Port Blair isn’t just the gateway to the Andaman Islands—it’s also a treasure trove of flavors, cultures, and street-side culinary adventures. Whether you're a food enthusiast looking to try something new or a traveler chasing local tastes, the street food in Port Blair offers an irresistible experience. From freshly caught seafood to spicy chaats with a coastal twist, the island's food scene is as diverse as its marine life.

Let’s take a flavorful stroll through the lanes of Port Blair and discover the top street foods you absolutely must try when visiting this island paradise.

Aberdeen Bazaar: The Heartbeat of Street Food in Port Blair

Aberdeen Bazaar isn’t just a bustling shopping hub—it's ground zero for mouth-watering street food. The aroma of sizzling snacks and the sound of vendors calling out to passersby create a sensory explosion that foodies dream of.

Top Picks to Try:

·        Chilli Crab
Cooked in local spices with a fiery Andaman-style masala, chilli crab is a delicacy that seafood lovers swear by. Best eaten fresh, with your hands.

·        Tandoori Fish
Marinated with local spices and grilled to perfection over a charcoal flame. Often served with mint chutney and a lemon wedge.

·        Andaman Fish Fry
A no-frills classic. Local catch like red snapper or reef cod, shallow-fried with turmeric, chilli, and salt. Crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside.

·        Prawns Pakoras
Perfect evening snack. Deep-fried golden nuggets of prawns coated in seasoned chickpea flour batter.

·        Egg or Veg Roll
A filling wrap with either eggs, veggies, or both, wrapped in a warm paratha. The street version often comes with spicy sauces and chopped onions.

Imagine biting into something delicious while the ocean breeze kisses your face. That’s exactly what you get at the food stalls near Marina Park. Located close to the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex, this area becomes a foodie's paradise by evening.

Must-Have Treats:

·        Fried Momos
Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. Served with fiery red chutney that packs a punch.

·        Bhel Puri
The ultimate beachside snack. Puffed rice, sev, onions, tomatoes, tangy chutneys, and a squeeze of lime.

·        Chole Kulche
Soft, buttered kulchas paired with spicy chickpeas and a dollop of tangy chutney.

·        Ice Gola
Crushed ice on a stick soaked in sugary syrups—perfect for cooling off after a hot day exploring the islands.

Delanipur Chowk: A Local Favorite

Tucked away from the touristy bustle, Delanipur Chowk is where locals gather after work to catch up and grab their favorite snacks. Here, you’ll find affordable and flavorful food served with genuine island warmth.

Crowd Favorites:

·        Chana Chaat
Healthy yet tasty. Boiled chickpeas, onions, tomatoes, green chillies, lime, and chaat masala.

·        Aloo Tikki
Fried potato patties served with sweet and spicy chutneys, topped with chopped onions and coriander.

·        Vegetable Samosas
Golden triangles filled with spicy potatoes and peas. Served with tangy tamarind sauce.

·        Egg Bhurji Pav
Indian-style scrambled eggs paired with toasted bread buns—simple, spicy, and satisfying.

Floating Restaurants and Ferry-side Snacks

Near the Phoenix Bay Jetty, you’ll find food carts and quick-bite shacks that cater to travelers catching or arriving from ferries. While these are more transient in nature, they serve some truly comforting island fare.

Don’t Miss:

·        Maggi with a Twist
Classic instant noodles, but made “Andaman-style” with onions, tomatoes, chilli, and seafood (optional).

·        Egg Maggi
A hearty twist where a fried egg or scrambled egg is mixed into spicy noodles.

·        Banana Chips & Coconut Sweets
Locally made, these are great on-the-go snacks, perfect for ferry rides.

·        Tender Coconut Water
Hydrating, refreshing, and the best way to beat the tropical heat.

Vegetarian Street Food Gems

Worried about finding vegetarian options? Don’t be. Port Blair’s street food scene is vegetarian-friendly, thanks to the cultural influences from mainland India.

Vegetarian Must-Tries:

·        Paneer Tikka
Skewered cottage cheese cubes marinated and grilled over charcoal. Served with onion rings and mint chutney.

·        Corn Chaat
Steamed sweet corn tossed with butter, lime, spices, and sometimes cheese.

·        Pav Bhaji
Mashed vegetable curry served with butter-toasted bread buns. A hearty and spicy meal in itself.

·        Golgappa/Pani Puri
Crunchy puris filled with tangy mint water, mashed potatoes, and tamarind chutney. Each bite bursts with flavor.

Hidden Treasures: Street Food off the Beaten Path

If you’re willing to venture a little beyond the usual tourist haunts, you’ll be rewarded with unique dishes and authentic experiences.

Where to Go and What to Eat:

·        Junglighat Market
Known for its fresh seafood sales, some vendors set up makeshift grills by evening.

o   Grilled Squid

o   Fish Tikka Skewers

·        Bathu Basti
A residential area where locals serve homestyle snacks from their porch or carts.

o   Sabudana Vada

o   Homemade Lassi or Buttermilk

·        Goal Ghar
Popular among college students, known for cheap eats.

o   Chowmein

o   Bread Omelette

o   Cold Coffee with Ice Cream

Tips for Enjoying Street Food Safely in Port Blair

Exploring street food is fun, but a few tips can make the experience safer and more enjoyable:

·        Look for Busy Stalls: High turnover usually means fresher food.

·        Carry Tissues & Sanitizer: Street food is often finger food—stay hygienic.

·        Stay Hydrated: The tropical heat can sneak up on you.

·        Ask Locals: They're your best resource for discovering hidden food gems.

Conclusion

Port Blair’s street food is more than just a culinary experience—it’s a cultural journey. It tells stories of the island’s diverse communities, coastal influences, and everyday island life. From the sizzle of seafood to the crunch of samosas and the sweet burst of gola on your tongue, every bite brings you closer to the heart of Andaman.

So the next time you find yourself in Port Blair, ditch the fancy restaurants (for a while!) and follow your nose to the nearest food cart. Who knows? The best meal of your trip might cost you less than ₹100 and come wrapped in newspaper.

Bon Appétit and happy island hopping!