Are you planning to order your next South Indian treat? Then wait a bit. You might be in for a treat if it’s the season of festivals right when you are reading this blog. If this is the case, then read on to learn the best South Indian cuisines that you should try for that particular festival.
Subsequently, in this column we will also take insights on how different restaurants are anchoring the festivals with respective delicacies, showcasing the rich traditions of their region.
About Festive Food and Cuisines in South India
South Indian foods have an amazing mix of flavors, with spices, rice, and coconut used in many platters. States comprising the southern regions- Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh also apply tamarind, curry leaves, and mustard seeds to bring special flavors to the table. In these states, people often serve their traditional meals on a banana leaf, especially during special occasions and festivals. This practice is respected throughout the country due to its eco-friendly and fresh nature. Let us now venture into the platters which bring out the festive within South Indians-
- Sakkarai/Ven Pongal-
One of Tamil Nadu’s most beloved festivals is Pongal which witnesses the celebration of gratitude, togetherness, and abundance. Right at the heart of this festivity lies the preparation of Pongal- a delightful treat that comes in two forms- (a) The sweet Sakkarai Pongal, and (b) the savory Ven Pongal. Both of these dishes are rooted deep in tradition and flourish with symbolic meanings.
This has to be a “must-have” on your list of items to try in South Indian cuisines. This is because, it brings out the true spirit of the Pongal festival among the citizens, which usually happens on the 14th/15th of January, each year. Pongal as we know it, is a thanksgiving festival, moreover, a harvest festival where farming is treated as the almighty. And South Indians as per traditions, worship Mother Earth as well as the sun god.
- Curd Rice
You must have had this at some point in your culinary journey of life. But did you know that this refreshing and soothing item is a significant one during the Pongal festival? Then, you should also know that during the traditional Pongal feast, the South Indians believe that it brings good luck.
- Sambhar
Continuing with the Pongal cuisines, Sambhar is an unavoidable topic regarding the same. Made with lentils, tamarind, and veggies, the item can be savored with a wide range of main courses. If it’s a Dosa, you can dip the crunchy pieces in Sambhar, and voila! a mix of textures and flavors will blow your tongue. Subsequently, if it’s a Vada (for instance a Medu Vada), you can dunk them in the hot Sambhar and relish the amazing fusion.
- Tamarind Rice
Another name for this item is Puliyodarai which best pairs with crisp papads, curd, and coconut chutney. These complement the rice and give a boost to its tangy and spice flavors. You can also enjoy it with mild rasam or fried snacks like Vada during Pongal.
- Kozhukattai
You might know that Ganesh Chaturthi is a significant festival in Maharashtra that symbolizes purity and devotion. But did you know that it is significant in the South too? Yeah, you heard it right. South Indians celebrate the day of Lord Ganesha by crafting this delicious dish called Kozhukkattai. This is a famous dumpling that is made in honor of Lord Ganesha, who according to Indian mythology, used to love this item among other delicacies.
- Mangai Pachadi
A dish that signifies the Tamil New Year. The main concept behind this is to consume all kinds of flavors like sweet (Inippu), spice (Urappu), salt (Uppu), bitter (Kasapu), astringent (thuvarpu), and sour (Pulippu). This symbolizes the emotions that life as a whole possesses like happiness, sorrow, anger, victory, and defeat, and we have to face them equally.
- Payasam
Though made in a very simple manner, this platter is the most sought-after during the Onam festival. Originating in Kerala, it is made by boiling milk, jaggery or sugar, and rice. Semiya payasam, aval payasam, paruppu payasam, paal payasam and javvarisi payasam are the most significant ones among other payasams which South Indians relish as a sweet dish after a meal.
- Ariselu
Another traditional dessert crafted in the Andhra Pradesh. But this is made during the Sankranti festival. It symbolizes prosperity and is shared among friends and family. Interestingly, the item mimics the Adhirasam made in Tamil Nadu. The major difference between the two is that Ariselu is treated with white sesame seed toppings, which is missing in the case of the other.
- Thalagam
Pongal Kulambu a.k.a Thalagam is cooked with a plethora of veggies simmered in the freshly ground spice mix. An interesting fact is that this gravy is complimented with Ven Pongal or Thiruvathirai kali. Keep a note- as most of these festivals happen during the winter season, the veggies harvested during this season are incorporated to make this gravy.
Now that you have got a taste of the varied South Indian festival cuisines, it is time to take you on a restaurant tour. Because, to be a part of the culinary traditions you have to taste it yourself, right? And what better way to taste it, if not from the renowned South Indian restaurants that are keeping the traditions alive among the hearts of the many?
- Banana Leaf, Mumbai- Serves food from all over the South Indian regions and is one of the many that best brings the traditional taste to the table.
- Avartana, Chennai- Apart from the above items, Avartana also came up with a new intriguing menu-Jiaa, which is revolutionizing the South Indian platters. This includes tempered semolina with braised lamb cheeks and a sorbet crafted with curry leaves.
- Mavalli Tiffin Room (MTR), Bangalore- having won mainly accolades over the years, MTP promises to offer its consumers the best South Indian dish from their expert chefs. From Dosas to Idlis and Vadas, each item will mesmerize your taste buds, etching its name in your mind for a long period.
- Chennai Square, Kolkata- This has a nice ring to it as it brings both authentic South Indian and Continental dishes to the table. If you ever set foot in this fine dining restaurant, don’t forget to taste their wide range of dosas and vada sizzlers signed with Blue Lagoon mocktail. A treat to set sail for the perfect Tamil lunch, isn’t it?
- Carnatic Café, Delhi- Apart from the typical South Indian dishes, you should try out their famous filter coffee, which gives you an authentic taste of rich coffee from Karnataka. This vegetarian spot is known for carting unique South Indian platters and out-of-the-box dosa combinations.
- Ramashraya, Mumbai- Evert South Indian dish served here brings the true taste of the traditional cuisines. Once you have tried their Masala Dosa or Tamarind Rice, you won’t ever forget this delicious spot. With its homely vibe and polite serving team, it is a favorite spot for families or friends who are looking for a refreshing South Indian treat for lunch or dinner.
Conclusion
This brings us to the conclusion that- at every corner of our diversified country, some authentic South Indian restaurants are striving to offer lip-smacking South Indian Cuisines which best bring out the essence of the festivals.
Some of the best have already been chalked out for you in the early section of this blog which can give you the edge. But there are certain information that you might need before going down to the restaurant in person. And the best platform to start with will be Swiggy’s website or application as it has to offer a seamless UI that not only helps you navigate through the South Indian cuisines but also recommends some of the bestsellers in and around you.
The primary advantage is that if you don’t feel like venturing into the restaurants physically, just order the dishes in the comfort of your home. Also, don’t forget to look into the customer ratings, if you are trying out something new apart from the ones mentioned in this blog.
