Nestled in the heart of Andhra Pradesh, Anantapur is a beautiful ancient city, which was ruled by the great Vijayanagar Empire long ago. Later, Nawabs, Nizams and the British took charge of the city. Each group that ruled the city left their mark on it. This gave Anantapur a rich and diverse culture. Anantapur has rich Afghan and Persian flavours from its history of Muslim rulers. Try spicy chili rice, spring onion curry, tangy rasam stew, and bitter gourd gravy. Non-veg favourites include chicken curry and fish gravy. The cuisine reflects diverse cultural influences in simple, delicious dishes.
The local people of Anantapur like to grow fruits, vegetables, and grains. Biryani, pulihora, dosa, gulab jamun, vegetables, kebabs are some of the most consumed food items of Anantapur. The food has flavours like coconut, tamarind, and curry leaves, which are an important part of the culture in Anantapur! The grains, beans, and vegetables used in cooking are grown nearby by the locals. Anantapur's food shows how farmers there live off the land. The food mixes South Indian flavours with local twists. Anantapur has a rich history when it comes to their food!
Come and explore some of the must try dishes, when you plan on visiting Anantapur on the next trip
Pulihora
Pulihora is a tasty rice dish, made with rice, tamarind, and spices. The rice gets its tangy taste from the tamarind. It is called elumichai sadam in Tamil and chitranna in Karnataka. curry leaves are added for aroma. Spices are also added to the rice like chili powder, cumin, and mustard seeds. When all these ingredients come together, they make pulihora the perfect combo! it was mostly prepared at the time of celebrations and festivals, and due to this it became an important part of Andhra food culture.
Image credit: Freepik
Restaurant Recommendations: Ruchi's family restaurant, Adimurthy Nagar, Gulzarpet, Anantapur
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200–400 approx.
Panasa Puttu Koora
Panasa Puttu Koora is a popular dish in Anantapur food culture. It is made with tender jackfruit cooked with simple spices like salt, chilli powder and garam masala. The jackfruit becomes soft and tasty in the curry. Cashews are added on top for crunch. This dish is delicious with rice or roti. The jackfruit grows well in this region, so it is used in many local dishes. Panasa Puttu Koora is comfort food that connects people to family traditions.
Restaurant Recommendations: Akshayapatra - Andhra Pindivantalu, Neeruganti St, Old Town, Anantapur
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200–350 approx.
Gutti Vankaya Kura
This dish is made with eggplants cooked in a thick, spicy curry sauce. The eggplants soak up all the yummy flavours! As the Eggplants grow very well in the region's hot climate, locals have been cooking this dish for generations. Gutti Vankaya Kura is often served with rice. The soft eggplants and flavourful curry sauce go nicely together. People in Anantapur love this dish! It's a tasty way to enjoy local eggplants.
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Restaurant Recommendations: Abhinava family restaurant, Kovur Nagar, Anantapu
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200-400 approx.
Crispy Bhindi Andhra style
Bhindi Andhra style, a mouthwatering deep-fried delicacy, is a staple of Anantapur's rich culinary heritage. Ladyfingers are the star, soaked in a zesty marinade of regional spices, fresh coconut, and pungent garlic before being fried to golden perfection. For generations, locals and visitors alike have relished the addictive crunch and complex flavours. Anantapur just wouldn't be the same without this specialty, which encapsulates the diverse tastes of Andhra cuisine in one irresistible fried snack.
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Restaurant Recommendations: Emporium family restaurant, Kamalanagr, Anantapur
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200-400 approx.
Shikampuri Kebab
This kebab is a famous street food in Anantapur. It's made with mutton, curd, and lots of spicy flavours. People in Anantapur love this kebab. It's part of their local food culture. You can find it at small food stalls all over the city. The cooks make it fresh when you order. That's the best way to eat this tasty treat! It's a specialty that shows off the spicy and flavourful foods of the region. You won't find this kebab made as well anywhere else!
Image credit: Freepik
Restaurant Recommendations: SS Palace restaurant, Kamalanagr, Anantapur
Type: Non-Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200–400 approx.
Punugulu
The streets of Anantapur are filled with the aroma of punugulu, a crispy fried snack that is a part of the city's vibrant food culture. Made from a flavourful batter of idli with onions, yoghurt, and fresh coriander, punugulu are fried to a beautiful golden brown. It is served piping hot with cooling coconut chutney for dipping. For many, a visit to Anantapur isn't complete without savouring punugulu, a beloved specialty that captures the city's culinary spirit. In just a few bites, you'll understand why it has become a quintessential local treat.
Restaurant Recommendations: Petals Veg Restaurant, Kamalanagar, Anantapur
Type: Vegetarian
Budget: ₹200-400 approx.