Southern India has always been recognized for its assortment of spices, which is why it played a significant role in the ancient trade routes. In the present day, these spices have come together in various forms, thanks to the imaginative minds of many individuals, resulting in the creation of some incredibly delectable and mouthwatering dishes. Whether it’s the ubiquitous Masala dosa, Hyderabad’s biryani, Tamil Nadu’s Chettinad, Karnataka’s Mysore Pak, or Kerala’s prawn curry, these renowned culinary delights from South India tantalize your taste buds in a similar yet distinctive manner. Here are the 8 well-known food items from South India that will leave you craving for more.
7 Well-known Food Items from South India
The richness of spices in the South Indian cuisine can be assessed through the following dishes:
1. Chicken Chettinad
Originating from the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu, this mouthwatering recipe stands out as one of the most popular dishes in South India and has been handed down through generations, resulting in the delightful recipe we enjoy today. It involves cooking marinated chicken with a special paste that imparts a unique flavor to the dish. This paste typically consists of a blend of coriander seeds, red chillies, coconut, poppy seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, and black pepper.
Best places to eat: Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant, Coimbatore
Price: INR 300 – INR 400 per person
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2. Thalassery Biriyani
Coming from the town of Thalassery in Kerala, this biryani originates from a cuisine that reflects an amalgamation of Indian, European, and Persian influences. Instead of using regular basmati rice, a special type of rice is used to prepare this delicacy, giving it a distinct flavor. While biryani has Mughal origins, this particular cuisine showcases a cultural blend of Malabari and Mughal flavors, making it one of the most celebrated dishes in South India.
Best places to eat: Paris Restaurant, Thottathil hotel, Thalassery
Price: INR 200 – INR 400 per person
3. Pandi Curry
This delectable recipe hails from the Coorg region in Karnataka, which boasts a rich cultural history of its own. With an abundance of game available in Coorg, there is a plethora of mouthwatering non-vegetarian dishes like Pandi curry. In contrast to the heavily spiced Indian cuisine, this dish is relatively light and gentle on the palate but compensates with its spiciness, earning its status as a revered dish in South India.
Restaurants: The Raintree, Folksy Food, CoorgCost: INR 300 – INR 600 for two
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4. Konju Varutharaccha Curry
Essentially called “Kerala Prawn curry”, this dish comes from Kerala as the name implies and is a lavish dish typically served at dinner parties. This dish is prepared by combining prawns with coconut milk and fragrant spices. A touch of tamarind and other herbs adds that distinct flavor that envelops your taste buds when you take the first bite of this dish.
Restaurants: Paragon Restaurant, Kozhikode, Trilogi Restaurant, ErnakulamCost: INR 400 – INR 600 per person
5. Hyderabadi Biryani
The most renowned biryani cuisine in India – the Hyderabadi dum Biryani is a dish made with fragrant basmati rice, marinated chicken in yoghurt, and an assortment of spices and masalas. All of these ingredients are mixed together and cooked on a low flame to allow the “dum” process to enhance the flavor of the recipe to its highest point. Tradition attributes the origin of Hyderabadi biryani to the first Nizam of Hyderabad- Nizam-ul-Mulk, Asaf Jah I.
Restaurants: Paradise, Jewel of the Nizam, HyderabadCost: INR 200 – INR 400 per person
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6. Spicy Pancake
Originating from the state of Karnataka, this dish is perhaps the most iconic and is one of the most renowned cuisines of south India that can be found throughout the country. Almost everyone has tried Spicy Pancake once, which is made by cooking a batter of rice and lentils that have been soaked overnight for fermentation. It is usually served with a coconut chutney and sambar. Due to its popularity, there are cultural variations in the recipe of pancake giving us a variety of pancakes such as thin masala pancake, Mysore masala pancake, Madras special masala pancake, and others.
Places to dine: Central Tiffin Room, Vidyarthi Bhavan, BangaloreCost: INR 100 – INR 300 per individual
7. Chicken 65
This deep-fried chicken dish is attributed to be a creation of AM Buhari of Hotel Buhari in Chennai, where it is served as an appetizer. The dish derives its flavor from red peppers which also gives this food its hue. Since this dish is so delectable, individuals have created vegetarian versions of it such as Gobhi 65 or Paneer 65.
Places to dine: Hotel Buhari, ChennaiCost: INR 300 per individual
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The excitement of tasting renowned cuisines of South India is a enchanting experience for food lovers staying in the region. You can plan and book your foodie journey to south India with Fred and Fuzzys and have a unforgettable experience with your loved ones and by that we mean the dishes of course!
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Frequently Asked Questions about Famous Foods of South India
What is the most renowned South Indian dish?
There is not one but many renowned dishes in South India including Pongal, Masala dosa, Chicken 65, Sambar, Pulihora, Appam, Upma, Hyderabadi biryani and many more.
What is the primary cuisine in Chennai?
The primary cuisine dishes of Chennai include Idli and Sambhar, Dosa Chutney, Onion Tomato Uttapam, Pongal with chutney, sambar, vada, Vada sambar chutney, Milagai Bajji, Biryani, Pista Kulfi etc.
Is it safe to visit South India during Covid times?
You need to follow all the mandatory travel guidelines suggested by the government. Always remain masked while stepping out and maintain social distancing. Complete both the doses of vaccination before planning your journey and get yourself tested at 48 hours before traveling.
Is South Indian food nutritious?
South Indian food items are primarily fermented which are beneficial for gut microbiota. They are rich in probiotics; especially idli, dosa, uttapam, etc. Fermentation improves digestibility, enhances B vitamins and boosts the immune system.
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