Share
Guwahati is the largest city in the Indian state Assam that lies beside the Brahmaputra river. It is located in the northeastern of India and is well known for its holy site. Because of its proximity to Bhutan, there is a lot of amalgamation of culture that happened within the city itself. Aside from the beautiful views that it offered, there are plenty of street foods that you have to try in Guwahati.
There is a lot of fermented fruit and vegetable that are used in their cooking making it one of the kind. Some people find it peculiar, however, it is still tasty. Because of the close proximity of Guwahati to the border of Tibet, Burma, and Bangladesh, there are a lot of influences of those cultures which you can find in the food.
The food offers a wide variety for both vegetarians and meat lovers. There is plenty of fresh local product for an excellent vegetarian meal, and Assamese love their meat. They have a variety of food starting from pork to fish to even silkworm.
Underneath is the list of best street food that you can find in Guwahati:
-
Momos
This is one of the most popular northeastern dishes by far, and its originality can be traced back to Tibet. You can find this food almost everywhere in the Indian continent, from Delhi to Mumbai even to the south state Bangalore. It is basically a traditional dumpling that can either be steamed or deep-fried.
You can almost find this anywhere in Guwahati and is the favorite snack of both locals and visitors.
You can find a wide assortment of filling available for you; mushroom, panne or vegetable for vegetarians, and for meat lovers, you can find chicken, prawn, or pork.
At the Ganeshguri market, in the southern part of Guwahati, you will be able to find the best momos that you can ever eat.
-
Jhal muri
Most of the states in India has its own variety of snack that is made from chaat. Jhal muri are quite similar to bhel puri in Mumbai. This is a sweet, sour and spicy mix of puffed rice, nuts, herbs, and delicious sauces or chutney. But the difference lays in the flavors and combinations. The ones that are made in Guwahati are made with mustard or local star fruit called kodoi.
This snack is so famous in Guwahati that you will be able to find it in every vendor, served in paper cones.
-
Luchi
Another variation from one of the nation’s loved food poori. Luchi is made of deep-fried flatbread that is made of refined flour, which is served with the choice of vegetarian or non vegetarian gravy.
Luchi is prepared very quickly and tastes best when it is served hot and crispy. You can find luchi in any commercial area that is located in Guwahati.
-
Assam tea
It is home to the world’s known tea, Assam tea. It can be prepared in a variety of ways. You just can not say that you have visited Guwahati until you try a good cup of Assam tea. You can find the tea being sold around every corner, at every stall and restaurant, in every home in Guwahati. You can find the tea almost in every shop in Guwahati. They are usually sold in packages.
-
Thukpa
Thukpa is a Tibetan influenced soup that comprises of umami flavored noodle soup, that combines the fragrance of lemongrass and ginger along with a hint of fish sauce, garnished with spring onion and fresh herbs. It is a meal itself and is served with either vegetarian or with shredded chick, pork, prawns.
You can find thukpa anywhere in any street vendors that specialized in Assamese cuisine. However, you can head to the GMC market where you can find a lot of different variations on this soup.
-
Chowmein
Another Tibetan inspired food, chowmein that is found is inspired by the Chinese staple food. The noodles are delicately handmade and stir-fried with fresh crispy vegetables and shredded meat or seafood. You do not have to go to a fancy restaurant to have this dish, you can simply find it on the roadside carts.
One place that is popular for its chowmein is rebati chat house on MN road in Guwahati. The restaurant is also famous for other Chinese inspired food.
-
Khaar
This is a unique Assamese preparation. It is a heartwarming dish made with vegetables and pulses. The main ingredients used are usually meat, fish or even duck.
The soup is famous because it is said that the water that is used to cook the meat has to be strained through dried banana plant leaves which imparts a unique and unusual flavor to the soup. Khaar is usually served with a portion of rice, or even as it is.
You can see plenty of stalls that have large pots next to pavements selling Khaar. But you can especially find it in the market towards lunchtime.
8. Matka Biryani
9. Masor Tenga
In the most recent years, the Assamese had just seen the huge growth and advancement in local fish farming. This dish is the result of it. The rohu is one of the fish that is farmed extensively in this state.
Masor Tenga is basically a fish curry that is traditionally made with stewed rohu fish. Its gravy is light and yet filled with flavors of coriander and mustard with a hint of sour. This is probably one of the best cuffy fish that is served in Assam. It is traditionally served with rice that will balance flavor of the tomato sauce. You can the authentic version being sold at pop stalls in the market places.
-
Payash
