A Guide to South Indian Cuisine
Contrary to popular perception, not everything is idlis, dosas, vada, and sambhar, the region offers an incredible variety of seafood, meats, and some incredible vegetarian preparations.
Here’s just a look at the varied tastes of South India.
Karnataka
This is the state that brought about the Udupi revolution in the country, if not the world. But there are many more offers from Karnataka! Take bisi bele bhath, for example. This spicy delicacy filled with fresh vegetables and lentils is completed with a unique masala blend that is made with coriander, fenugreek urad, and chana dal. These masalas, pastas and pickles are a pillar of the gastronomy of this region. The state is also famous for its chutneys, with red pepper chutney being one of the most favored. Coconut, red chili peppers, chana dal and garlic, tamarind, cloves, and ginger for added flavor, and voila! The delicious Kundapura Koli Saaru is something you don’t want to miss if you love hot chicken. This chicken curry preparation uses Kundapura paste, a unique paste consisting of coconut, red chili peppers, and cumin seeds and whole coriander.
Kerala
The cuisine of God’s own country is as beautiful as the country itself. Seafood is huge in this part of the country and so is his love for his year-round favorite – the mighty coconut. The delicacies of this state range from the spicy coconut curry and shrimp that can make any meal seem better, to the sweet delicacy of the famous aviyal. Have the simple breakfast of puttu and kadala curry – Steamed coconut rice rolls with a spicy black Bengal gram curry (black chana), hearty, delicious and pleasant to the stomach. If you want something exotic, try the kallummakaya, a spicy mussel curry that is sure to make any seafood lover feel weak on their knees.
Andhra Pradesh
The home of Hyderabadi’s sanctified biryani is one of the spiciest food destinations to visit in the country, if not the world. Its generous use of spices, chili, and tamarind make the experience here unique. Andhra-style chicken curry is something you’ll want to choose if you enjoy spices and tender chicken. If you’re a meat lover, you won’t want to miss the gongura maans, a lamb curry made with gongura leaves that is sure to leave you craving for more. While focusing on spices, this region also offers great desserts. Boorelu, or friendly dumplings are a delicacy for every occasion, made with urad dal and jaggery.
Tamil nadu
Tamil food generally differs in the following parentheses: sweet, sour, astringent, bitter, salty, and spicy. The cuisines here are spicy and mild in flavor depending on the preparation area and there is no particular trend in the use of spices here. There are some delicious delicacies that this region boasts. The unique Chettinad cuisine, famous for the use of spices, is well known throughout the world. Try the roasted urlai, roasted baby potatoes in a glorious masala mix if you are a strict vegetarian. Seafood lovers might want to don their bibs and try a bowl of steaming meen kozhambu, a spicy fish curry paired with steamed rice.
Each state in this region offers a different experience, all brought together by a few but delicious common gastronomic strands. In truth, South India is a palette of a thousand flavors.
