Foods You Must Try in Vizag During Your Trip from Kolkata

One of the best parts of traveling to a new destination is experiencing its local food. Vizag (Visakhapatnam), a coastal city known for its beaches and scenic beauty, also offers a rich food culture that combines Andhra flavours, seafood varieties, tribal delicacies, and modern fusion dishes. For travelers from Kolkata, Vizag’s cuisine provides a refreshing mix of spicy, tangy, and coastal tastes that are quite different from Bengali food.

If you’re planning a Vizag tour from Kolkata, here are the top foods you must try during your visit.

1. Andhra Thali

An authentic Andhra thali is a perfect introduction to the region’s cuisine. Known for its bold flavours and spicy dishes, the thali includes rice, pappu (dal), sambar, rasam, a variety of curries, pickles, papad, curd, and a sweet.

Why Try It:

  • Gives you a full range of local flavours

  • Perfect for lunch or dinner

  • Great option for those who enjoy vegetarian meals

Restaurants across the city serve delicious Andhra thalis, often with unlimited refills.

2. Prawn Fry

Prawn dishes in Vizag are extremely popular because of the city’s fresh seafood availability. Prawn fry is cooked with local spices, curry leaves, and a touch of tanginess.

Where to Try:

  • Beachside shacks

  • Seafood restaurants near RK Beach and Rushikonda

The flavours are rich, spicy, and full of coastal aromas.

3. Fish Curry and Fish Fry

Vizag’s fish curry is known for its spicy, tangy gravy made with tamarind, red chilli, and mustard seeds. Fish fry is usually marinated with a special Andhra spice mix and shallow-fried to perfection.

Popular Fish Varieties:

  • Seer fish (vanjaram)

  • Pomfret

  • Mackerel

Seafood lovers from Kolkata will find these dishes familiar yet uniquely different because of Andhra-style spices.

4. Bamboo Chicken (Araku Special)

A famous delicacy from Araku Valley, bamboo chicken is prepared by cooking marinated chicken inside hollow bamboo stems. It gets a smoky, delicious flavour without using any oil.

Why It’s Unique:

  • Cooked traditionally by tribal communities

  • Zero-oil preparation

  • Smoky and juicy taste

If your Vizag trip includes Araku, this dish is a must-try.

5. Royyala Iguru (Shrimp Curry)

This shrimp curry is a well-known Andhra dish made using fiery spices and thick gravy. It is usually served with steamed rice or biryani.

Why Try It:

  • Rich and aromatic

  • Loved by seafood enthusiasts

  • Represents the authentic taste of Andhra cuisine

6. Punugulu

Punugulu is a popular street snack in Vizag. It is made from fermented idli or dosa batter, deep-fried until golden, and served with spicy chutneys.

Best Time to Try:

  • Evening snack

  • Tea-time cravings

It’s crispy, light, and perfect for quick bites during sightseeing.

7. Ulava Charu

A traditional Andhra dish made with horse gram, Ulava Charu is a thick, flavourful soup often served with rice or butter.

What Makes It Special:

  • Rich in nutrients

  • Unique taste compared to regular curries

  • Comforting during winter months

8. Gongura Dishes

Gongura, a tangy leaf native to Andhra Pradesh, is used to prepare various dishes like gongura pachadi (pickle), gongura chicken, and gongura mutton.

Why You Should Taste Gongura:

  • Rarely found in other parts of India

  • Tangy, spicy, and highly flavourful

  • A staple of Andhra home-style cooking

Travelers from Kolkata often find this dish surprisingly bold and memorable.

9. Pootharekulu (Traditional Sweet)

Pootharekulu is a famous Andhra sweet made from thin rice starch sheets filled with powdered sugar, jaggery, and ghee.

Ideal For:

  • Dessert lovers

  • Gifting and souvenirs

It has a unique texture and melts in your mouth.

10. Coffee from Araku Valley

Araku Valley is known for its rich, aromatic coffee grown by tribal farmers. The flavour is naturally strong and earthy.

Where to Try:

  • Coffee Museum in Araku

  • Local cafes in Vizag

  • Government-run outlets near tourist spots

It’s a must-buy item for travelers wanting to take home local products.

Bonus: Other Foods to Try in Vizag

  • Mirchi bajji

  • Dosa with Andhra chutneys

  • Rava payasam

  • Sweet punugulu

  • Pulihora (tamarind rice)

  • Andhra-style biryani

These dishes add more depth to your culinary experience.

Conclusion

Vizag is not only a scenic travel destination but also a paradise for food lovers. From spicy Andhra curries to smoky tribal dishes and flavourful coastal seafood, the city offers a wide variety of tastes that every tourist from Kolkata will enjoy. Whether you’re relaxing by the beach or exploring the hills of Araku Valley, the food in Vizag adds a rich cultural flavour to your trip.