The indigenous knowledge contains vital information that helps in answering various challenges facing today's world However, the knowledge erodes rapidly When the loss of this knowledge negatively affects the lives and health of traditionally living rural communities, a drive to conserve indigenous knowledge becomes essential  Existing indigenous knowledge about various foods and  food habits may play a significant role in answering the emerging food security and malnutrition issues across the world The present study attempts to investigate the various indigenous foods and traditional food habits that exist across South Asia, especially in countries like India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan etc It also tries to assess the nutritional values of these foods and how it may help in attaining the SDG 2 in these countries This study argues that the transfer of indigenous knowledge on traditional foods and food habits will ensure their availability and utilisation for resource-poor rural communities