The Karnataka tourism slogan is ‘One State, Many Worlds’. The same goes for food. In Karnataka, you can find all kinds of delicious food that will definitely make you want to try them.
There are different regions in Karnataka like the Bengaluru area, North Karnataka, Hale Mysuru, Karavali Karnataka, Kodagu, etc. Different regions have their own staple food. The food and traditions in Karnataka vary just after 100kms or so.
So there are definitely different types of food in Karnataka. In the good old days, when there was very less transport and communication, people mostly stayed and lived in or near the place of their birth. So, they developed a cuisine using the agricultural products found in their place and in accordance with the weather and situation in the region.
Let us have a look at the 30 most popular dishes of Karnataka.
Masala Dosa
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This dosa is not just popular throughout the country, but it is known worldwide too. I saw a European Youtuber rating various national dishes across the world and for India, he chose Masala Dosa!! India doesn’t have a National dish, but you know, I don’t blame him for choosing Masala Dosa 😌.
Masala dosa is a tasty, crispy dosa usually served with coconut chutney and sambhar. The ingredients that go into making the Masala Dosa are rice, urad dal, chana dal, fenugreek seeds, potatoes, and oil/butter/ghee. To the potato filling, you can also add other vegetables like peas, beans, etc.
This is the dosa I guarantee you will definitely enjoy making and eating and Karnataka is proud of it.
Raagi Mudde
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Raagi Mudde is a popular dish in Karnataka. Many Kannadigas love to eat Raagi Mudde. Raagi Mudde in English translates to Finger Millet Balls. This food is said to be extremely nutritious as well as tasty.
Ragi is said to have more calcium in it than even milk. The ingredients required to prepare Raagi Mudde are Raagi flour and sometimes ghee and salt. Raagi is also found to be rich in protein. Raagi Mudde is especially popular with farmers and in the farming community.
Raagi Mudde provided very good nutrition to the people working in the agricultural fields. Raagi Mudde is often eaten with different Sambhars. Raagi Mudde is also eaten with chicken curry.
Bisi Bele Bath
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Bisi Bele Bath is a popular dish from Karnataka. In English, it translates to Hot Lentil Rice Dish. It is made from rice, lentils, some vegetables, and Bisi Bele Bath Powder. It is a common breakfast dish in Karnataka.
Bisi Bele Bath can be made in different ways. To prepare Bisi Bele Bath you need to cook rice and daal together. Various spices are also added to the Bisi Bele Bath. It is usually served hot for breakfast, eaten with chutney or a mixture or chips.
You will definitely enjoy eating/making this popular breakfast from Karnataka Cuisine.
Mysore Pak
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Mysore Pak is a famous delicacy from Karnataka. It is made from gram flour, ghee, sugar, and other ingredients. Pak comes from the Kannada word ‘Paaka’ which means sugary syrup. You will usually find Mysore Pak in the shape of a cuboid or a cube.
Mysore Pak is often served on festive and auspicious occasions. This is an especially mouth-watering sweet. It has to be properly cooked to get its iconic yellow color. Even though it was invented in Mysore, it is popular all over South India.
Have you ever tried Mysore Pak? How was the sweet? Write in the comments below.
Jolada Rotti
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Jolada Rotti is the staple diet of North Karnataka. It translates to Jowar (Sorghum) Bread. It is very coarse bread. It is often eaten with salads or spicy side dishes. The lunch involving Jolada Rotti is called Jolada Rotti Oota.
Jolada Rotti is prepared by using Jowar flour, water, and salt. Oil is not used in cooking Jolada Rotti. It is also gluten-free with no hidden fats.
Jolada Rotti is found in North Karnataka restaurants all over Karnataka and other states. It is one of the must-try dishes from Karnataka you should definitely have to experience North Karnataka.
Kori Gassi
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Kori Gassi is a delicious chicken curry from Mangalore. It is made up of coconut milk, fried onions, roasted spices, and tamarind. Kori Gassi in Tulu translates to Chicken Curry.
This is an extremely delicious dish, especially when eaten with Neer Dosa. Gassi is smooth and paste-like. It is traditionally eaten with Rotti, a crispy flatbread made up of rice flour. Kori Rotti is another delicious dish from Mangalore.
