It wouldn’t be wrong to say that Karnataka is home to different regions, and its culinary tradition too varies from one region to another. Apart from its rich and diverse culture and multi-faceted heritage, it also has a rich culinary history. The cuisine of Karnataka is one of the oldest surviving cuisines and uses a wide range of flavours, ingredients and cooking techniques from Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to the South as well as Maharashtra to the North.
Also Read: Menthe Paddu: Rice Dumplings Karnataka Style
If you too are a fan of Karnataka cuisine, here are six classic dishes that you just can’t say no to. These dishes can never ever disappoint you. Don’t believe me? Have a look below:
Video credits: Hebbars Kitchen/YouTube
Bisi Bele Bath
This rich dish has quite a fanbase all across the globe. Bisi Bele Bath is a flavorful and spicy one-pot dish made with rice, toor dal, assorted vegetables, and a special spice blend known as "bisi bele bath masala." Seasoned with ghee, this rice dish is a popular and hearty meal that gives the utmost level of satisfaction.
Ragi Mudde
Long before eating millets became a trend, Ragi Mudde held a special place in Karnataka’s cuisine. Ragi Mudde is a traditional dish made from ragi and water. A staple in many households, especially in rural Karnataka, the dish involves cooking ragi with water to create a dense and dough-like consistency. Often served with rasam and curries, this is something you must try at least once.
Mysore Masala Dosa
Who doesn’t like masala dosa? But if you are a true fan, you know that not every dosa is Mysore masala dosa. It is a thin, crispy dosa filled with a spicy and tangy potato filling and served with coconut chutney and sambar. What’s the difference? This special dosa is known for its distinctive red chutney, which is spread inside the dosa, giving it a unique flavor.
Udupi Sambar
Udupi Sambar is a flavorful and mildly spiced lentil-based stew made with toor dal, assorted vegetables, and a special blend of spices. It is known for its use of tamarind and coconut. Udupi Sambar is a key component of the Udupi cuisine, and it's often enjoyed with rice, idli, vada or dosa. Have you tried it before?
Maddur Vada
This popular tea-time snack Maddur vada originates from the town of Maddur in Karnataka. These are crispy and savory deep-fried fritters made from a mixture of all-purpose flour, rice flour, semolina, onions, and spices. They are loved for their crunchy texture and spicy flavor.
Mysore Pak
Last but not the least, Mysore Pak is a famous sweet dish from Karnataka, particularly associated with the city of Mysore. Made with a simple combination of ghee, sugar, and chickpea flour, this dessert has a melt-in-mouth texture, thanks to the generous amount of ghee used in its preparation. If you haven’t tried Mysore Pak before, you are surely missing out on a lot of things.