South Indian Flavours

During Darjeeling District's cold winter season, schools get a long, two month holiday. Having been in India for about a year now but not had the opportunity to see very much of the country, I was eager to explore a new area. Last spring two Couchsurfers, Nadirah and Jun, from Malaysia came and stayed with me. They are studying in Davangere, Karnataka state, and invited me to come and visit them. Once my holiday started, that was my first stop.

Nadirah, Jun and me

India is famous around the world for its mouth watering cuisine, and South India has its own particular flavours compared to the rest of the country. While traveling around Karnataka state, I sought out the most delicious (semi-vegetarian) dishes that the region has to offer. They weren't hard to find, especially starting in Davangere.

One famous dish in South India is dosa, which is essentially a fermented crepe made from rice batter. Davangere is famous for its benne dosa, which literally means "butter dosa." It is served with coconut chutney, and in this case, mashed potatoes.

The making of the delicious dish

I was surprised when told that bus stand restaurants have some of the best food around. But I found it to be completely true, and not only is the food delicious but it's also cheap and fast.

One of the most widely available dishes (especially at bus stands) is a thali -- rice, chapati, vegetables, dal (lentil soup), multiple curries, curd, and sometimes kheer (rice pudding). It can vary slightly but usually includes many of the same things. Always delicious, and quite cheap (less than US $1) at the bus stands.

Bus stand thali

Another essential South Indian dish is sambar, a lentil based stew made with tamarind, and often coconut, as well as various other vegetables. While visiting a temple in Hampi, Karnataka, my friend and I were invited to eat the food that was being served for lunch at a wedding. It was sambar with rice, along with a sweet lentil soup. Though simple, I have to admit it is one of the most delicious dishes I have ever tasted.

Wedding sambar

Sambar is also sometimes served with idli, a steamed savory cake that is a traditional breakfast in South India.

Idli Sambar

A variety of other delicious snacks and foods can be found...

Vegetable curry

Paratha (eaten in place or in addition to rice)

Avalakki (flattened rice) with egg

Gobi Manchurian - Indian Chinese dish of cauliflower dipped in batter and deep fried

And of course tea, an essential anywhere in India.

Served in an amusing and initially confusing way in Karnataka

Of course, this is just a very small sample of the many delicious flavours that can be found in South India...