Kori Gassi also tastes delicious with Pundi, which are steamed rice balls with a hole in it on the top. If you want to try the best non-vegetarian Karnataka dishes, this comes near the top of the list.
Chitranna
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Chitranna is a rice-based dish from Karnataka. It is also known as Lemon Rice. The ingredients in the preparation of Chitranna are rice, mustard seeds, lemons, chilies, peanuts, and turmeric.
Chitranna is a common breakfast dish in Karnataka. Lemon juice and turmeric give it a very good taste. Sometimes mangoes are also added to the dish.
This dish is best for breakfast and lunch. Have you eaten Chitranna before? If not, it’s definitely worth trying.
Kane Rava Fry
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This is another delicious fish dish from Coastal Karnataka. The Kane fish (Lady Fish) is deeply coated with Rava (Semolina). The ingredients usually used to make Kane Fry are Kane Fish, Rava, Turmeric, Red chili powder, Ginger garlic paste, Coconut oil, Powdered rice, and Lemon.
Kane Rava Fry is usually served as an appetizer. Kane Rava Fry is usually eaten with rice, especially boiled rice. It is extremely delicious as well as nutritious.
This is one of the dishes from Coastal Karnataka you should definitely try when you are visiting Karnataka.
Soppina Saaru
Soppina Saaru is a tasty sambhar made of greens from Karnataka. The ingredients used in the preparation of Soppina Saaru are greens, tomato, coconut, togaribele (toor daal), salt, red chilies, mustard, jeera, turmeric, tamarind, jaggery, asafoetida, oil, and other spices.
The greens can be different ones such as the menthe soppu (methi leaves), harive soppu (amaranthus), palak soppu, kottambari soppu (coriander leaves), etc. After preparation of the sambhar, it is given a seasoning called ‘Oggarane’.
In Karnataka, Soppina Saaru is eaten with rice or steamed rice. It can also be eaten with chapatis/rotis. This is a dish with which you can experience the exoticness of Karnataka cuisine.
Dharwad Peda
Dharwad Peda is a popular sweet dessert of Karnataka that originated in the city of Dharwad. A family of confectioners called Thakurs who migrated from North India started selling them in Dharwad. But now, Dharwad Pedas are available all over Karnataka.
The ingredients used in the preparation of Dharwad Pedas are buffalo milk (cow’s milk can also be used, but authentic dharwad pedas use buffalo milk), ghee/butter, sugar, lime, elaichi, etc. Making Dharwad Peda involves lot of heating and stirring.
This extremely tasty dessert can be served after lunch/dinner or served to guests that arrive at your home for tea. This is one of the most popular sweet desserts from Karnataka.
Kesari Bath
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Kesari Bath is a popular breakfast dish in Karnataka. It tastes sweet. It can also be served as a dessert after lunch. The main ingredients used in the preparation of the Kesari Bath are Rava (Semolina), Milk, Sugar, and Ghee. It is prepared in the homes of Kannadigas, especially during festivals.
Kesari means Orange. The orange-yellow color of the dish is due to adding saffron or turmeric. Cashews and raisins are added to the dish to increase its taste and appearance.
This especially sweet dish from Karnataka is definitely a must-try if you ever visit Karnataka.
Ennegayi
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Ennegayi is a delicious stuffed brinjal dish from North Karnataka. It is often served with Jolada Rotti. It is a thick gravy without onion or garlic.
The main ingredients used in the preparation of Ennegayi are brinjals, chana dal (Bengal gram), coriander, peanuts, coconut, sesame, cinnamon, red chilies, tamarind, mustard, turmeric, asafoetida, jaggery, coriander leaves, curry leaves, salt, etc.
Ennegayi is very popular in the North Karnataka region. If you visit Karnataka, definitely try this delicious dish along with Jolada Rotti or rice.
Udupi Sambhar
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Sambhar is a popular dish in South India that is eaten along with rice but pouring it on the rice. Different places in South India have different styles of Sambhar preparation. Udupi town in coastal Karnataka is famous for its cuisine. One of the tasty dishes of Udupi is its Sambhar.
It is a bit sweeter compared to other South Indian Sambhars due to the addition of more jaggery. The ingredients used in preparing Udupi Sambhar are Drumstick, Potato, Tomatoes, Toor Daal, Onions, Turmeric, Jaggery, Asafoetida, Tamarind, Bengal Gram, Coriander, Coconut oil, Salt for taste, Mustard, Red Chilies, Curry Leaves, etc.
