Assam’s unique topography has earned it the title of ‘Land of Blue Hills And Red River’, making it a popular tourist spot in India. It is often seen as a part of the seven sisters, a cluster of seven states in the northeast; however, when you dive deeper into its heritage, you will be amazed by the cultures of the local tribal communities, intricate handloom craftsmanship, diverse flora and fauna, and vibrant culinary landscape.
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Much like other states in India, a journey through Assamese cuisine is not short of a wonder. From fish curries to rice-based preparations, there is no dearth of subjecting your taste buds to unique flavours. If you are planning a holiday, here is a list of famous dishes of Assam you should try out.
7 Famous Foods Of Assam
Masor Tenga: Tangy Fish Curry From Assam
All the seafood, especially fish, lovers must taste masor tenga whenever they visit Assam. The tangy curry is prepared with tomatoes, mustard oil, lemon juice, and a few other spices. Rohu fish (freshwater fish) is served with citric gravy, and it pairs well with rice or rice. A bite of this recipe, and you will be left licking your fingers.
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Poila Bhat
Poila bhat is a popular breakfast delicacy prepared with overnight fermented rice. It is usually consumed in summer as it helps to keep the body cool. Prepared with mustard oil, green chillies, and onion, this dish is often referred to as the ‘simple man’s food’. If you experience an upset stomach or acidity on your trip, this delight can help you experience relief.
Assam Laksa
Assam laksa was originally called asam laksa. Its roots can be traced back to the fishing communities in Malaysia. It is a soup recipe in which rice noodles and sour fish are cooked and topped with fresh herbs. Amplifying the flavour of this dish are vegetables like onion, cucumber, and lettuce. Its distinct tangy notes come from tamarind which makes it comforting to consume.
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Pani Hamuk: Favourite Dish Among Assamese
Pani hamuk is not just a dish but something that guarantees a one-of-a-kind experience for your taste buds. Prepared with snails that are collected from clean cascading rivers flowing across the state, this will surely leave your taste buds tantalised. Molluscs are usually cooked with pumpkin and potatoes, and the dish is served as a part of grand feasts across the state.
Eri Polu
Eri polu is a delicious dish prepared from silkworms. Yes, Assamese communities are among those who have unlocked the secrets of cooking insects and their nutritional benefits. This is a stir-fried dish to which local herbs and spices add a burst of flavour. Some recipes also include smoking pupa in bamboo shoots.
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Lai Xaakor Logot Kukurar Mankho: Assamese Chicken Delight
In Assamese mustard greens are called Lai xaak, and chicken is referred to as Kukurar mankho. Since chicken is prepared with mustard greens, the name of the dish is Lai Xaakor Logot Kukurar Mankho. Other ingredients in the dish include tomato, green chillies, turmeric powder, salt, onion, ginger, mustard oil, and garlic. It is often eaten with rice.
Assamese Pitha
In an interview with Slurrp, Celebrity Chef Atul Lahkar, owner of Heritage Khorikaa Restaurant and Vice President of the North East India Chef Association, shared that different kinds of pithas are made in Assam as a part of everyday meals and celebratory feasts. Teel pitha (made with sesame seeds), narikal pitha (made with coconut), and various other kinds are relished throughout the state and are among must-haves for foodies.
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