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When talking about South Indian states and food, a mental image of dosas, idlis, and sambar gets beautifully drawn. But all the Southern states of India have a vast cuisine with varied dishes and desserts that you must try. With each region defining its traditional delicacies, there’s a lot to explore in the local streets.
Coming to Karnataka, the state offers a rich cuisine, which is an impeccable blend of flavours and traditions, with each dish offering a unique taste of the state's rich cultural heritage. From its famous Bisi Bele Bath to the sweet Mysore Pak, here are all the famous dishes of Karnataka that you must try at least once.
List of Top 7 Famous Foods of Karnataka:
Bisi Bele Bath
Bisi Bele Bath is one of Karnataka's most beloved dishes. The Kannada words “bisi”, meaning warm, “bele”, which refers to lentils, and “bath”, which translates to rice, is a flavourful all-in-one dish. The one-pot dish, made with rice, lentils, assorted vegetables, and a blend of spices, is a hearty meal that’s often served in the state. The secret to its perfectly balanced spicy, sour, and sweet profiles is an amalgamation of spices, tamarind, and coconut.
Thatte Idli
While idlis are one of the most popular parts of traditional South Indian cuisine, thatte idli is a unique variant that is famous in Karnataka. “Thatte,” which means plate, defines the shape of the idli. Unlike the regular small idlis, thatte idlis are usually larger in size and circular in shape, resembling a plate. It is also softer and fluffier than regular idlis and is relished with hot sambar and coconut chutney.
Neer Dosa
Apart from the popular Mysore masala dosa that you must have heard of, another variety of dosa that is famous in Karnataka is Neer dosa. It is typically known for its thin and watery consistency of the batter, which justifies its name “neer,” which translates to water. Made by soaking raw rice and grinding it into a fine paste, it is cooked just like a regular dosa till crispy or golden brown.
Gojju
One of the most famous regional dishes of Karnataka is the sweet and tangy Gojju. It is a flavourful and a bit spicy vegetable curry that is usually made with assorted vegetables like brinjal, pumpkin, okra, and even fruits like grapes and mangoes. Further flavoured with tamarind, coconut and South Indian spices, Gojju is a versatile dish that can be served with rice, roti, or even idlis.
Mangalore Bajji
Mangalore Bajji, also known as Goli Baje, is a popular snack in Karnataka that originated in the coastal city of Mangalore. These popular fritters are made by deep-frying small portions of a batter made with curd, chopped onions, green chillies, grated ginger, and curry leaves. The bajjis are relished, especially during the monsoon season, with a spicy chutney paired with a cup of tea.
Mysore Pak
As the name suggests, Mysore Pak hails from Karnataka’s vibrant city and is known to be one of the most favourite desserts of the state. Originating from the royal kitchen of Mysore Palace, the fudge-like dessert is made with three simple ingredients: besan (chickpea flour), sugar, and ghee. Garnish with a generous amount of dry fruits and nuts; Mysore Pak is often served on special occasions and festivals.
Haalbai
To end the list of famous dishes of Karnataka on a sweet note, another famous traditional dessert from the state that is a not-miss is Haalbai. The Indian dessert is made with rice, coconut, jaggery, and cardamom. The soft and fudgy texture makes the dessert melt in the mouth and the experience utterly indulgent.
