When in Rome, be like the Romans, goes the saying. This applies to any geography. If you have not yet been to Assam, then this is to encourage you to travel to and try your hands at local delicacies while you are there. A typical Assamese meal consists of rice, lentils, masor jool (fish stew), mangsho (meat stew), and stir-fried greens or herbs and vegetables. There is a liberal use of both fresh and fermented ingredients in this style of cooking. The two main characteristics of a traditional meal in Assam are khar (named after the principal ingredient) and tenga (preparations with a rich and tangy flavor). Assamese love their mutton, fowl, duck/goose, fish, pigeon, pork, and beef and even the exotic foods like grasshoppers, locusts, silkworms, snails, eels, squab and other birds, which are eaten in moderation.
An interesting ingredient of Assamese food is khorisa (fermented bamboo shoots) which are used to flavor curries or made into pickles. Koldil (banana flower), Ouu (elephant apple) and squash are also widely used. The star of Assamese food is fish like the Boralí, rou, illish, or chitol to name a few. Communities also brew traditional alcoholic drinks like Laupani, Xaaj, Paniyo, Jou, Joumai, Hor, Apang, etc. which are intrinsic to local hospitality.
Interesting local food of Assam worth trying are:
- Lai xaak – Leafy greens (saags) cooked with pork is an unusual yet delicious combination enjoyed by the Assamese people.
- Dal Kosu Xaak – Green leaves cooked with lentils to a creamy consistency.
- Sunga Chicken – Spiced minced chicken cooked inside a bamboo hollow.
- Jute Leaf Curry – An interesting curry made from puree of fresh jute leaves
- Ouu Katha – A sweet and sour chutney prepared using Ouu (elephant apple)
- Kumurat diya Hanhor Mangxo/Duck meat curry – Duck meat is cooked with ash gourd
- Silkworms – spiced and deep-fried silkworms is a delicacy
- Baanhgajor Lagor Kukura – A curry made of chicken, lentils and bamboo shoots
- Masor Tenga – A sour and tangy fish curry with mangosteen, accompanied with rice and a staple of Assamese kitchens
And many more. Go on an exciting culinary journey by trying out authentic Assamese food at the local markets. Read full article here: https://www.tourgenie.com/travel-diaries/travel-blogs/food-of-assam-eat-like-a-local
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