It is traditionally eaten with rice by pouring sambhar on the rice. This is a tasty sambhar you will definitely love to have for your lunch in Karnataka.
Davangere Benne Dose
Davanagere Benne Dose is a Butter Dosa from the city of Davanagere in Karnataka. Compared to other dosas, butter is used in a bigger quantity in its preparation. The texture of this dosa is also different from other dosas.
The main ingredients used in the preparation of Davanagere Benne Dosa are rice, urad dal, butter, methi, maida flour, salt, etc.
This tasty dosa is served with coconut chutney and potato palya (dish). This dosa will definitely make your mouth water. Definitely worth eating for breakfast.
Mangalore Chicken Biriyani
Mangalore Chicken Biriyani is a Chicken Biriyani made with a special Biriyani Masala from Mangalore which gives its distinct taste. This dish is said to have originated from the Bearys, a Muslim community from Mangalore.
The main ingredients used in the preparation of this tasty dish are chicken pieces (biriyani size), basmati rice, curd, coriander leaves, coconut, coconut milk, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, coriander, onions, green chilies, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ghee, mint, salt, etc.
This an absolutely tasty biriyani that can be had for lunch or dinner. You will definitely love its taste.
Mysore Bonda
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Mysore Bonda is a tasty snack with a potato or vegetable mix filling. It is made from maida flour, coconut, coriander, baking soda, curd, salt, chilies, oil, etc.
It is similar to the Golibaje snack of coastal Karnataka. This dish can be made very quickly and served. They have a crispy texture on the outside and are soft on the inside. They are round in shape.
This is the dish that is just perfect for evening tea. Don’t miss you try this if you visit Karnataka.
Maddur Vada
Maddur Vada is another tasty snack from Karnataka you can have with your evening tea. Maddur Vada originated from the town of Maddur located near Bengaluru.
The main ingredients used in the preparation of Maddur Vada are rice flour, rava (semolina), maida flour, onions, chilies, curry leaves, etc. They are flat and crispy but a little thick.
They are big in size when compared to other vadas served as side dishes in lunches. This snack is one of the things you can try in Karnataka.
Tatte Idli
Idli is a common breakfast dish in Karnataka. Tatte means plate. This is Idli in the shape of a plate. This dish originated in the town of Bidadi near Bengaluru.
It is bigger, flatter, and more soft compared to other Idlis. It is ideally eaten with hot sambhar which is poured on the idli and chutney.
This is one of the most popular dishes in restaurants in the Bengaluru and Mysore regions. Definitely try this for breakfast if you are in Bengaluru.
Neer Dosa
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Neer Dosa means ‘Water Dosa’. This is a light and smooth dosa made up of rice batter. It is a popular breakfast dish in Karnataka, especially in the Coastal areas.
When compared to the other dosas, Neer Dosa is simple to prepare without any fermentation. It is usually served with coconut chutney and sambhar, and also with chicken, fish, or egg curries and dishes. Eating Neer Dosa with chicken curry is especially mouth-watering.
Did you try Neer Dosa? What was your experience having them? Type in the comments below.
Saagu
Saagu is a popular side dish from Karnataka served with lunch or dinner. It can also be eaten with dosas, chapatis, and pooris. This dish is made from many vegetables but the mainly used ones are carrots, beans, potatoes, and peas.
Other ingredients going into the preparation of Saagu are cashew nut paste, coconut, onions, green chilies, garlic, coriander leaves, cinnamon, cardamom, cumin seeds, salt, etc.
This is one of the delicious side dishes you can have during lunch, breakfast, or dinner. You will definitely enjoy having it.
Churumuri
Churumuri is a popular snack from Karnataka which can be had for evening tea. It is often found in street food outlets. It consists of puffed rice and raw vegetables and spices. It can be easily prepared and served on demand.
The ingredients used in the preparation of Churumuri are puffed rice, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, coriander leaves, green chilies, chaat masala, chili powder, lemon, coconut oil, salt, etc.
It is often found in food outlets near tourist places. It is also served in paper cones made from wrapped newspapers. This is a quick snack you can have when visiting Karnataka.
