8 Dishes From Saraswat Cuisine You Should Explore

By Ujjainee Roy

February 12, 2024

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Saraswat cuisine, which originated in the Saraswat Brahmin community of the coastal regions of Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra, is known for its emphasis on fresh seafood, coconut, and aromatic spices. The cuisine reflects the rich cultural heritage and coastal influences of the region and here are 8 must-try dishes from Saraswat cuisine.

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Bangude Pulimunchi

Bangude Pulimunchi is a fiery and tangy mackerel curry cooked in a spicy tamarind-based masala. The combination of aromatic spices, tangy tamarind, and succulent mackerel creates a flavour explosion that's both comforting and invigorating. 

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Sungta Hooman

Sungta Hooman is a fragrant and flavourful prawn curry simmered in a coconut-based gravy infused with ginger, garlic, and aromatic spices. The sweetness of fresh prawns pairs perfectly with the rich and creamy coconut sauce,.

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Kane Rava Fry

The popular seafood appetizer is made with fresh ladyfish fillets coated in seasoned semolina (rava) and shallow-fried until golden and crispy. The crispy exterior gives way to tender and flaky fish, making it a crowd-pleaser.

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Tendli Sukke

Tendli Sukke is a simple yet flavourful stir-fry made with tender ivy gourd (tendli) cooked with grated coconut, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and spices and is often served as a side dish with rice and dal.

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Gajbaje

Gajbaje is a vibrant and colorful mixed vegetable curry made with an assortment of seasonal vegetables like pumpkin, drumstick, yam, and beans, simmered in a coconut-based gravy flavored with tamarind, jaggery, and spices. 

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Kori Rotti

Kori Rotti is a classic Mangalorean dish consisting of spicy chicken curry served with crispy rice wafers (rotti). The curry is made with tender chicken pieces cooked in a fragrant coconut-based masala.

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Neer Dosa

Neer Dosa is a light and delicate rice crepe that's a staple in Saraswat cuisine. Made with a batter of soaked rice blended with coconut milk and water, Neer Dosa is thin, soft, and slightly translucent.

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Ambat Batata

Ambat Batata is a tangy and flavourful potato curry cooked in a coconut and tamarind-based gravy, tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and dried red chilies. This comforting and aromatic curry is served with steamed rice or chapati.

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