamarind, it offers a rich blend of spices.
Pair this dish with hot steamed rice or appam to enjoy a fulfilling meal. It is one of the island’s iconic dishes—if you love spicy food, then you should definitely try it.
It can be made either vegan or with seafood, depending on your preference. Full Moon Café and Golden Spoon serve the best Chilli Curry in Andaman.
13. Tropical Fruits and Salads
You’ll find tropical fruits and fresh salads easily available at local food stalls near almost every beach entrance in the Andaman Islands. These fruit plates typically include seasonal picks like star fruit, papaya, pineapple, banana, watermelon, and oranges—all freshly sliced. They are often served with a salt or chili powder sprinkle for extra flavor.
Many stalls also offer simple tropical fruit salads tossed with lime juice, mint, and a hint of local spices. These salads cost around ₹100 per plate.
These healthy, hydrating vegetarian food options are a great way to stay cool and refreshed in the island heat.
14. Amritsari Kulcha
Amritsari Kulcha is a well-loved North Indian dish that has found a special place in the street food scene of the Andaman Islands. This stuffed flatbread is crispy on the outside and filled with a flavourful mix of mashed potatoes, onions, and peas.
Brushed with lavish amounts of butter and usually served hot with hot and spicy chole (chickpea curry), it’s a hearty and satisfying meal. I like to serve it with a side of masala curd and onion salad to add freshness. Its taste and price make Amritsari Kulcha a favorite brunch option for both locals and tourists.
15. Kacchi Biryani
Kacchi Biryani, though a traditional dish from Hyderabad, has made its way to the Andaman Islands and earned a loyal following. This fragrant rice dish is made by layering basmati rice with marinated chicken or mutton and slow-cooking it with island herbs and spices. all I know is the whole, making it uniquely add this rich, aromatic flavor.
Each bite offers the perfect blend of soft meat and spiced rice, making it a popular choice for lunch or dinner. Its slow-cooked preparation and depth of flavor make it a go-to for biryani lovers visiting the islands.