Assam Street Food: A Flavorful Journey During Your Assam Trip

During a long career as a tour guide, we’ve noticed a significant number of people ask for famous street food options during their Assam trip.    

This is why we’ve developed a practice of guiding tourists through the bustling lanes of Guwahati's Fancy Bazar to taste Assam street food deliberately.

Here, you’ll find many flavours, starting from bamboo-steamed rice cakes to spicy laksa noodles; every bite offers you an adventure. 

Whether you're a seasoned traveller from India or exploring India for the first time, we believe that the street food of Assam deserves a spot on your bucket list.

So, are you ready to discover why thousands of food lovers make Assam their ultimate foodie destination?

What is the Street Food of Assam?  

During our Assam tour packages, we've watched travellers fall in love with the region's unique culinary identity, one that's defined by fresh, local ingredients like bamboo shoots, black sesame, and indigenous herbs you won't find anywhere else.

What makes your Assam trip unforgettable? It's the cooking methods. Street vendors still use traditional techniques like rice cakes steamed in banana leaves, fish grilled over charcoal, and sticky rice cooked inside bamboo stems. The aromatic spices create flavours that are bold yet balanced.

We always take our guests to iconic street food hubs like Fancy Bazar and Paltan Bazar in Guwahati, where the options are endless. 

What is Famous Food in Assam? Top Street Food Picks

During every Assam tour package we organise, these five street foods always steal the show. Trust us, you'll want to try them all!

Momos (Steamed & Fried)

These Tibetan-inspired dumplings have become Assam's street food royalty. We recommend trying both versions, such as steamed momos, which are light and juicy, while fried ones offer that irresistible crispy crunch. Filled with chicken, pork, or vegetables, they're served with fiery red chutney that'll wake up your taste buds

Laksa 

This traditional Assamese noodle dish is comfort in a bowl. Made with rice noodles in a tangy, slightly spicy broth, laksa showcases Assam's love for bold, aromatic flavours. You'll find it at roadside stalls, especially during your Assam trip in winter.

Pitha (Rice Cakes) 

These aren't your ordinary rice cakes! Til Pitha is stuffed with sweet sesame-jaggery filling, while Ghila Pitha is crispy and savoury. We always tell travelers pitha tastes best when freshly made at street corners during festivals.

Chaat & Jhalmuri 

Assam adds its own twist to these Indian classics. Jhalmuri (puffed rice mix) here comes with local spices and mustard oil that give it a distinctive Northeast flavor.

Aloo Chop & Beguni 

Your perfect tea-time companions! Aloo chop (spiced potato fritters) and beguni (fried eggplant slices) are crispy, golden, and absolutely addictive when paired with chai.

What are the 5 Famous Vegetarian Street Foods of Assam?

Vegetarian travellers, we've got you covered! Our Assam tour packages always include these plant-based gems that showcase authentic Assamese flavours..

Khar

This unique alkaline vegetable preparation uses banana peel ash and raw papaya. It's Assam's signature dish that aids digestion and offers flavours you've never experienced before.

Pitha 

From sweet Til Pitha filled with sesame-jaggery to savoury varieties, these rice cakes are festival favourites we recommend trying fresh from street vendors.

Aloo Pitika

Simple yet soul-satisfying mashed potatoes mixed with mustard oil, onions, and green chillies. Perfect comfort food during your Assam trip.

Sunga Chawal 

Rice is cooked inside bamboo stems over an open fire. The bamboo imparts an earthy aroma that makes this a must-try experience.

Paneer Momos  

For vegetarians craving momos, these cottage cheese-filled dumplings are just as delicious as their meat counterparts.

However, we've personally tasted each of these across Assam's streets, and they never disappoint!

Remember that Assam street food creates memories that linger long after your last bite in Assam. The unique blend of bamboo-steamed delicacies, aromatic spices, and age-old cooking techniques makes this culinary experience truly one-of-a-kind. 

We've helped hundreds of travellers discover these hidden flavours, and now it's your turn. 

So, are you ready to taste this delicious adventure? Book your Assam tour package with us, or start experimenting with Assamese recipes in your kitchen. 

FAQs

What is the famous food eaten in Assam?

The most famous foods in Assam include momos, laksa, pitha, khar (alkaline vegetable dish), aloo pitika (mashed potatoes), sunga chawal (bamboo rice), duck curry, and various fish preparations. Street vendors in cities like Guwahati serve these authentic dishes fresh throughout the day. You can taste these during your Assam trip.

What to buy from Paltan Bazar, Guwahati?

At Paltan Bazar, you can buy fresh momos from popular stalls, traditional Assamese sweets like pitha and laru, local tea blends, packaged snacks like kumol chaul (puffed rice), and indigenous spices. We recommend trying the street-side laksa and picking up some til pitha to take home as edible souvenirs.

What is the most famous street food?

Momos are arguably the most famous street food in Assam. Available in both steamed and fried varieties with chicken, pork, paneer, or vegetable fillings, momos have become synonymous with Assam's street food culture. You'll find momo stalls on virtually every street corner in Guwahati and other major cities.

What are the 5 famous vegetarian foods of Assam?

The five famous vegetarian foods of Assam are:

1. Khar – Alkaline vegetable preparation

2. Pitha – Sweet and savoury rice cakes

3. Aloo Pitika – Spiced mashed potatoes

4. Sunga Chawal – Bamboo-cooked rice

5. Paneer Momos – Vegetarian dumplings

All these are easily available at street food stalls across Assam.