A Look Into The Cuisine Of Southern India

South Indian food is the food originating in the Southern part of India, comprising the five states Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Each region has unique and delectable cuisine of its own and together the South Indian cuisine has a big impact on the cuisine of the Indian region. When you order from an Indian restaurant with delivery in NYC, order South Indian food to understand the beauty of this regional Indian cuisine.

Just like any other country, Indian is divided into different regions and each region has culinary varieties of its own. South India is predominantly a coastal region and mostly has a hot and humid climate, and they also have an abundance of rainfall, which is why they usually have a range of fresh fruits and vegetables that they use in the food and you will also find a variety of seafood as well. While you will find both vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine in South Indian cuisine but some regions are predominantly vegetarian. Let us take a look into what makes South Indian a popular food choice.

Staple Foods

Rice is the most important food of South India and it is a staple in all South Indian households and a traditional South Indian meal is never complete without some kind of rice-based dish.

Rice is either boiled and served with curries or Sambar. There are rice-based pancakes called Idlis, usually paired with Sambar and chutneys, and is one of the most popular breakfast items all over the country.

Next to rice, Daal (lentils) is another major staple food and most of the dishes use daal as the main ingredient as well.

Also, coconut grows pretty abundantly in the region, and as such coconut is also widely used in many dishes, including some signature curries and chutneys.

Food Type

Considering all types of Indian cuisine, South Indian cuisine is probably the spiciest and fiery one. Also, rice is one of the major staple crops in the region, and as such most of the dishes are centered around or prepared with rice.

A traditional South Indian Thali will have rice as the main dish and you can have the rice with Sambar; a lentil soup tempered with Indian spices, or with various curries and vegetable, meat, or fish dishes.

South Indians are also very fond of chutneys and usually serve them with all of their main courses or snacks. Popular chutneys include coconut chutney, peanut chutney, tamarind chutney, and many more.

Try South Indian food on your next food exploration of the best Indian food in NYC.

Commonly Used Spices And Herbs

South Indian food is incredibly delicious and it is because of the combination of various spices and herbs used in the dishes. Some spices and herbs are widely used in South Indian cooking, which lends its the distinct flavor of the South. These include curry leaves, pepper, mustard, tamarind, peppercorn, chilies, asafetida, and fenugreek seeds. Traditional South Indians also use a masala called ‘Huli Pudi’ in some dishes to spice and flavor them.

Commonly Used Cooking Oils

Since coconut grows in abundance in the South Indian region, as such coconut oil is the most commonly used oil for frying and cooking. Apart from these, sometimes sunflower and canola oil is also used in cooking.

Must-Try South Indian Dishes

- Puliyogare

Puliyogare or Tamarind rice is a traditional rice dish, which is made using steamed rice, and tamarind juice is served from the top and flavored using grated coconut, jaggery, fenugreek, curry leaves, and various other spices.

- Chicken Chettinad

Popular Chicken curry from the Southern state of Tamil Nadu. this dish is super delicious, albeit a tad bit spicy.

- Malabar Fish Curry

The food in Kerala is mainly fish-based and this Mlabbari cuisine too is a delectable fish entree cooked in coconut and red chili-based appetizing gravy.

- Hyderabadi Biryani

This perfect Andhra cuisine has its roots in the Royal kitchens of the Nizams. Savory and mouth-watering, Biryani is an absolute must-try.

- Masala Dosa

A simple, subtle yet flavorsome breakfast item, Dosa is the delicious start that everyone needs in their day.