Rice is the main item of East Indian cuisine. Rice is grown abundantly in this region as the climatic condition suits the crop well. This part of the country is near to the coastal areas and this also has influenced East Indian Cuisine. As a result the non vegetarian populace of the region develops a fetish for sea food.

A selection of dishes prepared from fishes is part of the cookery of the eastern region. Hilsa, Rohu and Betki are the favourite fishes of the region that contribute to the preparation of cherished delicacies. Fish varieties in the eastern region include smoked, grilled, fried, stuffed into green coconuts and also fish burgers. However in some of the tribal regions the cuisine varies. Their food is simple and includes roots and bamboo shoots.

East Indian cuisine also includes various desserts, sweets such as rasagolla, chumchum, sandesh, rasabali, chhena poda, chhena gaja and kheeri are the favourites. Poppy seeds are one of the main ingredients of West Bengal cuisine. The main ingredients used in the eastern cooking include mustard seeds, cumin seeds, black cumin, green chillies and cumin paste. Mustard paste, garlic paste and ginger paste curd, nuts, poppy seed paste and cashew paste are also used.

Bihar and Jharkhand cuisines contribute to the East Indian cuisine with their colourful platter of seasonal vegetables. In addition to that the region is influenced by Buddhism and consequently a wide assortment of vegetarian dishes originate. A regular meal of the eastern region consists of rice dish accompanied with various side dishes. The popular vegetable dishes of Orissa are Dalma and Santula. The most popular vegetable dish of Bengal is Sukto. In Jharkhand people also consume green leafy vegetables that form a part of staple diet.

Dairy products are also consumed. This includes Dahi which is had with roti in Bihar. Lassi is also consumed by them. In Bengal mishti doi is popular. Sattu Paratha, Chokha, Fish curry, Litti and Bihari Kebab,Postaa-dana kaa halwaa are other popular delicacies of Bihar. Some of the major dishes of Orissa are Buta Dali, Mitha Bhata , Kaanika, Mooga Dali, Alu Potala Rasa, patalghanta chutney, Beshara. Common desserts are Arisha Pitha, Chakuli Pitha, Chandrakanti, Chhena Gaja, Chhena Jalebi and many more.