Kaziranga offers more than just wildlife — it's also a place to discover the rich, earthy flavors of Assamese cuisine. With fresh ingredients, bamboo shoot delicacies, and traditional cooking styles, food here is as soulful as the landscape. Whether you're dining at a family-run dhaba or enjoying a traditional thali, these are the must-try local foods and best restaurants in Kaziranga.
1. Assamese Thali at Maihang Restaurant
Why visit: A top-rated restaurant offering an authentic Assamese meal that showcases the diversity of local ingredients.
Highlights: – Rice, dal, khar, mashed potato, fish or duck curry – Bamboo shoot and banana flower dishes – Homely, clean ambience
Timing: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Entry: ₹250–₹400 per person
2. Fish Curry with Joha Rice
Why visit: A staple Assamese comfort dish made with freshwater fish and served with fragrant short-grain rice.
Highlights: – Lightly spiced with herbs like thekera – Best enjoyed at Wild Grass Restaurant – Served with sides like pitika (mashed veg)
Timing: 7:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Entry: ₹250–₹350 per plate
3. Bamboo Shoot Pork at Rhino Cafe
Why visit: For meat lovers, this iconic Naga-style dish uses fermented bamboo shoots and spices for bold, tangy flavors.
Highlights: – Smoky pork chunks in spicy gravy – Paired well with sticky rice – Rustic, casual café vibe
Timing: 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Entry: ₹300–₹450 per serving
4. Duck Curry at Heritage Restaurant
Why visit: A rich delicacy slow-cooked with ash gourd or sesame, duck curry is a prized festive dish in Assam.
Highlights: – Aromatic and satisfying – Balanced spice levels – Often made to order
Timing: 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Entry: ₹350–₹500 per dish
5. Chicken Khar at Green Ashiyana
Why visit: Khar is a traditional Assamese alkaline-based dish made from filtered banana peel ash, unique in taste and method.
Highlights: – Savory-sweet with raw papaya and chicken – Served as part of a traditional thali – Light yet flavorful
Timing: 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Entry: ₹250–₹350 per plate
6. Pitha and Laru (Assamese Sweets) at Local Eateries
Why visit: These handmade sweets made from rice flour, coconut, and jaggery are popular during Bihu but available year-round in local shops.
Highlights: – Sticky, soft textures with rich filling – Best as dessert or tea-time snack – Found at local sweet stalls in Kohora
Timing: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry: ₹20–₹50 per piece
7. Grilled Fish at Bonhabi Resort’s Restaurant
Why visit: Fresh catch from local rivers grilled with mustard or wrapped in banana leaves.
Highlights: – Fresh, smoky, and mildly spiced – Often served with boiled rice and chutneys – Outdoor seating enhances experience
Timing: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Entry: ₹300–₹500 per plate
8. Thali with Pitika (at Pelican Dhaba)
Why visit: Pitika, a mashed veggie dish flavored with mustard oil and chillies, is a soul food element in any Assamese thali.
Highlights: – Egg, aloo, or tomato pitika options – Served with rice, dal, and sabzi – Simple roadside dhaba charm
Timing: 7:30 AM to 10:30 PM
Entry: ₹180–₹250 per thali
9. Traditional Assamese Breakfast at Local Homestays
Why visit: Staying with a local family often includes homemade breakfast with rice cakes, puffed rice, and black tea.
Highlights: – Light and nutritious – Includes chira, doi (curd), gur (jaggery) – Best enjoyed in village settings
Timing: 6:30 AM to 9:00 AM
Entry: Included in stay or ₹100–₹150 if separate
10. Masor Tenga (Tangy Fish Curry) at Wild Grass Lodge
Why visit: A light and sour fish curry cooked with tomatoes or elephant apple, perfect for the local palate and climate.
Highlights: – Made with local river fish – Best paired with steamed rice – Balanced with mustard oil and herbs
Timing: 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Entry: ₹250–₹350 per dish
Feature Image:- Photo by Elle Hughes
