In the port city of Mangalore in southwestern India, certain dishes are particularly famous and cherished. They’re known as ‘Mangalorean’ food, and it’s a reflection of the culture that has developed in this region. Mangalore is known for its seafood cuisine which is why so many visitors come here to eat. The locals also know that it has some of the best seafood in the country and they go out of their way to highlight this on their menus: be they street vendors, restaurant owners or hotel chefs. The coastal region around Mangalore is famous for its coconut groves and fresh fish from the surrounding seas. It’s no wonder these cuisines have developed over time – if you look at the map, you can see just how sheltered this area is from other regions, creating an almost insular ecosystem with its own specialties.
A Brief History of Mangalore Cuisine
Mangalore is located on a rather long coastline that’s exposed to the vagaries of the ocean. Mangalore was a major trading port for centuries. The spices from the Far East and Middle East that traded here were essential for any cooking in India: In its early days, the coastal area of Mangalore was populated by various communities who had their own unique cuisines. During the British Raj, the coastal areas fell under the jurisdiction of the Madras Presidency and the cuisines of the early coastal communities were incorporated into the Madrasian cuisine. This made the local cuisines of the coastal areas even more interesting. Over time, the British introduced their own dishes like fish and chips, while the coastal communities added to their cuisines by importing ideas from the West.
Must-Eat Dishes from Mangalore
A melting pot of cultures, Mangaluru is a food-connoisseur's paradise. There are different communities residing there like swat Brahmins, Gouda Brahmins, Catholics and Bunts. All these different communities have influenced Mangalorean cuisine and made it what it is today. So, let’s tell you about some authentic Mangalorean food that you must have when you’re visiting there.
Mangalore Buns
Mangalore buns are similar to donuts and are a tasty snack that can be eaten all day. These puffed buns are prepared from ripe bananas and have a thick and flaky texture. The batter has to be fermented which makes the buns soft and pliable. They can be relished with coconut chutney and sambar, in some areas people eat it with potato palya and vegetable kurma as well.
Neer Dosa
Mangaluru has its very own version of the dosa -Neer dosa. This breakfast item is extremely popular in the Tulu region. Neer dosa derives its name from the Tulu language where it means 'water dosa'. The Neer dosa is prepared from a watery batter and is relished with coconut chutney.
Chicken Sukka
Chicken sukka, is another Konkan specialty which is prepared with the tanginess of tamarind, the sweetness of coconut and heat of red chilies. This is a must have dish when you’re visiting Mangaluru.
Kori Rotti
Kori Rotti | Instagram - @uchils.kitchen
Chicken Ghee Roast
This is one of Mangaluru’s best dishes, it is a spicy hot chicken curry made with ghee. This dish has its origins in Kundapura, a small coastal town in Karnataka. Although the chicken is not roasted in the dish, its strong spicy aroma is credited to the use of whole spices.
Bangude Puli Munchi
In Tulu, the word ‘bangude’ means mackerel, and ‘puli’ is tamarind or tangy, and ‘munchi’ means chili. This dish has its origins among the Bunt community and is a tangy mackerel fish curry traditionally prepared in a clay pot that gives it an earthy flavor. The fish is cooked in a thick spicy gravy, of roasted spices, onions, garlic and tamarind, and is usually polished off with steamed rice.
Mangalore is a great place to visit, and the best part is that it's much easier to enjoy the food when you're here. If you're looking to eat something special, you'll find plenty of options here. So go on a trip to Mangaluru and savor the delicious food there.
