Top 10 Food Items in Karnataka

Located in the southwestern part of the country, Karnataka is an Indian state known for several reasons. From its diverse natural landscapes to rich cultural heritage, fascinating history to unique traditions, there are several things that make this place a tourist magnet. Being home to several pristine beaches, rolling hills, iconic historical sites, and ancient temples, Karnataka enthrals a large number of visitors throughout the year. In addition to this, the thriving culinary scene of this south Indian state needs no introduction. This is also one of the reasons behind the immense growth of Karnataka tourism.

Karnataka Cuisine: An Overview

Crispy dosas, fluffy idlis, and tangy sambar are a few things that come to mind whenever there is a mention of food in Karnataka. But, with its rich blend of spices, fresh ingredients, and unique cooking techniques, Karnataka cuisine has a lot more to offer. This state is home to several different communities, and each one of them has its own traditional foods. This is why every region of Karnataka has its own distinct flavour and famous dishes. No matter where you go, you’ll always have plenty of options in terms of dishes to try. You can visit restaurants and street food vendors that offer a variety of local dishes. Whether you’re a vegetarian or non-vegetarian, love spicy, flavourful food, or have a low spice tolerance, Karnataka cuisine will never disappoint you!

Famous Dishes in Karnataka

Here are some of the best food items in Karnataka that you should definitely try on your trip:

Veg Food Items

Bisi Bele Bath

This spicy, rice-based dish is one of the most famous food items in Karnataka. This dish is believed to have originated in the Mysore Palace a few centuries ago. Now, it has spread across the state of Karnataka and become a popular option among locals and tourists alike. This dish is made with rice, lentils, vegetables, and a special blend of fragrant spices and is a staple on the menu of every Kannadiga household. Bisi Bele Bath is a flavourful dish and can be eaten without anything on the side. However, you can always add a spoonful of ghee to enhance its taste.

Ennegai

Ennegai is another popular choice when it comes to veg food items in Karnataka. This is a spicy and tangy dish made from eggplants, which are stuffed with a mixture of coconut, peanuts, sesame seeds, onion, etc. with lots of spices. Once filled with this flavourful mixture, these eggplants are cooked in a tangy tomato and tamarind gravy. Although you can find Ennegai anywhere in the state, it is a popular food item in north Karnataka. This delicious curry is made at almost every important festival and is often served with rice or jolada rotti.

Mysore Kuzhambu

Originating in Mysore, this spicy and flavourful dish is a must-try food item for everyone visiting the state. This coconut-based curry is made with a mix of vegetables like eggplant, drumstick, and potatoes. It gets its rich flavour from ingredients like cumin, black pepper, fenugreek, and roasted lentils. Mysore Kuzhambu is usually typically served with rice or chapatti. If you are someone who doesn’t prefer spicy food, you can also keep vegetable raita on the side to balance the taste.

Puliyogare

Commonly known as tamarind rice, puliyogare is another traditional rice-based dish in Karnataka cuisine. Known for its tangy flavour, it is made using short-grain rice and lentils. The main ingredients of this dish are chillies, tamarind extract, jaggery, and spices like coriander, black salt, etc. This flavourful dish is often served with spicy coconut chutney and fryums on the side. However, you can have it with a curry of your choice and yoghurt as well. It is also one of the best street food items in Karnataka that is popular among locals and tourists alike.

Udupi Sambar

Samabar is a popular South Indian curry served along with dosa and idlis. The regular sambar is a little spicy with a touch of tanginess, but in Karnataka cuisine, it is made with a twist. Known as Udupi Sambar, this curry is known for its distinctive, sweet taste and can be served with rice as well. Made with chana and urad dal, this variation of sambar is flavoured with spices like red chillies, coriander seeds, fenugreek seeds, and cumin seeds.

Non-veg Food Items

Korri Gassi

For non-vegetarians, Karnataka cuisine is a real treasure trove. Korri Gassi is undoubtedly among the most famous non-veg food items in Karnataka. This is a coconut-based chicken curry that is said to have originated from the Mangalore region. It is usually served with Neer dosa, rice, or roti and is a perfect meal for those who prefer flavourful, spicy food.

Coorg Pandi Curry

As the name suggests, Coorg Pani Curry is a dish that originated in the beautiful town of Coorg. This pork-based curry is extremely popular among non-vegetarians. For this dish, the meat is cooked in a special masala made of grounded local spices. This curry is known for its unique flavour, which comes from a special ingredient. This ingredient is the extract of a locally grown fruit called kachampuli, which is known for its distinctive sour taste. If you want to try some unique non-veg food in Karnataka, this is a great option you can consider.

Kundapura Koli Saaru

Kundapura Koli Saaru is another famous traditional food of Karnataka. This chicken curry is made with an assortment of aromatic spices and coconut milk. The thick, creamy gravy is also flavoured with ginger, garlic, and onions. Like most other curries served in the state, Kundapura Koli Saaru is also enjoyed with dosa, or rice. No matter what time of the day it is, you can have this chicken curry with rice/roti and enjoy a scrumptious meal.

Desserts

Mysore Pak

Mysore Pak is a sweet dish that finds its origin in Karnataka but is equally popular in other parts of the country as well. This sweet treat is known for its buttery, fudge-like texture. It is made using three main ingredients, which are gram flour (besan), sugar, and ghee, and has a rich, unique flavour. Unlike several other sweet dishes, Mysore Pak has a longer shelf life, so you can not only enjoy it there but also get it for your family and friends.

Chiroti

Chiroti is another popular local dessert of Karnataka. For this sweet dish, a soft dough of all-purpose flour is kneaded, rolled thin, and folded into multiple layers. After being deep-fried, these small cube-like pieces get a crunchy, flaky pastry-like texture. Chiroti is either dusted with powdered sugar or dipped in cardamom-flavoured sugar syrup to add sweetness. For people with a sweet tooth, this is a must-try dish on a trip to Karnataka.

There is no denying the fact that food is an integral part of any trip. Especially, if you’re going to a place like Karnataka, which is known for its rich culinary heritage, you should have an idea about must-try food items. With this list of famous dishes of Karnataka cuisine, you can make the most of your trip. At Veena World, we offer a wide range of Karnataka tour packages that you can choose from and plan your vacation in the most effortless manner.