Vanakkam! Whenever we talk about South Indian Food, your taste savor starts saying one thing ‘Just Have It.’ We all can’t resist the flavor of South Indian Dishes. If we talk about the origin, the cooking originates mainly from the five southern states named Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. Later it spread across the country.
South Indian Food has a more decadent aroma and taste. Common ingredients commonly used are curry leaves, mustard, asafetida, pepper and peppercorns, tamarind, chilies, and fenugreek seeds.
Similarly, if you go to South India, you will be able to taste some simple south Indian dishes which will make you feel that even the simplest form of food can give you the utmost pleasure.
To widen your sense of taste, you’ll need to travel down south, where the food is mainly cooked with coconut oil. That gives you a rich aroma and taste, the authentic South Indian flavor in every bite.
Must Eat South Indian Food on Your Trip to India
1. Idli Sambhar
One of the most common food items of South India is the idli sambhar. It is a soft white colored cake made of rice and lentil. Generally, it is served with sambhar and white coconut chutney. But you can modify it with different types of side dishes according to your taste.
This is a new way of eating rice in the South Indian region and is relatively healthy because no extra fat or spices are used to make it. Instead, it is made with steam, almost with no oil and herbs. It is one of the most popular breakfasts in the country.
2. Dosa
Dosa is one of the most popular street foods in India, with its origins in Tamil Nadu. This delightful dish is prepared using a thick batter of rice and gram, and it’s stuffed with boiled potatoes mashed with masala, coriander, and curry leaves. To complete the experience, dosa is often served with hot sambar and a spicy dip, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts.
3. Sambhar Vada/ Medu Vada
The donut-shaped Crispy vada is one of the most famous street foods in South India. Cook it using a fermented legume batter and soak it to enhance the taste. Additionally, serve these vadas with sambhar and white chutney. If you’re craving this delightful treat, you can easily prepare it at home within a few minutes. If you love cooking at home, then vada is a must to try the recipe for you.
4. Tamarind (Imli) Rice
You will find a tinge of tamarind everywhere in South Indian food, and one of the best items made with tamarind is tamarind rice.Sautee normal boiled rice with a bit of tamarind and delicious Indian spices. Then add vegetables like carrots, onions, capsicum, and peanuts. This makes it a full-fledged meal item.
5. Hyderabadi Biryani
There are two biryani famous in India; one is the Hyderabadi, and the other is Lucknowi biryani. If you’re traveling down south and miss the Hyderabadi biryani, your travel is incomplete.
Made with basmati rice, vegetables or meat, onions, spices, lemon, and saffron, this biryani has a unique flavor compared to biryanis found in other states of India. Moreover, the cooking process and the herbs used give it an altogether different taste.
6. Payasam
Delicious, creamy rice and milk pudding with cashews and raisins, paal payasam is a south Indian dessert, a version of kheer, made on various festivals and celebratory occasions like Onam. Not only it is a simple recipe. But also has richness of nuts and goodness of milk.
7. South Indian Filter Coffee
If you’re going to any south Indian restaurants, you might have noticed that people are ordering filter coffee that comes in a small stainless steel glass. In Pune, you can go to Upsouth, Wadeshwar, and many other spots where they serve authentic filter coffee, and if you’re already in southern India, you will find the filter coffee anywhere.
South Indian style coffee is made using a coffee filter. Then we add sugar and hot, boiled milk. The mixing of the coffee with milk and sugar between the stainless steel tumbler and bowl forms a foam at the top.
Lastly,
Bottom Line
If you’re traveling to India or you’re living in India, you should try authentic South Indian Food. These dishes are tangy, spicy, sweet, and colorful. These seven are one of the most famous and evergreen dishes you must try.
In the comment section below, do not forget to tell us which dishes you tried and from where.
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