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Despite its small size and laidback vibe, Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool city packs a cultural punch. The city is a big draw for religious devotees as it houses a bunch of religious sites, including the Sai Baba Temple and the Jumma Masjid. Beyond its spiritual significance, the city is known for its eclectic cuisine, which comprises a healthy mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies.
One of the most sought-after culinary gems of Kurnool is the flavour-packed Rayalaseema biryani, which will be explored in detail below. Drop by the local establishment Venkataramana Food Court to enjoy this spicy and delicious delicacy. Overall, the dishes of Kurnool are marked by an extensive use of wholesome ingredients, including pulses, millets, and spices; the city’s cuisine derives its distinctive signature taste from these ingredients.
Check out some of the most treasured culinary gems of Kurnool.
Pulihora
Pulihora is a simple and a comforting rice-based dish that’s prepared using tamarind. Cherished for incorporating tangy as well as spicy flavours, this dish has significant religious value attached to it; it’s typically used as a prasad in numerous temples across Andhra Pradesh. In addition to tamarind, ingredients, such as jaggery, turmeric, kokum, and peanuts are also used in the preparation of pulihora to lend it sweetness, colour, and crunch.
Recommendations: Atithi Udupi Curry Point
Type: Vegetarian
Cost For Two: ₹200–₹400, approx.
Kurnool Katte Pongali
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Like the aforementioned pulihora, Kurnool katte pongali is also a fixture in Andhra temples where it’s usually served as prasad. This aromatic rice-based dish is crafted primarily from moong dal; the dish is further seasoned with spices, such as cumin and black pepper to give it some complex flavours and textural dimension. Tasty and nourishing, katte pongali is popularly relished as a breakfast item in most Andhra households.
Recommendations: Amaravathi Tiffin Center
Type: Vegetarian
Cost For Two: ₹200, approx.
Miriyala Rasam
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Miriyala rasam is an Andhra-style soup prepared using black pepper and garlic paste. This dish is admired for its simplicity, making it a classic comfort food. Miriyala rasam is steeped quite deeply in Andhra culture; it’s a fixture in several Andhra households on a daily basis. The dish’s nurturing taste, plus its versatility contribute to its popularity. It’s typically relished as a side dish alongside rice, dal, and a curry.
Recommendations: Vaishnavi Food Court
Type: Vegetarian
Cost For Two: ₹500, approx.
Rayalaseema Biryani
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As the name suggests, this flavourful biryani dish originates from the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh. Loaded with spices, such as tamarind, green chillies, red chillies, and curry leaves, this biryani dish is a must-try for spice lovers everywhere. The biryani’s robust flavours and extensive use of spices sets it apart from other biryani variations. Rayalaseema biryani typically uses chicken as its main meat, and is cooked with basmati rice.
Recommendations: Deccan Biryani
Type: Non-Vegetarian
Cost For Two: ₹500, approx.
Ragi Sangati And Natu Kodi Pulusu
A hearty Andhra specialty, ragi sangati and natu kodi pulusu is made up of two primary components, as the name indicates. “Ragi sangati” refers to earthy dough balls prepared using finger millets, whereas “natu kodi pulusu” is nothing but a spicy and protein-packed chicken curry. These different components merge together to form a wholesome and a satisfying meal. The versatile chicken curry also can be relished with rice or flatbreads like rotis.
Recommendations: Talimpu Family Restaurant
Type: Non-Vegetarian
Cost For Two: ₹500, approx.
Payasam
Payasam is a creamy and an enriching sweet dish crafted from milk, rice, and jaggery or sugar. Some recipes of the dish substitute rice with vermicelli. The decadent concoction is typically topped off with dried fruits and nuts, including almonds and cashews, which infuse the dish with crunch and elevate its overall taste and texture. Kurnool households typically savour this indulgent treat after their meals in the form of a dessert.
Recommendations: Tulasi Veg Restaurant
Type: Vegetarian
Cost For Two: ₹400, approx.
Bobbatlu
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Andhra’s variation of the Gujarati and Maharashtrian classic sweet dish, puran poli, bobbatlu is a sweetened flatbread composed of lentils and jaggery. The dish is further seasoned with various ingredients, including sugar and cardamom, which contribute to its enticing sweet-savoury taste. Andhra households usually enjoy bobbatlu with a generous helping of ghee, and sometimes, even milk. A festive delicacy, this dish is a staple during traditional Andhra festivals and special occasions.
Recommendations: Sri Vinayaka Bakshalu
Type: Vegetarian
Cost For Two: ₹200, approx.
