Along with heritage destinations, national parks, and spectacular waterfalls, Karnataka is also rich in culinary treasures. Its cuisine takes influence from its neighbours like Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra. Talking particularly about Mangaluru, this city is mainly famous for its tangy seafood. However, there is another regional delight called kori gassi, which can steal the heart of every non-vegetarian.
The term kori gassi translates to chicken curry, which is made with succulent pieces of chicken cooked with fresh coconut, red chillies, roasted spices, tamarind, and coconut milk. This spicy and creamy chicken curry is a signature dish of the Bunt community in Mangaluru and is mainly enjoyed with neer dosa, kori rotti, or set dosa.
Kori rotti, which is a crispy, dry, wafer-like bread made from parboiled rice, is the ideal pairing for this chicken curry that softens upon soaking in the spicy gravy and makes for a perfect mouthful with some chicken in the curry. The amalgamation of fiery red chillies and aromatic spices with the creamy texture and mild sweetness of coconut gives the dish a great depth of flavour.
So, if you are planning a trip to explore Mangaluru, here are the top ten places to enjoy kori gassi in the city, as recommended by the local foodies:
Shetty’s Kori Rotti
Recommended by
Rahul @food_hunter_doctor
Ruhi @thefatchickdiary
Serving since 1981, this is one of the best spots in the city to relish some traditional Indian meals. Rahul says, "They serve the best kori gassi with the perfect amount of flavours at pocket-friendly rates." He further recommends that, apart from rice, kori rotti, and neer dosa, this dish must also be enjoyed with a plate of chicken sukka. Ruhi says, "This is an old-school place that serves a variety of items, but the kori gassi there is love."
Price For Two: Rs. 550 (approx.)
Address: Ground Floor, Ibrose Commercial Complex, MG Road, Mangaluru, 575003.
Timings: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM and 6:00 to 11:00 PM
Tandoor
Recommended by
Rahul @food_hunter_doctor
Dhanu and Prajna @_foodie_shetty_
Also known as Tandoor Express, this place is known for the finest Mangalorean seafood and coastal cuisine. Rahul says, "They serve spicy tulunadu-style kori gassi, which is rich in flavours and goes well with their crispy rice rotti." He also mentions that on most of his weekends, he makes sure to have one plate of kori gassi with their amazing kori rotti. Dhanu and Prajna recommend to all our readers that "Tandoor Express is a must-visit for all Mangalorean foods in the city."
Price For Two: Rs. 600 (approx.)
Address: Jail Rd., Boloor, Kodailbail, Mangaluru, 575003.
Timings: 11:00 AM to 11:30 PM
Maharaja Family Restaurant
Recommended by
@swaadistic
Apart from Mangalorean and South Indian cuisine, this place also serves some yummy North Indian and Chinese dishes. Team @swaadistic says, "We usually prefer homemade kori gassi, but when it comes to dining out, our first preference is Maharaja, as their dish is exactly like how kori gassi is made at our home." Apart from kori gassi, chicken ghee roast, prawn ghee roast, and anjal masala fry are also must-tries at this restaurant.
Price For Two: Rs. 700 (approx.)
Address: 1st Floor, Trade Centre, Near Jyothi Talkies, Bunts Hostel Rd., Mangaluru, 575003
Timings: 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM and 6:30 to 11:00 PM
Kesari Military Hotel
Recommended by
Pratul and Sanath @eat_.in_.mangalore
Located in Balmatta, this place is well-known for its seafood and South Indian dishes. Pratul and Sanath said, "The texture and taste of kori gassi in Kesari Military Hotel have the essence of the authentic, homely feel of namma kudla." This place is also known for its other non-vegetarian dishes like mutton biryani and chicken sukka.
Price For Two: Rs. 500 (approx.)
Address: Balmatta, Mangaluru, 575002.
Timings: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM and 7:00 to 10:00 PM
Hotel Chaavadi
Recommended by
Pooja Kiran @try.tindi
Pooja says, "This place serves authentic kori gassi along with some good authentic Tulunadu dishes." The seafood dishes at this restaurant are also very popular, and it is a must-visit for their fresh and delicious fish recipes. Located close to the City Centre Mall, Hotel Chaavadi is also known for having a very reasonable price for all their dishes.
Price For Two: 200 (approx.)
Address: KSR Road, Hampankatta, Mangaluru, 575001.
Timings: 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM and 6.30 to 9:30 PM
CKK Kitchens Of Maharaja
Recommended by
Faizal @beingmangalorean
Faizal is fond of kori gassi at this place; he says, "It’s incredibly tender and has the remarkable ability to absorb the rich coconut-based gravy, which is seasoned with a perfect blend of aromatic spices. The addition of coconut milk imparts a subtle sweetness to the dish, while the fiery heat from red chillies provides a satisfying spicy kick. The balance between creamy and spicy in this dish is simply divine."
Price For Two: Rs. 600 (approx.)
Address: Opp. Freedom Fighter Sri Lokkayya Shetty's house, Mannagudda Rd., Ballalbagh, Mangaluru, 575003.
Timings: 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM and 6:30 to 10:30 PM
Machali Restaurant
Recommended by
Faizal @beingmangalorean
Machali Restaurant offers a wide variety of traditional Indian dishes that are cooked to perfection. Apart from kori gassi, this place is also famous for its prawn ghee roast and other seafood recipes. Faizal says, "When you dine at Machili Restaurant and order kori gassi, you can expect it to be served with traditional accompaniments such as neer dosa or steamed rice. These side dishes are carefully chosen to complement the rich flavours of the curry, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal."
Price For Two: Rs. 800 (approx.)
Address: Behind Ocean Pearl, Sharada Vidyalaya Rd., Kodailbail, Mangaluru, 575003.
Timings: 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM and 7:00 to 10:00 PM
Tasty Restaurant
Recommended by
@malluzofmangalore_
This restaurant in Derlakatte provides various delectable dishes from multiple cuisines. They offer a wide range of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian delights. It is a go-to spot for locals for family dinners. Team @malluzofmangalore highly recommends Tasty Restaurant for kori gassi.
Price For Two: Rs. 410 (approx.)
Address: Belma Village, Deralakatte, Ullal, 575022
Timings: 8:30 AM to 12 AM
Cochin Village Restaurant
Recommended by
@malluzofmangalore_
This restaurant was established in 2004, and since then they have been serving their customers some delectable South Indian food. Cochin Village is a go-to place for team @malluzofmangalore, and they highly recommend this place to our readers not only for kori gassi but also for other Mangalorean dishes.
Price For Two: Rs. 300 (approx.)
Address: Old Kankanady Bypass Rd., Kankanady, Mangaluru, 575002.
Timings: 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM
Rathna’s Wine Gate
Recommended by
Prem and Sumanth @itsmangalore
Rathna’s Wine Gate is the favourite place for Team @itsmangalore to relish kori gassi in the city. They said, "This restaurant’s kori gassi has a homely taste, and the price is also not expensive." Overall, it’s a perfect place to indulge in some authentic South Indian food at a pocket-friendly price.
Price For Two: Rs. 510 (approx.)
Address: PVS Building, Ibrose Commercial Complex, MG Road, Mangaluru, 575003.
Timings: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM