15 Assamese Traditional Dishes that every Indian should try
Assamese traditional dishes are the essence of the northeastern state of Assam in India. It is a combination of flavors from the region’s various ethnic communities, including the Ahom, Mishing, Bodo, Karbi, and others. The cuisine is known for its simplicity and use of locally available ingredients such as rice, fish, meat, and vegetables, as well as the abundant use of herbs and spices.
Assamese cuisine is divided into two categories: Brahmaputra Valley cuisine and Barak Valley cuisine. The Brahmaputra Valley cuisine is mainly non-vegetarian, while the Barak Valley cuisine is mainly vegetarian.
Assamese food tradition has a long and rich history, dating back to ancient times. The Ahom Kingdom, which ruled Assam from the 13th to the 19th century, had a significant impact on the region’s cuisine. The Ahoms were known for their love of food and were responsible for introducing many dishes that are still popular today, including Khar, a dish made with dried banana skins, and Duck Curry, made with smoked duck meat.
Over the years, traditional food of Assam has also been influenced by neighboring states and countries, such as Bengal, Bhutan, and Tibet. The use of mustard oil and panch phoron, a blend of five spices, is a common feature of Assamese cuisine and is believed to have been influenced by Bengali cuisine.
The traditional food of Assam constitutes primarily of rice, which is often served with dal (lentil soup) and a variety of vegetable and meat dishes. Fish, especially freshwater fish, is a popular ingredient in Assamese cuisine, and is prepared in a variety of ways, including in curries and stews. Pork and chicken are also commonly consumed meats in the region. Assamese cuisine is known for its use of herbs and spices, including ginger, garlic, turmeric, coriander, cumin, and fenugreek, among others.
In recent years, the traditional food of Assam has gained recognition both in India and abroad, with chefs and food enthusiasts rediscovering and promoting the rich and diverse flavors of the region.
So, without further ado, here is a list of 15 traditional food of Assam which must be tried by anyone who has had the opportunity to visit this wonderful state.
Aloo Pitika – Aloo Pitika is a popular dish in Assam made with mashed potatoes, onions, chillies, mustard oil, and salt. It is a simple and easy-to-make dish that is typically served as a side dish with fish or meat. The potatoes are boiled and mashed with chopped onions, chillies, and salt. Mustard oil is then added to the mixture, giving it a distinct and pungent flavor. Aloo Pitika is often enjoyed as comfort food by the people of Assam.
Khar – Khar is a traditional Assamese dish made with raw papaya, soda, and mustard oil. It is a sour and spicy dish that is typically served with rice. Raw papaya is boiled and then mixed with a solution of water and soda, which gives it a unique flavor. Mustard oil is then added to the mixture, along with salt and red chilli powder. Khar is a favorite among the people of Assam and is often prepared during festivals and special occasions.
Masor Tenga – Masor Tenga is a sour fish curry made with tomato, elephant apple, and a blend of spices. It is a popular dish in Assam and is usually served with rice. The fish is marinated with a blend of spices before being cooked with tomatoes and elephant apple, which gives the dish its sour flavor. Masor Tenga is often enjoyed during festivals and celebrations in Assam.
Duck Curry – Duck Curry is a hearty and flavorful curry made with tender duck meat, tomatoes, onions, and a blend of spices. It is a popular dish in Assam and is typically served with rice. The duck is marinated with a blend of spices before being cooked with tomatoes and onions, giving the dish its rich and flavorful taste. Duck Curry is often enjoyed during special occasions and festivals in Assam.
Pitha – Pitha is a traditional Assamese dessert made with rice flour, jaggery, and coconut. It is usually steamed and can be sweet or savory. The dough is made with rice flour and water, which is then filled with a mixture of jaggery and coconut. Pitha is often enjoyed during festivals and special occasions in Assam
Baingan Bhaja – Baingan Bhaja is a simple and delicious dish made with fried eggplant slices. It is typically served as a side dish with rice and dal. The eggplant is sliced and fried in mustard oil, giving it a crispy texture and a unique flavor. Baingan Bhaja is a popular dish among the people of Assam and is often prepared at home.
Xaak aru Bhaji – Xaak aru Bhaji is a simple but delicious dish made with leafy greens and mustard oil. It is typically served as a side dish with rice and dal. The leafy greens are chopped and cooked with mustard oil, garlic, and green chillies, giving the dish a unique flavor. Xaak aru Bhaji is a popular dish among the people of Assam and is often prepared at home.
Koldil Chicken – Koldil Chicken is a dish made with chicken and banana flower. It is a popular dish in Assam and is typically served with rice. The banana flower is chopped and cooked with chicken, onions, and a blend of spices, giving the dish a unique flavor. Koldil Chicken is often enjoyed during festivals and celebrations in Assam
Paro Manxho – Paro Manxho is a traditional dish from Assam that is known for its unique taste and texture. The dish is typically made with pigeon meat, which is marinated in a blend of spices and then cooked until it is tender and juicy. The spices used in the marinade give the meat a distinctive flavor, while the slow cooking process helps to bring out its natural sweetness.
Poita Bhat – Poita Bhat is a dish made with leftover rice that is soaked overnight in water and then eaten the next day. It is typically served with mustard oil, onions, chillies, and salt. Poita Bhat is a popular breakfast dish in Assam and is often enjoyed with tea.
Kukura Bhaji – Kukura Bhaji is a dish made with chicken and various vegetables, including onions, potatoes, and green chillies. It is a spicy and flavorful dish that is typically served with rice. The chicken and vegetables are cooked with a blend of spices, giving the dish its unique taste. Kukura Bhaji is a popular dish during festivals and special occasions in Assam.
.
Ou Tenga Maas – Ou Tenga Maas is a sour fish curry made with elephant apple, tomatoes, onions, and a blend of spices. It is a popular dish in Assam and is typically served with rice. The fish is marinated with a blend of spices before being cooked with elephant apple, giving the dish its sour flavor. Ou Tenga Maas is often enjoyed during festivals and celebrations in Assam
.
Payas – Payas is a traditional Assamese dessert made with rice, milk, jaggery, and cardamom. It is a sweet and creamy dish that is typically served during festivals and special occasions. The rice is cooked in milk and jaggery until it thickens, giving it a creamy texture. Cardamom is then added to the dish, giving it a distinct and aromatic flavor.
Poora Haah – Poora Haah is a dish made with smoked duck meat, onions, tomatoes, and a blend of spices. It is a popular dish in Assam and is typically served with rice. The smoked duck meat is cooked with onions and tomatoes, giving the dish its rich and smoky flavor. Poora Haah is often enjoyed during festivals and special occasions in Assam.
Til Pitha – Til Pitha is a traditional Assamese dessert made with sesame seeds, jaggery, and rice flour. It is typically served during festivals and special occasions. The sesame seeds are roasted and mixed with jaggery and rice flour, which is then shaped into small cakes and fried. Til Pitha is a sweet and nutty dish that is often enjoyed with tea or coffee.
These are just some of the traditional dishes of Assam that are loved by the people of the region. Each dish has its own unique flavors and ingredients, making Assamese cuisine a truly diverse and delicious experience.
For more Assamese recipes, you could check our page 21 Traditional Assamese Dishes to make 2023 Bihu more Flavourful
