Are you planning to visit Mangalore anytime soon? If yes, then you must try the authentic Mangalore food. Mangalore is a coastal city nestled in the southwestern part of our country, and it is prominent for its vibrant culture.
The food here is a blend of the local Konkani Tulu culture, and these are basically the influences from neighbouring places! The best part about trying this cuisine is that you can get a blend of bold flavours, which includes coconut and spices, besides a variety of seafood.
Discover the Best of Mangalorean Food: 15 Delightful Dishes You Can’t-Miss
1. Kori Rotti
it is one of the most important Mangalorean dishes that you should try when you are visiting the coastal city of Karnataka. When you try this dish, you can get a perfect taste of the crispy rice wafers, which are also prominently known as roti, and it is served with spiced chicken Curry. You can have a unique texture that makes it different from the other standard chicken dishes.
Earlier in the Tulu Nadu region, this dish was served during festive occasions, and it was made using deep frying thin crispy rice wafers, and people used to soak them in crispy rice wafers. The best part about trying this dish is that you can eat the crispy wafers, which absorb the flavours of the chicken Curry, and it leads to a perfect combination of crispy and soft texture that gives you a burst of flavour in your every bite.
One of the major reasons why you should try this dish is that you can have a unique blend of spices that makes it stand out from other chicken dishes. When you order this in a restaurant, you will get it on a banana leaf which adds to the traditional touch. So if you’re planning a trip here, don’t forget to miss out on this delightful dish.
2. Neer Dosa
it is one of the most prominent Mangalorean dishes that you should try, and in the Tulu region, neer means water and the dosa gets its name from the watery batter that people used to make it. The dosa is made from rice flour and is mixed with water to create a runny batter; you can have it generally with coconut chutney or a spicy chicken Curry.
The soft texture makes it worth trying, and you can have a delectable meal because it is served with coconut chutney that makes you wanting for more.
3. Chicken Ghee Roast
Chicken ghee roast is basically a spicy Mangalorean dish, and if you are a food lover, then you should surely try it. It is made by marinating the chicken in a blend of different spices, and it is roasted in ghee until it is golden brown.
The dish is prominent for its unique blend of spices that includes chilli powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder. You can also eat this roast with rice or neer dosa, and the combination of mild dosa or rice with chicken makes it a match made in heaven, and you should surely eat it at least once in your lifetime.
4. Mangalorean Fish Curry
If you are a seafood lover, then you should not think twice before trying the Mangalorean Fish Curry. It is one of the most flavorful dishes, including a Curry that is made using fresh fish, coconut milk, and a blend of perfect spices, which helps you taste the unique flavour.
You can have the dish with steamed rice that helps you balance the spiciness of the Curry. The best part about trying this dish is that you can get the best of both worlds, which includes a tangy and slightly sweet taste, and the freshness of the fish makes you leave satisfied.
5. Biryani
Biryani is one of the most prominent rice-based dishes that people love globally, but in Mangalore, the dish Is made with a unique twist. The dish is made by layering cooked rice and meat, chicken, and vegetables, and then it is cooked slowly, giving you the perfect blend of flavours.
If you like something spicy, then you should try the biryani here as it is made with local spices like garam masala, coriander, and cumin, and you can generally have it with Rita or pickle, which is prominent among the locals.
6. Mangalorean Chicken Sukka
this is a spicy and flavorful dish that you should try if you are visiting the coastal city of Karnataka. The dish is made by marinating the chicken in a blend of spices like chilli powder, turmeric, and coriander, and then it is cooked with onions and tomatoes, and grated coconut until it is perfectly delicious.
You can have it with rice, but you should try this dish because it is made with local spices and ingredients that give it a unique distinct flavour.
7. Goli Baje
it is a prominent snack in Mangalore that you should try, and the best part about trying the snack is that it is crispy, fluffy, and slightly tangy. The dish is made from a batter of curd, maida and spices.
You can try the prominent appetizer in Mangalorean restaurants as it is made from a tangy flavour which is a perfect snack to munch on, especially if you’re visiting the coastal city during the monsoon season.
