Assam, a northeastern state in India, is known for its lush green tea gardens, mighty Brahmaputra River, and vibrant culture. But Assam is also home to a delicious and diverse cuisine that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
If you want to eat like a local in Assam, here are a few tips:
- Try the regional thali. A thali is a traditional Indian meal that consists of a variety of small dishes served on a large metal platter. In Assam, thalis are typically made up of rice, dal, vegetables, and a meat or fish curry. Some of the most popular thalis in Assam include the Assamese Thali, the Ahom Thali, and the Karbi Thali.
- Don’t be afraid of the spices. Assamese cuisine is known for its bold flavors and use of spices. Some of the most common spices used in Assamese cooking include turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder. If you’re not used to spicy food, you can ask your server to make your dish less spicy.
- Try the local specialties. Assam has a number of unique dishes that are worth trying. Some of the most popular Assamese dishes include:
- Masor Tenga: A fish curry made with tomatoes, tamarind, and spices.
- Aloo Pitika: A mashed potato dish with onions, tomatoes, and spices.
- Panch Phoron Dal: A lentil dish made with five spices: fenugreek seeds, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, nigella seeds, and black peppercorns.
- Khar: A fermented bamboo shoot dish.
- Pukhlein: A fermented rice pancake dish.
- Eat with your right hand. In Assam, it is customary to eat with your right hand. The left hand is considered unclean and is not used for eating.
- Don’t leave food on your plate. It is considered rude to leave food on your plate in Assam. If you can’t finish everything, it’s okay to ask for a doggy bag.
- Be respectful of the dining customs. When dining with locals in Assam, it is important to be respectful of their customs and traditions. Here are a few tips:
- Wait to be seated. It is customary to wait for the host to seat you at the table.
- Don’t start eating until everyone has been served.
- Don’t talk with your mouth full.
- If you need to get up from the table, ask for permission from the host.
Here are a few additional tips for eating like a local in Assam:
- Visit a dhaba. Dhabas are roadside eateries that are popular with locals. They serve a variety of Indian dishes, including many Assamese specialties.
- Try the street food. Assam is home to a number of delicious street foods, such as momos (dumplings), jalebi (a sweet fried dough), and pani puri (a savory snack made with puffed hollow wheat crisps filled with a mixture of mashed potato, tamarind chutney, and chili water).
- Eat at a home-cooked meal. If you have the opportunity, try to eat a home-cooked meal with a local family. This is the best way to experience authentic Assamese cuisine.
Bonus tip:
If you’re looking for a truly unique dining experience, try eating at a traditional Assamese feast called a Bihu feast. Bihu feasts are typically held during the Bihu festival, which is celebrated three times a year in Assam. Bihu feasts feature a variety of Assamese dishes, including many rare and seasonal dishes.
So, there you have it! These are a few tips on how to eat like a local in Assam. With its bold flavors and diverse dishes, Assamese cuisine is sure to tantalize your taste buds. So next time you’re in Assam, be sure to try some of the local dishes and experience the unique culinary culture of this beautiful state.
Myma… Ghar jaisa nahi, Ghar ka khana!
