Indian business leaders were left questioning why Indian tourists pay such high prices for the island nation, despite having destinations like Lakshadweep and Andaman within their own country. This comes after a series of posts on X over the weekend, showcasing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Lakshadweep Islands and his endorsement of it as a tourist hotspot. It has sparked a heated exchange on social media between politicians from the Maldives, government officials, and users from India. Considering the growing popularity of Lakshadweep Islands among tourists, we have compiled a list of the best local food spots to enhance your trip and create lasting memories. Here are some recommendations.
The Arabian Sea is home to the 36-island group known as the Lakshadweep Islands, which lie close to Kerala's coast. Lakshadweep is a popular tourist destination that receives a large number of tourists all year round. The proximity of the islands to Kerala has a profound effect on the cuisine and culture of the islands. Coconut and seafood play a significant role in the cuisine of the Lakshadweep islands.
There is a heavy use of spices in island cuisine due to the wide range of plants and animals found there. Crab, prawns, lobsters, fish, and squid are just a few of the seafood varieties found on these islands.
Octopus Fry
Octopus Fry is a delicious way to experience the distinctive flavours of Lakshadweep. By incorporating green chilies, garlic, and salt, baby octopus is elevated to a delicious level of flavour. Making an excellent sauce with these herbs is the secret ingredient that improves the flavour of the fried octopus. On this fascinating food trip, you'll taste the vibrant flavours of local spices blended with the briny ocean.
Mus Kavaab
The highly prized dish known as Mus Kavaab is characterised by its tasty paste marinating boneless fish (mus). Coconut, turmeric, cardamoms, cloves, coriander, and chilli powder make up the paste. A tantalising balance of flavour and consistency is achieved by cooking the marinated fish chunks with a combination of tomatoes, onions, and curry leaves.
Fish Tikka
Fish Tikka in Lakshadweep is an absolute culinary delight, perfect for seafood lovers. The fish is painstakingly prepared by rinsing it and then marinating it in a spice mixture that includes salt, ginger, garlic, and chilli. Prepared carefully in a tandoor or griller, this dish is sure to tantalise the taste buds with its delicious explosion of flavours.
Fish Pakora
Eat some Fish Pakora and feel the local street food vibe. The spotlight is on boneless fish that has been seasoned with salt and fried until it is perfectly crispy. The amazing combination of gram flour, turmeric, and salt in the batter that envelops the fish forms a delectable snack that embodies the spirit of Lakshadweep's inventive cuisine.
Maasu Podichath
Sample the real Lakshadweep flavour with Maasu Podichath. Mahasu, a type of dried tuna, is chopped into little pieces and mixed with a mixture of shredded coconut, onion, garlic, chilli powder, turmeric powder, salt, and chilli powder in this meal. Enjoyed well with rice or roti, Maasu Podichath takes you on a culinary adventure that celebrates the island's diverse culture.
Apart from the street foods, locals on these islands really enjoy their rice. The people of Lakshadweep love rice as much as they love seafood and coconut. Here you may find seafood such as prawns, crabs, octopus, squid, and seaweed. Traditional methods of cooking, such as roasting and steaming, are used to prepare the food. The cuisines made here mostly incorporate Malabar spices. Like many other ingredients, coconut milk is an essential component of the local cuisine. The local breakfast staples, like as dosas and idlis, also feature rice paste.