Indian Breakfasts Beyond Parathas And Idlis: 8 Dishes To Start Your Day With

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and when it comes to Indian cuisine, the offerings are plenty and diverse. While you might assume lunch and dinner offerings often steal the spotlight in Indian cuisine, breakfast in India is a culinary adventure in its own right, boasting an array of dishes that showcase the nation's culinary diversity across regional preferences. 

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1. Thalipeeth

Thalipeeth is a savoury, multigrain pancake from Maharashtra, India. It's made by mixing various flours, such as rice, gram, and wheat, with spices, onions, and sometimes grated vegetables. The mixture is shaped into a flat pancake and cooked on a griddle until golden brown and crispy. Thalipeeth is a nutritious and flavorful dish, often served with yogurt or chutney, and showcases the culinary diversity of Maharashtra.

2. Luchi with Aloo Dum

Luchi with Aloo Dum is a cherished breakfast from West Bengal, India. Luchi are deep-fried, airy wheat bread, resembling puris, while Aloo Dum is a spiced potato curry. Luchi's crispy exterior pairs perfectly with the flavorful and aromatic Aloo Dum, creating a delightful morning meal. This Bengali breakfast combination offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, showcasing the region's culinary richness and tradition.

3. Upma

Moving south, we arrive at Upma, a simple yet satisfying breakfast staple enjoyed across South India. Upma is prepared by roasting semolina (cream of wheat) in ghee or oil and then cooking it with spices, vegetables like carrots and peas, and sometimes cashews. The result is a fluffy and flavorful dish that can be customised with various seasonings, making it a versatile and nutritious breakfast option.

4. Puri Bhaji

Puri Bhaji is a North Indian breakfast classic that combines soft, puffy deep-fried bread called puri with a spicy potato curry, known as bhaji. The puris are made from unleavened wheat dough, rolled into small rounds, and deep-fried until they puff up. They are then served with a spicy and aromatic potato curry, which often includes ingredients like cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Puri Bhaji is a delightful indulgence that embodies the heartiness of North Indian cuisine.

5. Akki Roti

From the southern state of Karnataka comes Akki Roti, a nutritious and gluten-free breakfast option. Akki Roti is made from rice flour, mixed with grated vegetables, green chilies, and herbs. The mixture is shaped into thin, flatbreads and cooked on a griddle until they turn golden brown and crispy. Akki Roti is often served with chutney or a dollop of fresh yogurt, making it a wholesome and satisfying breakfast.

6. Dibba Rotti:

Also known as Minappa Roti, Dibba Rotti is a South Indian breakfast specialty, particularly popular in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It's a thick, pan-fried bread made from a batter of rice and lentils, similar to dosa batter. The batter is mixed with finely chopped onions, green chilies, and spices before being poured into a hot, flat pan to cook. The result is a crispy and flavorful bread with a soft centre, enjoyed with coconut chutney or tomato pickle. Dibba Rotti offers a unique texture and taste, making it a delightful departure from the more commonly known breakfast options.

7. Dhokla

Dhokla, a steamed and spongy snack from the western state of Gujarat, has also become a popular breakfast option. It's made from fermented rice and chickpea flour batter, flavoured with ingredients like ginger, green chilies, and mustard seeds. After steaming, it's cut into squares and garnished with a tempering of mustard seeds and fresh cilantro. Dhokla is not only light and nutritious but also a delightful play of sweet and tangy flavours, thanks to the accompanying chutney made from tamarind and jaggery.

8. Besan Chilla

Besan Chilla, a versatile Indian breakfast dish, is made from gram flour (besan) mixed with spices, vegetables, and herbs. The batter is spread onto a hot griddle, creating thin pancakes that are both savoury and protein-rich. Served with yogurt or chutney, Besan Chilla is a quick and nutritious breakfast option that offers a delightful blend of flavours and textures, making it a popular choice across India.

The world of Indian breakfasts is a testament to the nation's culinary diversity and creativity. Beyond the familiar parathas and idlis, there are myriad regional specialties waiting to be explored. These breakfast dishes not only showcase the depth of Indian cuisine but also offer a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of the country. Whether you prefer the fiery kick of Misal Pav, the comforting simplicity of Upma, or the indulgent joy of Chole Bhature, Indian breakfasts are a flavorful and satisfying way to start the day. So, the next time you embark on a culinary journey in India, don't forget to savour the breakfast delights that define the nation's morning rituals.