Udupi is a small district in Karnataka, and is often known as the ‘vegetarian hub of Karnataka’. Primarily known for its vegetarian cuisine, Udupi dishes range fairly beyond just idli-sambhar, and masala dosas, as the common assumption might have it. The preparation of Udupi food is mainly centred around the use of seasonal vegetables and fruits, along with legumes and whole grains. Just the aroma that one gets from the mustard seeds and sizzling chillies is enough to tantalise your taste buds. Although Udupi is the birthplace of the masala dosa, which it is most famous for, there are a variety of other culinary gems that Udupi cuisine has to offer. Check out these Udupi delicacies, which are not just iconic, but also represent a glimpse of the Udupi culture and heritage.
Here are some Udupi famous food you must try out
1. Moode
Moode are cylindrical idlis which can be steamed in banana, turmeric, jackfruit or pandan leaves. A must-eat Udupi famous food which is prepared during festivals and is also the best breakfast in Udupi, Moode is served with a side of curries, chutneys or just with a drizzle of ghee on top. The preparation of steaming Moode out of these various leaves gives the dish a distinct aroma and taste, which is absolutely irresistible.
2. Pelakaida Gatti
A famous food in Udupi prepared from jackfruit, Pelakaida Gatti is also the best breakfast in Udupi, and can also be served as a lunch or dinner Udupi delicacy. Pelakaida Gatti is made from rice batter, jackfruit and fresh coconut, moulded in teak or plantain leaves. Topped with just a drizzle of ghee on the top, Pelakaida Gatti is one of the best foods in Udupi.
3. Bisi Bele Bhath
Not only a Udupi famous food but also an equally popular dish in the whole of Karnataka, Bissi Bele Bhath can be had any time of the day. Prepared from a mix of vegetables, rice and lentils, Bissi Bele Bhath is among the best foods in Udupi and can be served alongside papadum or a spicy pickle.
4. Murukku
Murukku is a famous food in Udupi, mainly served as a snack item. It is a savoury, crispy and unique-looking dish which makes for the perfect tea-time accompaniment. Typically prepared out of rice flour, along with additional ingredients such as chickpea flour, murukku is a popular Udupi dish which is traditionally prepared during festivals such as Diwali, Sankranti and Dasara.
5. Goli Baje
Another famous food in Udupi, Goli Baje is a snack item. Made out of rice flour, maida, curd, ginger and green chillies, Gole Baje is a savoury Udupi delicacy. It is a deep-fried snack, which is crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. Perfect to be enjoyed as a tea-time snack, Goli Baje can also be served with a side of pudina, tomato or onion chutney.
6. Mangalore buns
Sweet and savoury, Mangalore buns are the best food in Udupi and cannot be compared to your usual bread buns. Mangalore buns are a deep-fried Udupi food item, which is similar to kachoris, but have a unique and distinct taste to them. Mangalore buns are prepared from overripe bananas, which gives it the one-of-a-kind, subtly sweet taste. Served as the best breakfast in Udupi, Mangalore buns can be had with an accompaniment of chutney, or even with a glass of milk.
7. Paal Payasam
The perfect dessert that you can end your Udupi food trail with, Paal Payasam is a delicious rice pudding, served with cashews and raisins. Truly one of the best foods in Udupi, Paal Payasam is also a famous dessert in the whole of south India. Traditionally prepared during festivals such as Onam, Paal Payasam is also served as ‘prasadam’ in temples across the country. The south Indian version of kheer, Paal Payasam is a Udupi delicacy you cannot miss out on.