6 Authentic Traditional Local Cuisine/Food of Assam

Local Authentic Food of Assam: Assam is one of the states of North-east and the way of living, the food habits, their culture varies from the other states of India. The food of Assam is quite different, unique, and subtle to taste. Now, if you are one of them who loves to explore various dishes and local cuisines then you must visit Assam and try their amazing and delicious traditional cuisine that will definitely satisfy your taste buds. The unique speciality of the dishes is that they take pleasure in having mostly roasted and steamed food. Rice is the staple food of this state and you'll get numerous varieties of rice starting from Joha, Saul bora, japonica, basmati, etc. Mustard oil is used in almost every dish which is found in abundance in the state. Bamboo shoots, jackfruits, bananas, olives, etc are generally used. They mostly prefer non-spicy food but with a lot of other rich spices like cumin, coriander, mustard, ginger, garlic, fenugreek, panch foran, cardamom, and a few more ingredients. Bamboo shoots are mostly used to roast chicken, mutton and also used to prepare rice. Assam's silkworm dish is the most well-known and the forte of this state; it is a must-have dish if you're visiting here. They also prepare various amazing sweet dishes and desserts on special occasions one of which is various kinds of pithas, goor ka kheer (Goor payas), Coconut pithas (Narikol pitha), Coconut laddoos (Narikol laru) and many more.

The traditional cuisine of Assam is quite distinct, satisfying, and delicious that you'll never forget its taste. Now, let's have a look at some mouth-savouring traditional local cuisine of Assam that you must have at least once in your lifetime.

Assam's Traditional Cuisine: 

1. Khaar:

It is considered as the primary food item that is compulsorily available in the large traditional Assamese thali. The dish is non-vegetarian which is a meat delicacy; prepared from the khaar itself which is the primary ingredient mixed with raw papaya, taro, and pulses. Then all the above items are filtered with dried banana leaves for adding a kind of distinct flavour into it. This specific dish can be eaten with rice and generally included in the lunch menu.

2. Masor Tenga:

This dish is also non-vegetation and is perfect to have during summers. The term 'Tenga' means sour and the reason for the sourness is because tomatoes, dried mangosteen, lemon, raw mango, and elephant-apple are added into it. The dish isn't that spiced but fenugreek, 5 mixed spices (panch phoran), and mustard seeds are added to add some flavour. It has a subtle sense of taste, sour fish curry which is best to have during lunch or dinner. It also helps in enhancing digestion.

3. Aloo Pitika:

This item is quite simple and kind of mashed boiled potato with a touch of Assamese style. It is a simple and subtle side dish prepared by mashing boiled potatoes and cooked in mustard oil with added slices of onions, salt, coriander and is comfort food and quite easy to prepare.

4. Ouu tenga: 

This is a chutney that tastes sweet and sour and is made with boiled mashed elephant apple (Ouu) added with Jaggery.

5. Silkworm:

As already mentioned, Assam is known for silkworm. It is quite delicious and crunchy. The larvae are fired with added spices that make it crispier. Mostly tribal people have this and one must have it.

6. Duck meat curry:

This is another beauty that can blow your mind with just one bite. It is especially eaten on special occasions. Generally, Ash grounds are used to cook it but sesame, lentil, and pumpkins are also used.

Also read: Bhogali Bihu is Being Celebrated all over Assam

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