Indian traditional food is spicy, tasty and healthy. Food practice is regional in India and is based on the crops grown in that area, weather conditions and physical work done by the people. Hence it is healthy. Coming to Karnataka, the food habits has too much variation from place to place. There are some dishes which can be considered as signature Karnataka recipes. For example Bisibele Bhath, Mysorepak, Ragi Mudde and so on. In this article, I will introduce you to some well-known dishes and some lesser known dishes specific to Karnataka.

Famous Breakfast Dishes of Karnataka

Dose and its Variants

Masala Dosa

Dosa or dose is one of the most famous Karnataka Breakfast recipes. Be it Set Dose or Masala Dose or Plain dose, people are crazy about this breakfast dish. There are different varieties of dosa and there are some stalls which claim 99 varieties of Dosa. Masala Dose is the most famous and most opted type. Each region has its own signature dosa. Davanagere Butter dosa is the most liked amongst them. Made from a combination of Rice and Urad Dal, this crispy, soft dish goes well with Chutney, Sambar, and Sagu.

Uppma and its variants

Rava Upma – Feast for Eyes and Taste Buds!

Upma or Uppittu is one of the ‘easy to make yet tasty’ breakfast and is one of the Karnataka famous food. It is dearer to everyone because of the variations one can make. I can list more than 25 types of Uppittu and each will have its own signature taste. Avarekalu upma, vegetable upma, plain upma, onion upma are some of the well-known varieties. Upma can be healthy, light or rich, spicy or bland and is best for lunch boxes and travel boxes.

Akki Rotti

It is one of my favorite breakfast items. I can eat Akki rotti every single day! I love this because it is crispy, spicy and can contain any vegetable I like. Made from rice flour, grated coconut this takes the taste of the vegetable you add. The plain one without any vegetables and spices also tastes superb. Akki rotti should be eaten hot with chutney or masala brinjal sabzi.

Idli, Chutney, Sambar with Vada

Idli, Chutney, and Sambar

Idli is all time favorite of South Indians. This soft, smooth, healthy dish which is oil-free, tops the list of healthy breakfast. There is no eatery which does not make Idli Sambar, Chutney and Vada for breakfast. Made from rice and Urad dal, this is most opted breakfast and is recommended for people of all age. There are not many variants in Idli except the softness, which is the quality measure.

Akki Shavige

Akki Shavige

While these are the most popular breakfast recipes, Shavige is a lesser known dish. The Indian version of present noodles, it is made from Rice floor with very little oil, steam cooked, and soft which makes it a healthy diet. This traditional food of Karnataka was made at home earlier, but since it is a little tedious process there are many instants available. You can make it either sweet or spicy as per your preference. Since this is oil-free, it is a good choice for health fads and those who look for easily digestible food.

Neer Dose

Neer Dose

Though it has the name dosa and is the same in appearance, the taste is entirely different. The paper-thin dose is one of the best Karnataka rice recipe made from using rice and coconut and tastes yummy. Served with different types of chutney, sagu and a mixture of jaggery and grated coconut, Neer dose makes one of the best breakfast dishes.

Uddina Kadubu

This is a richer form of Idli and can be considered as one of the Kannada Brahmin Recipe. Prepared using Rice and Urad dal in a different proportion, this is spicy with lots of richness. It is unique because it is steamed by keeping the batter inside plantain leaf. The spices and the mellow aroma of plantain leaf make it yummy on taste buds. This should be savored hot with butter and coconut chutney.

Light Delight – Snacks of Karnataka

Maddur Vada

Maddur Vada with Chutney

Maddur is a small place on Bengaluru Mysore highway. The signature dish of this place ‘Maddur Vade’ has made this place well known. Maddur vada is not soft like regular vada, but it is crispy and spicy. Made from Soji with a lot of onion and other spices, it is savored with chutney. Those traveling between Bengaluru and Mysuru will stop at Maddur just to enjoy hot Maddur vade.

Menasinakai Bonda

Mensinkai Bonda

This is a snack can be called ‘King of all Snacks” and the best Indian cuisine in my opinion. People of Karnataka love this and is eaten from Morning to night, with breakfast, with lunch, as a snack, and for dinner. Though it is available in all eateries across Karnataka, Davanagere is well known and can be called as the signature dish of this place. People here eat this for breakfast and the chilies of this place have special flavor and taste making the bonda equally special.

Chakkuli

Crispy Chakkuli

This is the most common snack found in every household of Karnataka. This can be stored for quite a long time and is crispy and non-spicy. Made from Rice floor and Urad dal, it melts in the mouth and one can keep munching it for the taste of it. Chakkuli is specially made on Ganesha festival and good for children who love snacks. If it is made using the right proportion and right way, it melts in the mouth.

Nippattu

This is a snack which is spicy, tasty and gives a rich feel. Best snack to munch with coffee. Nippattu is made using a different proportion of ingredients but mainly consists of rice floor and is energized using Dry Coconut, Groundnut, Til etc. It is crispy, spicy and tasty. Best snack to carry during travels.

Sweet Recipes of Karnataka

Rave Unde

Rave Unde

This sweet laddoo is made from Chiroti Soji. It is the best choice for carrying during travel and for storing. It can be made rich using lots of dry fruits. The dry coconut and ghee used to give it a beautiful aroma and taste. The taste can be varied if the basin is mixed with Soji.

Yereyappa – Soft Fluffy sweet

Yereyappa

This sweet is for those who love traditional food of Karnataka. This is a deep fried sweet prepared using rice, jaggery, and ripe banana. The end product will be soft, spongy and tasty. With banana added, it gives a unique taste. It has a shelf life of about a week and can be enjoyed even by senior citizens. This traditional sweet is vanishing from the kitchen though it is easy to prepare.

Mysore Pak – The Must Taste Sweet

Mysore Pak

Mysore Pak tops the list of Sweets of Karnataka. This world-famous sweet is the signature dish of Karnataka and most of the sweet stalls sell the best quality. Yet there are specific places where you should not miss this awesome sweet. Made from Basin, Sugar, and Pure Ghee, this sweet is a feast for the eyes, nose and taste buds. Being very rich as it is made from pure desi ghee, one can not stop with one or two pieces.

These are just a few amazing, traditional Indian Cuisines. The varieties of Karnataka food make everyone a fan of this taste. I have only introduced you to the tip of the varieties found here. I will try to bring out a lot more for all the food fads in India and World.