Due to its reputation for producing spices, southern India has always been a stop on old trade routes. Due to the ingenuity of numerous brains, these spices have been mixed in various ways to create some of the most mouthwatering cuisines for us today. Be it the ubiquitous Masala dosa, the biryani from Hyderabad, the Chettinad from Tamil Nadu, the Mysore Pak from Karnataka, or the prawn curry from Kerala, these well-known dishes from South India all hit your palate in a similar yet different way. Here are 8 South Indian delicacies that are well-known and will have you craving them time and time again.
1. Chicken Chettinad

This mouthwatering cuisine, one of the most well-known foods of south India, has its origins in the Chettinad district of Tamil Nadu. It has been handed down through the years to become the delectable recipe we know today. A specific paste is used to cook the marinated chicken, giving the dish its distinctive flavour. Typically, coriander seeds, red chilies, coconut, poppy seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, and black pepper are combined to make this paste.
Places to eat: Anjappar Chettinad Restaurant, Coimabatore
Price: INR 300 – INR 400 per person
2. Thalassery Biriyani

This biryani is a product of the cuisine of Kerala’s Thalassery region, which is a fusion of Indian, European, and Persian influences. This delicacy uses a unique variety of rice instead of regular basmati rice, giving the meal its distinctive flavour. Although biryani has Mughal origins, it is one of the most well-known dishes in south India since it represents the cultural fusion of Malabari and Mughal cuisines.
Places to eat: Paris Restaurant, Thottathil hotel, Thalassery
Price: INR 200 – INR 400 per person
3. Pandi Curry

This delectable cuisine originates from Coorg, a district in Karnataka with a very rich cultural heritage. Because game is so readily available in Coorg, there are numerous delectable non-vegetarian meals like Pandi curry. This meal is renowned as a famous South Indian dish despite being very light and easy on the tongue compared to the heavily spiced Indian cuisine..
Places to eat: The Raintree, Folksy Food, Coorg
Price: INR 300 – INR 600 for two
4. Konju Varutharaccha Curry

This meal, which is known as “Kerala Prawn Curry” in its literal sense, is a posh one that is typically served at dinner parties and is named after the Indian state of Kerala. The prawns are combined with coconut milk and flavorful seasonings to make this dish. When you take the first bite of this dish, your mouth is filled with a flavour that is entirely unique thanks to a dash of tamarind and other spices.
Places to eat: Paragon Restaurant, Kozhikode, Trilogi Restaurant, Ernakulam
Price: INR 400 – INR 600 per person
5. Hyderabadi Biryani

The Hyderabadi dum is India’s most popular biryani dish. A dish known as “biryani” is cooked with flavorful basmati rice, marinated chicken in dahi, and several masalas and spices. To allow the ‘dum’ process to maximise the flavour of the dish, all of this is combined and placed on a low flame. The first Nizam of Hyderabad, Nizam-ul-Mulk, Asaf Jah I, is credited with creating Hyderabadi biryani, according to tradition.
Places to eat: Paradise, Jewel of the Nizam, Hyderabad
Price: INR 200 – INR 400 per person
6. Masala Dosa

This meal, which comes from the state of Karnataka, is perhaps the most recognisable and is one of the most well-known south Indian dishes that can be found throughout the entire nation. Most people have had masala dosa, which is produced by frying rice and lentil batter that has been fermented overnight, at least once. It is typically served with sambar and coconut chutney. Due to its widespread appeal, the dosa recipe has undergone cultural modifications, giving rise to a variety of dosas such the paper masala dosa, Mysore masala dosa, Madras special masala dosa, etc.
Places to eat: Central Tiffin Room, Vidyarthi Bhavan, Bangalore
Price: INR 100 – INR 300 per person
7. Chicken 65

This deep-fried chicken dish, which is offered as an entrée at the Hotel Buhari in Chennai, is credited to AM Buhari. Red chiles, which also give the cuisine its colour, are what give the dish its flavour. People have created vegetarian versions of this meal, such as Gobhi 65 or Paneer 65, because it is so delectable.
Places to eat: Hotel Buhari, Chennai
Price: INR 300 per person
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most famous South Indian dish?
There is not one but many famous dishes in South India including Pongal, Masala dosa, Chicken 65, Sambar, Pulihora, Appam, Upma, Hyderabadi biryani and many more.
What is the main food in Chennai?
The main food dishes of Chennai include Idli and Sambhar, Dosa Chutney, Onion Tomato Uttapam, Pongal with chutney, sambar, vada, Vada sambar chutney, Milagai Bajji, Biryani, Pista Kulfi etc.
Is it safe to visit South India during Covid times?
You need to follow all the mandatory travel guidelines suggested by the government. Always remain masked while stepping out and maintain social distancing. Complete both the doses of vaccination before planning your journey and get yourself tested at 48 hours before traveling.
Is South Indian food healthy?
South Indian food items are mainly fermented which are healthy for gut microbiota. They are rich in probiotics; especially idli, dosa, uttapam, etc. Fermentation improves digestibility, enhances B vitamins and boosts the immune system.
