Famous Foods of South India

South Indian food has earned much fame across the globe, particularly for scrumptious dishes like Dosa, Vada, Idli, Uttapam and Sambar. South Indian meals comprise cuisines of five South Indian states namely Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, along with several local cuisines within these states. The region offers a wide variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes with each state holding its own uniqueness and food habits. Some authentic and popular South Indian dishes that are sure to delight taste buds include Chakra Pongal, Sambar and Vadai from Tamil Nadu; Rava Idli from Karnataka; Kadala Curry and Appam from Kerala; and Kebabs and Biryanis from Andhra Pradesh.

Vada
Vada is fried dish mostly consumed during breakfast. The dish is made using paste of legumes like (arhar) piegon pea, (chana) chickpea, vigna mungo (urad) mung, etc. Medu vada, masala vada, and keera vada are some of the different types of vada that are served with coconut chutneys and Sambar.

Masala dosa
Masala dosa is the most popular South Indian dish loved by people across world. It is found all over India and in few overseas countries. The dish is listed as number 49 on “World’s 50 Most Delicious food compiled by CNN Go in 2011”.

Appam with Tanga Pal/Kurma
Appam is a famous dish of Kerala which is a type of pan cake made up of a fermented rice batter. It is preferred during breakfast and dinner, which can be served with tanga pal (coconut milk) or with kurma. Coconut is the main ingredient of this dish.

Puttu:
Puttu aka “steamed rice cake” is another common dish of South India mainly popular in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and some parts of Karnataka. It’s a breakfast dish having cylinder shape cooked using rice flour and coconut.

Pesarattu:
Pesarattu is also known as moong dal dosa. It is one of healthy and nutritious option for breakfast and dinner made with whole moong beans or split lentils (green gram). The dish is most popularly found in Andhra Pradesh.

Rasam Rice:
Rasam is not only popular for the delicious taste, but also health benefit it has to offer. The major benefits come from the ingredients used in Rasam such as tomato, tamarind, and black pepper, which are good for digestive system and overall health. It can be taken as a soup or as a side dish with rice. Hot Rasam is medically prescribed for sore throat and cold. Nowadays, all the seasonings required are combined and ground beforehand into Rasam powder, which is available in almost all the supermarkets.

Bisibelebhath
Bisibelebhath is traditional Karnataka dish served in almost all kannadiga’s home. It is a rice-based dish cooked together with toor dal and vegetables. Bisi-bele-bhaath translates to “hot lentil rice” in Kannada. This dish is served hot and taken along with chatni, boondi, salad, papad or potato chips. You will commonly find this dish in restaurants serving Udipi cuisine.

Puliyogare
Pulihora, Puliyodarai, Puliyogare or simply Tamarind Rice is the most loved dish in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Pulihora is usually cooked on special occasions and festive days. It is also given as prasadam in some temples and quite easy on preparation.

Pazhampori
Pazhampori or Ripe Banana Fritters is an all-time favourite snack around Kerala. Also known as Ethakka Appam is deep fried banana dish served in every restaurant, roadside snack stall, train, hostel canteen and college cafe around Kerala.

Paniyaram:
Paniyaram otherwise known as Paddu, Appe, Guliappa, or Guilttu is a all-time favourite dish in South India. Made by steaming a fermented batter, get’s its awesome taste from added spices and vegetables. A special pan with multiple fissures is used to prepare Paniyaram.

Pesarapappu Payasam:
Pesarapappu Payasam or Kheer is a traditional sweet dish originated from Andhra Pradesh, but consumed throughout India. It is served with main course as sweet dish and loved by all.

Uttappam:
Uttappam is a very special dish of Tamil Nadu, which is found all over India. It is the ticker version of dosa topped with onions, green chillies, capsicum and tomatoes. Ready batter and instant mixes are also available in market.

Rava idly:
Rava idly is mostly prepared for breakfast using semolina as main ingredient. It is one of the best variant of idly found all over South India.

Adirasam:
Adirasam is the main traditional festival sweet of Tamil Nadu. It is prepared with rice flour and jiggery (sugar if preferred). It is an easy but delicate dish to prepare.

Biriyani:
Biriyani is the most famous and loved dish among the Indians. There are different styles and variations of biriyani famous in each part of India. It can be made with meat as well as vegetables.