Top 10 Must-Try Street Foods in Guwahati: A Culinary Journey Through Assam's Flavors

Guwahati, the bustling gateway to Northeast India, is not just a city of temples and natural beauty but also a haven for food enthusiasts. Its street food scene is a delightful fusion of flavors influenced by neighboring regions such as Tibet, Burma, and Bangladesh. From momos to silkworm fry, the street food in Guwahati offers a culinary experience that is both unique and deeply rooted in tradition. Let's dive into the top 10 street foods you must try in Guwahati, complete with their distinctive flavors and cultural significance.

 

1. Momos

Momos are the undisputed kings of street food in Guwahati. These versatile dumplings, available at almost every street corner, are a favorite snack among locals and tourists alike. Typically, momos are stuffed with a variety of fillings such as mushrooms, paneer, vegetables, chicken, prawns, or pork. They are usually served with a traditional Assamese chili dip that perfectly complements their mild flavor. Whether steamed or deep-fried, momos are a must-try for anyone visiting the city.

Image courtesy: The spruce eats

Price: ₹40-₹60 per plate

 

 

2. Shawarma Roll

Guwahati's love for street food extends beyond traditional Indian fare, embracing global influences like the Shawarma Roll. This Middle Eastern delicacy features roasted chicken or lamb, thinly sliced and combined with fresh vegetables, cream, tomatoes, cucumbers, and pickles, all wrapped in a pita or flatbread. A dash of mayo or garlic sauce adds a burst of flavor, making it a popular and convenient on-the-go snack.

Image courtesy: Licious

Price: ₹80-₹120 per roll

 

 

 

3. Thukpa

Thukpa, a hearty noodle soup, is another street food gem in Guwahati, heavily influenced by Tibetan cuisine. This comforting dish includes a light broth flavored with lemongrass, ginger, and fish sauce, garnished with a mix of vegetables, chicken, pork, or prawns. The addition of spring onions and fresh herbs enhances its unique texture and flavor, making it a soulful meal that warms you from the inside out.

Image courtesy: House of garden

Price: ₹50-₹100 per bowl

 

4. Assam Tea

No visit to Guwahati is complete without savoring Assam Tea. Renowned worldwide, Assam tea is known for its robust flavor and vibrant color. You can find tea stalls at every corner of the city, each offering a unique blend. In some places, you might even get to try tea made with yak's milk or a salty variant, providing a fascinating twist to this globally loved beverage.

Image courtesy: Times of India

Price: ₹10-₹30 per cup

 

5. Tekeli Pitha

Tekeli Pitha is a traditional Assamese rice flour cake, steamed to perfection and filled with jaggery and grated coconut. The use of local aromatic ingredients gives this dish a distinctive flavor. Often served with a cup of tea, Tekeli Pitha is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a perfect breakfast option.

Image courtesy: Foodiestreature

Price: ₹20-₹30 per piece

 

 

6. Silkworm Fry

For the adventurous eaters, Silkworm Fry offers a truly unique experience. A traditional delicacy among Assamese tribes, silkworms are fried until crispy and seasoned with spices. The exterior is crunchy while the interior remains soft and cheesy. This unusual snack is rich in protein and provides a taste that is both surprising and surprisingly addictive.

Image courtesy: Roots and leisure

Price: ₹50-₹70 per plate

 

 7. Chowmein

Chowmein, a popular street food influenced by Tibetan and Chinese cuisine, is a staple in Guwahati. This dish consists of stir-fried noodles mixed with vegetables and sometimes chicken or pork. Its popularity has spread across India, but the Guwahati version retains a unique touch with local spices and flavors.

Image courtesy: Cook with manali

Price: ₹40-₹60 per plate

 

 

8. Chaat

Chaat, an all-time favorite street food in India, is also widely enjoyed in Guwahati. This snack combines spiced potatoes, lentils, chutneys, and spices, resulting in a burst of sweet, sour, spicy, and crunchy flavors. Street vendors in Guwahati offer various versions like bhel puri, pani puri, dahi puri, and aloo tikki chaat, each prepared fresh to order using high-quality ingredients.

Image courtesy: Justdial

Price: ₹30-₹50 per plate

 

9. Chop

Chop, a deep-fried snack, is a beloved street food in Guwahati. Made from mashed potatoes mixed with spices and sometimes small pieces of chicken, it is shaped into patties or cylinders before being fried to a crispy golden brown. Served with chutneys or dipping sauces, chop is a delicious and filling treat.

Image courtesy: Medium

Price: ₹20-₹30 per piece

 

10. Gughni

Gughni, a flavorful dish made from boiled chickpeas simmered in a spicy tomato sauce, is a popular street food snack in Guwahati. Often enjoyed as a side dish or filling for kachori and puri, Gughni's blend of spices and hearty nature make it a favorite among locals and visitors. It's a dish that offers a taste of the region’s unique culinary heritage.

Image courtesy: Recipes for the regular homecook

Price: ₹30-₹50 per plate

 

 

Guwahati's street food scene is a reflection of its rich cultural tapestry, where traditional Assamese flavors meet influences from neighboring regions and beyond. Each dish tells a story of the city’s diverse culinary influences and the creativity of its street vendors. From the ubiquitous momos to the exotic silkworm fry, the streets of Guwahati offer a gastronomic adventure that is as exciting as it is delicious.

 

Whether you're a local looking to rediscover your city’s flavors or a visitor eager to explore new tastes, the street foods of Guwahati promise a culinary journey that will leave you craving more. So, next time you find yourself in this vibrant city, make sure to sample these top 10 street foods and savor the essence of Guwahati’s dynamic food culture.

 

FAQs Related To Guwahati Streetfood

Q1. What are the must-try street foods in Guwahati?

Ans: Guwahati offers a variety of unique and delicious street foods. Some must-try items include:

- Momos: Dumplings filled with vegetables, chicken, prawns, or pork.

- Shawarma Roll: Middle Eastern-style wrap with roasted meat and vegetables.

- Thukpa: A Tibetan-inspired noodle soup with a flavorful broth.

- Tekeli Pitha: Steamed rice cakes filled with jaggery and coconut.

 

Q2. Where can I find the best momos in Guwahati?

Ans: You can find momos at nearly every street corner in Guwahati, but some of the best places include the bustling markets and popular food stalls in areas like Paltan Bazar, Fancy Bazar, and near educational institutions where food carts are abundant.

 

Q3. Is it safe to eat street food in Guwahati?

Ans: Yes, it is generally safe to eat street food in Guwahati, but here are some tips to ensure a pleasant experience:

- Choose busy stalls with a high turnover of food to ensure freshness.

- Observe the hygiene practices of the vendor.

- Drink bottled water and avoid ice in beverages to prevent waterborne illnesses.

- Start with small portions to see how your stomach handles the local spices and ingredients.