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Renowned for its famous stone works, antiques, handcrafted sarees, and cotton weaves, Kadapa is a cultural hallmark of Andhra Pradesh. The city is also a food lover’s paradise, boasting a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies. The crispy and flavourful karam dosa available here is not to be missed; indulge in irresistible ghee karam dosa at the local joint Kadapa Mamakaram Dosa Centre.
Historically, Kadapa was governed by several dynasties, including the Cholas and the Nizams; these empires had a deep impact on the cuisine of the city. Rice-based dishes are consumed extensively here. Similarly, the food of Kadapa is rich in fresh produce like pulses, grains, and vegetables. Tamarind and spices also feature prominently in the authentic dishes of the city, imbuing them with extraordinary bursts of flavour.
Check out some of the most famous local delicacies of Kadapa.
Karam Dosa
An Andhra specialty, karam dosa is a savoury pancake cooked typically in ghee or oil. The dish is crafted using a local spiced mixture known as “Erra Karam,” which is a red chilli onion chutney as well as a chutney powder, locally called instant “Pappula Podi.” Generous helpings of this mixture are spread across the dosa to give the dish its signature smoky flavour. Karam dosa is usually served with coconut chutney and sambar.
Recommendations: Kadapa Mamakaram Dosa Centre
Type: Vegetarian
Cost For Two: ₹150, approx.
Pulihora
Image Credits: By KALX999 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0/Wikimedia Commons
Also known as “Kokum Rice” and “Pulinchoru,” pulihora is a comforting rice-based dish relished in Andhra Pradesh. Prepared using ingredients, such as tamarind, curry leaves, mustard, chana dal, peanuts, as well as spices like red chillies, green chillies, and ginger, the aromatic dish is equal parts delicious and nutritious. Some of its health benefits include bringing down cholesterol levels and fighting off disease-causing bacteria. The dish is usually offered as a prasad in famous Andhra temples.
Recommendations: Puliyogare Company
Type: Vegetarian
Cost For Two: ₹300, approx.
Gutti Vankaya
Image Credits: Freepik
Gutti Vankaya is a tangy Andhra special stuffed brinjal curry. To make this delicacy, baby brinjals are pumped with a mouthwatering masala filling and cooked. The stuffing comprises ingredients, including desiccated coconut, peanuts, and spices like cumin, cloves, cardamom, and coriander. A hint of tamarind pulp is usually added to the curry to infuse the dish with a slightly pungent taste. Quite easy to whip up, this dish is typically enjoyed with rice or rotis.
Recommendations: Sri Lakshmi Venkateswara Hotel (Apsara)
Type: Vegetarian
Cost For Two: ₹350, approx.
Rasam
Image Credits: Freepik
Rasam is a soup-like concoction crafted primarily from tamarind and tomatoes. The fragrant dish integrates various spices, including turmeric, cumin seeds, and black pepper. Jaggery is frequently added to the dish for a sweet element. Some rasam recipes also incorporate foods like fenugreek and mustard seeds. The delicacy is typically topped off with fresh coriander leaves, which lend the food some colour and vibrancy. Rasam is usually relished as a side dish with rice.
Recommendations: Shero Home Food - Andhra
Type: Vegetarian
Cost For Two: ₹300, approx.
Ragi Sangati And Natu Kodi Pulusu
Ragi sangati and natu kodi pulusu is a wholesome Andhra special dish composed of two main elements. These include healthy millet balls called “ragi sangati,” which are eaten with a delectable chicken curry known as “natu kodi pulusu.” Boiled chicken pieces are mixed with ingredients, such as garam masala, coriander seeds, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, ginger garlic paste, green chillies, curry leaves, fresh coconut, and tomato puree to form the enticing chicken gravy.
Recommendations: Rayalaseema Spice Family Restaurant
Type: Non-Vegetarian
Cost For Two: ₹350, approx.
Gongura Mutton
Gongura mutton is a treasured Andhra specialty wherein soft mutton pieces, often with bones, are cooked in sorrel or “gongura” leaves. Tamarind is typically mixed with the mutton to give the dish its distinctive spicy and tangy flavour. Spices, such as cinnamom, curry leaves, garam masala powder, turmeric, plus red chillies and green chillies also feature prominently in the dish. Gongura mutton is usually enjoyed with a serving of plain or masala rice.
Recommendations: Andhra Meal Co
Type: Non-Vegetarian
Cost For Two: ₹250, approx.
Payasam
Image Credits: Freepik
Payasam is a creamy milk-based sweet dish of South India. Similar to a kheer, payasam is usually flavoured with spices like cardamom and saffron strands to give the dish some dimension in terms of taste. Payasam is typically garnished with a host of ingredients, including vermicelli and crushed nuts like cashews, almonds, and pistachios for a crunchy quality. The dish is a festive favourite and is frequently served during special occasions like weddings.
Recommendations: Shero Home Food - Andhra
Type: Vegetarian
Cost For Two: ₹300, approx.