8. Korri Gasi
Kori Agassi is basically a spicy and aromatic chicken Curry that you should try, and you can taste the blend of local spices like coriander, cumin, red chillies, and coconut milk.
The chicken is marinated until tender and delicious, and you can have it with steamed rice or dosa which will help you balance out the spiciness of the dish. This is a staple food of Mangalore, and if you want to really go local, then you should surely try it at least once.
9. Kundapur Chicken
Kundapur chicken is a spicy and tangy dish having its root tide in Kundapur, Karnataka. The chicken is marinated in a blend of spices like chilli powder and coriander turmeric, and it is cooked with onions and tomatoes.
You can get the best of both worlds, which means you can get a tangy and slightly sweet flavour when you try this dish because it features tamarind paste. You can have the dish with rice or roti, and it is a testament to the region’s culinary heritage, and it is a must-try for you if you are visiting Mangalore.
10. Kane Rava Fry
It is one of the most prominent fish dishes that you should try in Mangalore. The fish is basically coated in a semolina mixture, and then it is pan-fried until golden brown it is basically served with sliced onions and lemon wedges.
This dish is a must-try for you if you like something refreshing and tangy. If you love seafood, then you should not miss out on this crispy dish. The best part is that the dish makes a perfect appetizer or a side dish to accompany the main meal.
11. Kotte Kadubu
it is one of the best dishes that you can try for breakfast in Mangalore. It is a steamed rice dumpling, and it is made by mixing rice flour, coconut, and a blend of local spices. Lastly, the dish is steamed in banana leaves, and you can expect something soft and fluffy.
You can have the dish with coconut chutney that will help you add a refreshing and slightly sweet flavour to your dumplings. It is a unique dish which highlights the region’s rich culinary heritage, and if you’re visiting Bangalore, then you should try this dish.
12. Chicken Pulimunchi
do you love something spicy and tangy? If yes, then you should try this Chicken Pulimunchi as it gives you the perfect blend of spices like red chilli powder, turmeric, and coriander.
The dish is tangy and slightly sweet, and the coconut will add a creamy texture to the Curry. You can have this dish with steamed rice or dosa, and you must try the dish if you like spicy and flavorful curries.
13. Patrode
Patrode is a traditional Mangalorean dish that is made from Arabikepatte. You must try it if you are in Mangalore. It is stuffed with a spicy lentil mixture and steamed until completely soft. The lentil mixture is made from a blend of split pigeon peas, coconut, and a blend of local spices.
You can have this with coconut chutney, as it will add a sweet flavour to the spiciness of the mixture. This is one of the most common dishes that is available in only a few parts of the country.
14. Appam With Stew
do you want to try something unique for breakfast? If yes, then you need to look no further, as you can try Appam with stew, which is made from a blend of local vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and beans. The main batter includes fermented rice and coconut milk.
The batter is poured into the special pan and cooked until it is crispy. The combination of soft and fluffy appam with flavourful Stew is one of the best ways to start your day, as it will keep your heart and stomach full for a long time!
15. Payasam
Payasam is prominently known as keel and is one of the traditional Indian desserts that originated from Mangalore. The dish is made from rice or vermicelli, and it is cooked in milk with a blend of local spices like cardamom, saffron and nuts.
The dish is your best bet if you like something cold garnished with nuts and raisins, which will add a crunchy texture to the dish. If you have a sweet tooth, then you should try this dish and end your meal.
These are the 15 Mangalore dishes that you should try if you are in Mangalore.
Further Reading:
- 10 Most Famous Beaches in Mangalore
- Mangalore 10 Beautiful Places to See
- Places to See Near Mangalore Within 100 km
- 9 Most Popular Temples in Belur
- Jog Falls, Karnataka: India’s Third-Highest Waterfall
- 13 Most Popular Temples in Hampi
- Karnataka’s Top 10 Popular Festivals Celebrated
- Top 10 Tourist Places to See in Hubli
