Madurai, known as the Temple City, is in Tamil Nadu. The city is famous for the renowned Meenakshi Temple and its delicious food. The food culture of the city has been shaped by local communities like the Madurai Saurashtrians (from Gujarat), who have added their unique flavours to the dishes.
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Whether you're exploring the vibrant streets or enjoying a meal at a local eatery, Madurai offers a variety of traditional foods that showcase the region's culinary diversity. From sweet jigarthanda to delectable mutton chukka, here are some must-try dishes when you visit Madurai:
Jigarthanda
Jigarthanda is a popular drink among locals and visitors in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. Its name comes from two words: "jigar," which means "heart" in Persian, and "thanda," which means "cold" in English. The name suggests that this drink is so cool that it refreshes you deep down to your heart. The main ingredients in Jigarthanda are milk, almond gum, sarsaparilla root syrup, sugar, and a special type of ice cream made from milk and cardamom. It's a common treat found at roadside stalls, especially during the hot Indian summer, providing a perfect way to cool off.
Bun Parotta
A beloved street food of Madurai, bun parotta is a delightful fusion of a bun and the classic parotta. Originating in 1991 at Madurai bun parotta kadai, this dish was first created by Karupanna and his wife Vijayam. The dough is folded into a bun-like shape, similar to Malabar parotta, and typically served with hot, spicy and flavourful curries like chicken salna.
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Kari Dosai
Kari dosai is a must-try for meat lovers, offering a unique taste of Madurai's culinary heritage. This three-layered dosa features a base of soft dosa, followed by an egg, and topped with spicy mutton keema (minced meat). The combination of textures and rich, bold flavours makes it a local favourite, delivering a satisfying and memorable food experience that pairs well with any boneless curry.
Elumbu Roast
Elumbu roast is a mouth-watering dish from Madurai, famous for its bold and spicy flavours. In this dish, mutton bones are cooked slowly in a thick, spicy gravy until the flavours are fully absorbed. The result is a rich, flavourful meat dish that pairs perfectly with hot rice or dosas, making it a must-try for anyone visitor and local who loves hearty, traditional meals packed with an intense taste
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Idiyappam
Idiyappam, also known as string hoppers, is a unique dish made from steamed rice flour dough pressed into thin noodles and steamed into delicate, disc-shaped portions. Originating from southern India, this dish is light and airy with a subtle flavour. Idiyappam pairs wonderfully with spicy curries, such as chicken, mutton, or fish curry, or can be enjoyed with sweet coconut milk and sugar. It’s a versatile and beloved dish, perfect for breakfast in Madurai.
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Mutton Chukka
Mutton chukka is one of the popular dishes from Madurai, made of tender goat meat. The word ‘chukka’ means ‘dry’ and the dish is made by cooking the mutton till the water content dries up. It is an authentic recipe made using freshly ground spices with lip-smacking flavours that any meat lover would enjoy. The dish pairs well with any kind of rice, porotta, naan, or dosa.