A Food Lover's Guide to the Andaman Islands: What to Eat & Where (2026)

A trip to the Andaman Islands is a feast for the senses. While your eyes soak in the turquoise waters and lush landscapes, your taste buds are in for an incredible adventure of their own. The cuisine of the Andamans is a unique and delicious tapestry woven from South Indian, Bengali, and Burmese influences, with one star ingredient taking center stage: incredibly fresh seafood.

From rustic beach shacks serving the day's catch to trendy cafes with international menus, exploring the food scene is one of the best things you can do on the islands. But with so many options, where do you start?

This food lover's guide will take you on a culinary journey through the Andamans. We'll cover the must-try local dishes and point you to the best restaurants and cafes on each island, ensuring your trip is as delicious as it is beautiful.

1. The Flavors of the Islands: Must-Try Andaman Dishes

• Freshly Grilled Seafood: This is the number one, unmissable culinary experience. Whether it's red snapper, tiger prawns, squid, or even lobster, the seafood here is caught daily and is incredibly fresh. The most popular preparation is simply grilling it with garlic butter or light local spices.

• Fish Curry: A staple of the local diet, this is a light yet flavourful curry, often made with coconut milk and fresh, aromatic spices that perfectly complement the fish.

• Coconut Prawn Curry: A richer, creamier curry that is a true taste of the tropics. It’s a wonderfully comforting dish, best enjoyed with steamed rice.

• Amritsari Kulcha: Surprisingly, this North Indian dish is a local favourite and is done exceptionally well at certain eateries in Port Blair.

• Tandoori Delicacies: Many restaurants have tandoors and serve up delicious tandoori fish and chicken, marinated in local spices.

2. Where to Eat: A Culinary Tour by Island

Port Blair: A Mix of Local Eateries & Trendy Cafes

• New Lighthouse Restaurant: Famous for its open-air setting and stunning sea views, this is one of the best places in the city for fresh, delicious seafood.

• Annapurna Restaurant: A legendary and highly-rated pure-vegetarian restaurant, perfect for those looking for delicious and affordable South Indian thalis and dishes.

• Icy Spicy: A popular multi-cuisine restaurant that's great for families. It’s known for its Indian and Chinese dishes, as well as a fantastic sweet shop and ice cream parlour.

Havelock Island: The Foodie Hub of the Andamans

Havelock is where the Andaman food scene truly comes alive. It's home to a collection of legendary cafes with incredible food and a laid-back, bohemian vibe.

• Something Different: A beautiful beachside cafe with a diverse menu and a wonderful, relaxed ambiance. They are famous for their excellent service, often providing a free pick-up and drop-off service from nearby hotels.

• Full Moon Cafe: An iconic and must-visit spot near Beach No. 5. It has a charming, rustic feel and is known for its delicious continental and seafood dishes.

• Anju Coco Resto: Another traveler favourite, this restaurant has a huge menu with a focus on fresh seafood. Their grilled fish is legendary.

Neil Island: Rustic Charm and Beachside Bites

The dining scene on Neil Island is more about rustic, laid-back beach shacks and the in-house restaurants of the resorts.

• Tango Beach Resort Restaurant: Located right on the sands of Laxmanpur Beach, this is a fantastic spot to enjoy a simple, delicious meal while watching the sunset.

• Summer Sands Beach Resort: The in-house restaurant here is one of the more premium options on the island, offering a multi-cuisine menu in a comfortable setting.

3. Practical Tips for Foodies in the Andamans

• Drink Only Bottled Water: To avoid any stomach issues, strictly stick to sealed, bottled mineral water.

• Carry Cash: While larger restaurants and cafes in Havelock may accept cards, the vast majority of smaller, local eateries are cash-only.

• Be Adventurous, but Cautious: Don't be afraid to try local dhabas, but stick to places that look clean and are popular with other tourists or locals.

4. The Journey to the Best Food

The best culinary experiences in the Andamans, like the famous cafes of Havelock, are an island-hop away. To get there, you need a comfortable and reliable ferry. A smooth journey ensures you arrive with a good appetite, ready to explore the food scene.

Booking your travel on a premium ferry like Nautika via GoNautika is the first ingredient in your perfect foodie adventure. It connects you seamlessly and comfortably to the best flavors the islands have to offer.