Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Guwāhāti, India
1. Kwai Tea (Khwai Cha)
A traditional Assamese beverage made from tender bamboo shoots and green tea leaves, served chilled. It's a refreshing break from the heat of Guwāhāti.
- Authentic Experience: Savor the original Assamese taste, different from other tea varieties.
- Cooling Effect: Enjoy a drink that helps to combat the heat in Guwāhāti.
- Unique Ingredients: Experience the flavor of tender bamboo shoots blended with green tea leaves.
2. Laksa Khow
A spicy rice noodle soup originating from the Bodo community, featuring a rich coconut milk broth and various ingredients such as fish, vegetables, and tofu. Try it at Zupas, Guwāhāti.
- Cultural Immersion: Taste a dish that reflects the rich Bodo culture.
- Spicy Delight: Enjoy a flavorful, spicy soup to warm your palate.
- Unique Regional Dish: Experience a dish that is not commonly found elsewhere in India.
3. Tenga (Tomato and Mustard Leaves Curry)
A tangy, sour curry made from tomatoes, mustard leaves, and a variety of spices. It pairs perfectly with rice or roti.
- Tangy Twist: Enjoy the unique tangy flavor of this Assamese curry.
- Comfort Food: Savor a dish that is both comforting and appetizing.
- Vegan-Friendly: A delicious, vegan-friendly option for travelers who prefer plant-based meals.
4. Pitha (Rice Cakes)
Traditional Assamese sweets made from rice flour and filled with jaggery or coconut. They are usually steamed and have a soft, spongy texture.
- Sweet Delight: Indulge in the sweet, traditional taste of these rice cakes.
- Holiday Specialty: Experience a dish that is traditionally prepared during Assamese festivals.
- Soft and Spongy Texture: Enjoy the unique, soft, and spongy texture of these rice cakes.
5. Alu Pitika (Mashed Potatoes)
A side dish made from mashed potatoes flavored with garlic, green chilies, and other Assamese spices. It is typically served with fish or meat.
- Spicy Side: Add some heat to your meal with this spicy potato side dish.
- Complementary Dish: Enjoy the perfect complement to fish or meat dishes.
- Unique Spice Blend: Taste the Assamese twist on a classic dish with their unique spice blend.
6. Jol Pan (Rice Porridge)
A light, comforting rice porridge that is a popular breakfast item in Guwāhāti. It can be served with various ingredients such as vegetables or fish.
- Comfort Food: Start your day with a light, comforting bowl of rice porridge.
- Versatile Ingredients: Enjoy jol pan with a variety of ingredients to suit your preference.
- Traditional Breakfast Option: Experience a traditional Assamese breakfast dish.
7. Khaar (Assamese Lentil Soup)
A hearty lentil soup made with various vegetables and spices. It is a staple dish in Assamese cuisine.
- Warming Soup: Enjoy a comforting, warming bowl of lentil soup.
- Staple Dish: Experience a traditional Assamese dish that is a staple in many households.
- Vegan-Friendly: A delicious, vegan-friendly option for travelers who prefer plant-based meals.
8. Chira Bhaat (Flattened Rice with Vegetables)
A dish made from flattened rice cooked with a variety of vegetables and spices. It is a popular breakfast option in Guwāhāti.
- Light Breakfast: Start your day with a light, flavorful bowl of flattened rice.
- Versatile Ingredients: Enjoy chira bhaat with various vegetables and spices to suit your preference.
- Traditional Breakfast Option: Experience a traditional Assamese breakfast dish.
9. Chicken Khaar (Assamese Chicken Soup)
A flavorful chicken soup made with various spices and vegetables. It is a popular dish in Assamese cuisine.
- Warming Soup: Enjoy a comforting, warming bowl of chicken soup.
- Staple Dish: Experience a traditional Assamese dish that is a staple in many households.
- Meat Option: For meat lovers, this chicken soup is a must-try.
10. Masor Tenga (Fish Curry with Mustard Leaves)
A tangy fish curry made from mustard leaves, tomatoes, and various spices. It is a popular dish in Assamese cuisine.
- Tangy Twist: Enjoy the unique tangy flavor of this fish curry.
- Seafood Option: For seafood lovers, this fish curry is a must-try.
- Unique Ingredients: Experience the flavor of mustard leaves combined with fish and spices.
11. Maasor Manxho (Fish in Mustard Sauce)
A dish made from fish cooked in a thick, tangy mustard sauce. It is a popular dish in Assamese cuisine.
- Tangy Twist: Enjoy the unique tangy flavor of this fish dish.
- Seafood Option: For seafood lovers, this fish dish is a must-try.
- Unique Ingredients: Experience the flavor of mustard sauce combined with fish.
12. Kwai Jol (Bamboo Shoot Curry)
A curry made from tender bamboo shoots cooked in a spicy coconut milk sauce. It is a popular dish in Assamese cuisine.
- Spicy Twist: Enjoy the unique, spicy flavor of this bamboo shoot curry.
- Unique Ingredients: Experience the flavor of tender bamboo shoots combined with coconut milk and spices.
- Vegetarian Option: For vegetarians, this dish offers a hearty, meatless meal option.
13. Ahaar (Assamese Thali)
A traditional Assamese platter featuring various dishes such as rice, lentils, vegetables, fish or meat, and sweets. It offers a comprehensive taste of Assamese cuisine.
- Cultural Experience: Immerse yourself in the culture through this traditional Assamese meal.
- Comprehensive Taste: Savor a variety of flavors and dishes from Assamese cuisine.
- Authentic Tasting Experience: Experience the authentic taste of Assamese cuisine through this traditional thali.
14. Lai Xaak (Bamboo Shoot Salad)
A refreshing salad made from tender bamboo shoots, herbs, and a tangy dressing. It is a popular dish in Assamese cuisine.
- Refreshing Twist: Enjoy a light, refreshing bamboo shoot salad.
- Unique Ingredients: Experience the flavor of tender bamboo shoots combined with herbs and tangy dressing.
- Vegetarian Option: For vegetarians, this dish offers a refreshing, meatless meal option.
15. Khar (Assamese Fish Pickle)
A tangy pickle made from fish, chilies, and various spices. It is a popular condiment in Assamese cuisine.
- Tangy Twist: Enjoy the unique tangy flavor of this fish pickle.
- Versatile Condiment: Use this pickle as a condiment to enhance various dishes.
- Seafood Option: For seafood lovers, this fish pickle is a must-try.