7 Popular South Indian Breakfast Dishes

South Indian breakfast is known for its variety of fermented rice and lentil batter dishes such as dosa (thin rice and lentil crepes), idli (steamed rice cakes), and uttapam (thick pancake-like dish with vegetables). It is often served with sambar (spicy lentil soup) and chutney (dipping sauce made from coconut, lentils, or peanuts).

1. Idli/dosa/uttapam/medu wada with Coconut Chutney and Sambhar
2. Upma, Kesari
3. Hoppers (Appam) with Stew
4. Puttu Kadala
5. Idiappam (String Hoppers)
6. Venn Pongal
7. Malabar Porotta With Curry

1. Idli/dosa/uttapam/medu wada with Coconut Chutney and Sambhar

Idli, dosa, uttapam, and medu wada are popular South Indian breakfast dishes made from fermented rice and lentil batter. They are typically served with coconut chutney and sambar, a spicy lentil soup with vegetables and tamarind.

2. Upma and Kesari

Upma is a traditional South Indian breakfast dish made from semolina, onions, and spices. It is often served with coconut chutney and sambar. Kesari is a sweet dish made from semolina, sugar, ghee, and saffron. It is often served as a dessert or as part of a breakfast meal.

3. Hoppers (Appam) with Stew

Hoppers, also known as Appam, are a popular breakfast dish in Sri Lanka and South India. They are made from fermented rice batter and cooked in a special hopper pan to create a bowl-shaped crepe. Hoppers are often served with a vegetable or meat stew, such as chicken or beef, that is flavored with coconut milk and spices.

4. Puttu Kadala

Puttu Kadala is a traditional breakfast dish from the Indian state of Kerala. Puttu is a cylindrical steamed rice cake made with rice flour and coconut, while Kadala is a curry made with black chickpeas, coconut milk, and spices. Puttu Kadala is often served together and is a popular breakfast option in Kerala.

5. Idiappam (String Hoppers)

Idiappam, also known as String Hoppers, is a popular breakfast dish in South India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. It is made by steaming rice flour noodles that are woven into a flat, circular shape. Idiappam is often served with coconut milk and sugar or with curries made with vegetables or meat.

6. Venn Pongal

Venn Pongal is a popular breakfast dish in South India, especially in Tamil Nadu. It is made from rice and lentils that are cooked together with ghee, ginger, and black pepper. Venn Pongal is often served with coconut chutney and sambar, and is a filling and nutritious breakfast option.

7. Malabar Porotta With Curry

Malabar Porotta is a flaky, layered flatbread that is popular in the Indian state of Kerala. It is typically served with a spicy vegetable or meat curry that is flavored with coconut milk and a blend of aromatic spices. Malabar Porotta with curry is a popular breakfast dish in Kerala and is enjoyed throughout the day.