Top 10 South Indian Dishes

South Indian cuisine is known for its rich flavours, diverse ingredients and unique cooking techniques. Here is a list of top10 best must-try dishes that capture the essence of this vibrant culinary tradition. 

1. Masala Dosa 

Masala dosa is a thin, crispy crepe made with fermented rice and black gram paste and topped with a spicy mixture of mashed potatoes. Commonly served with coconut chutney and sambar, this dish is a staple breakfast dish in South India and has gained popularity worldwide due to its delicious taste and texture.

2. Idli Sambar

Idlis are soft, fluffy steamed cakes made from fermented rice and lentil batter. They are often served with sambar, a tangy lentil-based vegetable stew, and coconut chutney. This dish is not only tasty but also light and easy to digest, making it a popular breakfast option.

3. Hyderabadi Biryani 

A royal dish originating from the Nizams of Hyderabad, this biryani is a flavourful blend of basmati rice, marinated meat (often chicken or mutton) and a variety of spices. Prepared using the "dum" (slow cooking) method, it is usually served with raita (yogurt sauce) and mirchi ka salan (spicy curry) to make a complete meal. 

4. Shrimp  Curry Kerala

This dish contains juicy shrimp prepared with rich coconut milk sauce filled with spices such as turmeric and red pepper. Curries are often served with rice or appam (a type of pancake) and are a highlight of Kerala coastal cuisine.

5. Medu Vada 

Medu Vada are savoury fritters made from black lentils (urad dal) mixed with spices and deep fried until golden brown. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside and are usually served with coconut chutney and sambar, making them a popular snack or breakfast. 

6. Uttapam 

Also known as "Indian pizza," Uttapam is a thick pancake made from fermented rice and lentil paste and topped with onions, tomatoes, chillies and sometimes cheese. Served with chutney and sambar, it makes a hearty dish that can be enjoyed any time of the day.

7. Fish Mole 

An iconic dish of Kerala, Fish Mole is a mild fish curry cooked in coconut milk with spices like ginger and turmeric. This dish embodies the flavours of coastal South India and pairs well with appams and rice. 

8. Payasam 

A traditional dessert in South Indian cuisine, payasam is a sweet pudding made from rice or vermicelli cooked in milk and flavoured with cardamom, nuts and raisins. It’s often prepared during festivals and special occasions as a comforting end to meals.

9. Bisa Bell Bhaat

Bisa -BEL -BHAAT is a spicy rice plate prepared by cooking rice with lenses, vegetables and aromatic spices. It is usually provided by Bondi Raita or Papadum for additional textures and aroma. 

10. Chettinad Chicken 

This spicy chicken curry originates from the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu. It features chicken marinated in a spice blend including fennel seeds, cinnamon and chilli, then slow-cooked to perfection. It's robustly flavoursome and an unforgettable dish that pairs well with rice or roti. 

These dishes offer a glimpse into the diverse world of South Indian cuisine, each offering unique flavours that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the region. Whether enjoyed at home or in restaurants around the world, these dishes are sure to delight your taste buds.