Holige/Obattu
Holige, also known as Obattu is a sweet flatbread from Karnataka. It is a popular dish that is served after a meal or for tea. There are various types of Holige depending on the major ingredients used.
The ingredients used in the preparation of holige are maida flour, kadle bele (chana dal)/coconut, jaggery, turmeric, oil, cardamom, ghee, salt, etc.
It is always present in lunch at functions such as marriage in Karnataka. It is also served with payasam. You will definitely love to eat this tasty dish from Karnataka.
Udupi Tomato Saaru
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Udupi Tomato Saaru is a tasty rasam served with rice during lunch or dinner. Compared to other sambhars, like the Udupi sambhar, it also tastes sweet.
The ingredients used in the preparation of Udupi Tomato Saaru are tomatoes, toor daal, turmeric, jaggery, asafoetida, tamarind, coriander leaves, pepper, mustard seeds, green chilies, coriander, curry leaves, salt, etc.
Saaru has more water content and is diluted when compared to sambhar. Udupi Tomato Saaru tastes delicious with white rice or boiled rice. In coastal Karnataka, boiled rice is eaten more than white rice. You should definitely try this mouth-watering rasam with rice in Karnataka.
Payasa
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Payasa is a sweet dessert from Karnataka which is often served after lunch or dinner. The main ingredients in the payasa can change, such as Shavige Payasa (Semiya), Akki Payasa (Rice), Sabakki Payasi (Sago), Kadle Bele Payasa (Chana Dal).
Apart from this, other ingredients used in preparing Payasa are milk, jaggery/sugar, cashew, ghee, butter, raisins, etc.
This sweet dessert is definitely worth trying. You will love its taste and deliciousness.
Akki Rotti
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Akki Rotti translates to Rice Bread in Kannada. It is a common breakfast item in Karnataka. Akki Rotti is usually served with some gravy or chutney.
The main ingredients used in the preparation of Akki Rotti are rice flour, onions, salt, carrots, coriander leaves, cumin, sesame, oil, and butter/ghee. It tastes good when served hot.
This is the tasty breakfast from Karnataka you’d definitely love eating. You can feel the taste of Karnataka.
Coorg Pandi Curry
Coorg Pandi Curry is a traditional pork curry from the beautiful district of Kodagu which was formerly known as Coorg. Coorg Pandi Curry is spicy and very tasty.
The main ingredients used in the preparation of Coorg Pandi Curry are pork, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, onions, ginger, garlic, green chilies, pepper, cumin, coriander leaves, cloves, bay leaves, tamarind, salt, etc.
This dish is often eaten with rice or Akki Rotti for lunch and dinner. If you love pork, this is a must-try dish from Karnataka which is absolutely delicious.
Badam Halwa
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Badam Halwa is a sweet delicacy from Karnataka which are made from almonds. It is often served on festive occasions after lunch/dinner.
The main ingredients used in the preparation of Badam Halwa are almonds, ghee, cardamom, milk, sugar, saffron, etc.
This tasty dessert from Karnataka is a must-try for festive occasions. You will definitely love it.
Mangalore Malpuri
Mangalore Malpuri is a popular tasty snack from Karnataka that originated in the coastal city of Mangalore. It is almost flat but fluffy and very soft.
The main ingredients used in the preparation of Mangalore Malpuri are maida flour, sugar, buttermilk, cardamom, and ghee.
This snack tastes very good with evening tea. The ghee oozing from the Malpuri will make you try this sweet again and again.
Bale Hannu Rasayana
Balehannu Rasayana is a popular tasty drink from Karnataka made from Bananas and Milk. It tastes extremely good when chilled.
The ingredients used in the preparation of Balehannu Rasayana are bananas, milk, sugar, cardamom, etc.
This will taste extremely good if you have it when you come home from a tiring day of work. Balehannu Rasayana kept in the refrigerator will taste more good.
Masala Majjige
Masala Majjige is a spicy buttermilk drink from Karnataka. It is very refreshing as well as gives you a spicy taste.
The ingredients used in the preparation of Masala Majjige are curd, green chilies, lemon, ginger, coriander leaves, salt, etc. Tempering should be added to the drink.
This is a tasty drink that will definitely energize you after you come home after a tiring day, it is tastier when chilled.
Which was your most favourite? Which one do you want to try at home? Write in the comments below.