Belgaum is a bustling city that is nestled in the heart of northern Karnataka. The city is characterised by its quick and crucial technological advancements, which have earned it the status of a “Smart City.” It is also popularly considered the second capital of Karnataka, trailing only the metropolis behemoth that is Bangalore. Belgaum’s food culture reflects the city’s diverse and cosmopolitan population. For example, several local delicacies, including the fingerlicking solkadhi draw influences from multiple cuisines, such as Malvani, Goan, and Konkani.
Belgaum’s cuisine offers an eclectic range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, including South Indian classics such as dosa and tatte idli as well as surprising masterpieces like mutton biryani. If you’re looking for traditional Belagavi mutton biryani, drop by the Niyaaz Restaurant. Belagavi food is also defined by a host of sweet dishes and beverages, which include the nutritious karadant and the aromatic sweet masala doodh. Drop by the Sharma Sweets & Restaurant if you want to enjoy a refreshing glass of authentic Belagavi masala doodh.
Check out the top 8 local delicacies of Belgaum.
Sweet Corn Dosa
Dosa is a quintessential South Indian food that is primarily enjoyed as a breakfast item in Belgaum. A popular Belagavi street food, the sweet corn variation of the dosa is prepared using sweet corn, garam masala powder, ginger garlic paste, tomatoes, onions, and cumin seeds. The dish is lauded for its pleasant taste as well as its light and airy texture. It is also considered healthy for its minimal use of oil and integration of multiple nutritious vegetables. This dish is typically savoured with coconut chutney.
Recommendations: Gallu’s Dosa
Type: Vegetarian
Cost for Two: ₹400, approx.
Tatte Idli
An authentic Karnataka creation, tatte idli is typically cooked on a flat plate with a batter comprising ingredients such as rice, urad dal, poha, or sabudana. What makes this idli particularly stand out from regular idlis is its large size and flat shape, more so than normal idlis. Considered a filling lunch option, tatte idli is usually savoured with sambar and coconut chutney; however, it can also be enjoyed with various chutneys, including tomato and onion.
Recommendations: Tumkur Tatte Idli
Type: Vegetarian
Cost for Two: ₹200, approx.
Solkadhi
Solkadhi is a rejuvenating drink that is prepared using kokum fruit and coconut milk. This drink is cherished for its cooling properties, making it a summertime favourite, although it can be consumed all year round. The local people of Belgaum usually prefer pairing this drink with some sort of fish. The rich flavours of the fish combine with the tanginess of the drink to help craft a superior gastronomic experience.
Recommendations: Hotel Shreya Multicuisine Restaurant
Type: Vegetarian
Cost for Two: ₹200–₹400, approx
Mutton Biryani
Mutton biryani is among the most beloved foods of Belgaum. Characterised by its distinct fragrance, most Belagavi mutton biryani recipes use ingredients like mutton, rice, and spices, including turmeric, cardamom, and cinnamon. What is unique about Belagavi mutton biryani is that during preparation, it is marinated right to its final step. This sets it apart from other variations of biryani. Mutton biryani also holds sentimental value for many Belagavi families as each family is believed to have its own special recipe of this classic dish.
Recommendations: Niyaaz Restaurant
Type: Non-vegetarian
Cost for Two: ₹200–₹400, approx
Alipak
Alipak is a lipsmacking street food of Belgaum that is crafted from groundnuts, grated coconut, puffed rice, and a spice called “pade lavan.” This delicacy is a big hit among health-conscious folks as it is a non-oily food that integrates various healthy ingredients in the vein of groundnuts and puffed rice. In this way, the dish makes for a nutritious as well as a delicious snack. Alipak is typically savoured with a glass of sugarcane juice.
Recommendations: Sheetal Raswanti Gruha
Type: Vegetarian
Cost for Two: ₹200, approx
Kunda
Kunda is a festive sweet dish that is usually made from milk, dry fruits, curd, sugar, and cardamom powder. This succulent dish has multiple variations across the country; it is also known as caramelised milk fudge, thiratti paal, and kalakand in other regions of India. However, the rich taste and creamy texture of the dish more or less remains the same. Kunda is a staple food offering during several festivals, including Dussehra, Diwali, and Ganesh Chaturthi.
Recommendations: Shree Purohit Kunda
Type: Vegetarian
Cost for Two: ₹200–₹400, approx
Ladagi Laddu
Also known as ladagi undi, this scrumptious sweet dish is believed to have originated in the Gokak town of Belgaum. Crafted from coconut, jaggery, gram flour, and spices, including cardamom and cinnamon, this dish is treasured across northern Karnataka not only for its luscious flavour but also for its nutritional qualities. As this laddu is loaded with vital proteins and minerals, it is recommended for children as they are growing, athletes as they undergo strenuous physical training as well as pregnant women.
Recommendations: Sadanand Sweets
Type: Vegetarian
Cost for Two: ₹150, approx
Seafood Thali
Image Credits: By Joegoaukfishcurry2 - Fish Curry Rice thali, CC BY-SA 2.0/Wikimedia Commons
The ornate seafood thali of Belgaum provides an explosive and a satisfying experience to seafood lovers everywhere. The intricately curated thali comprises an impressive range of dishes, including prawns curry, kadai fish, shrimp palak, and rawa king fish fry. The thali is typically served with a helping of rice and a variety of flatbreads. Not only is this thali beloved by locals but it also draws several foodies from India as well as across the globe to indulge in the traditional seafood offerings of Belgaum.
Recommendations: Pai’s Only Fish
Type: Non-vegetarian
Cost for Two: ₹200–₹400, approx