Foodie’s Guide To Tamil Nadu: 5 Popular Street Foods You Must Try

Tamil Nadu is renowned throughout the world for its magnificent and historic temples. Its cuisine, on the other hand, is the only thing that comes close to its temples in terms of popularity. You will need a lifetime to sample all the options Tamil cuisine has to offer. From quintessential dishes like uttapam, idli, parotta and dosa to elaborately prepared Chettinad cuisine, Tamil Nadu’s culinary offerings can easily compete with the best in the world. Moreover, the cuisine is a mix of various flavours, from hot and spicy Rasam to a mildly tangy Sambar. Rice, lentils, spices such as tamarind, coriander, chilli pepper, cinnamon, curry leaves, cardamom, coconut, and many other local ingredients dominate the cuisine. So, if you want to try these delectable recipes, here is a list of some popular Tamil Nadu street food! These recipes are also simple to prepare at home.

Also Read: Celebrating Madras Week: 10 Wonderful Dishes from Tamil Nadu You Didn’t Know About

Here’re 5 Popular Street Foods Of Tamil Nadu That You Must Try:

1. Roadside Kaalan Masala

As the name suggests, this dish calls for kaalan (mushrooms), cabbage, and other flavourful spices. The addition of cabbage enhances the flavour and gives the recipe volume. Besides, this recipe is commonly served as an evening snack in Coimbatore and the surrounding areas. So, if you enjoy mushrooms, you should definitely give this recipe a try. Click here for Roadside Kaalan Masala recipe.

2. Kothu Parotta

Kothu Parotta is one of the most delicious street foods you can try – piping hot, bursting with flavours and filling enough. The Kothu Parotta is essentially a flaky maida parotta that has been shredded and beaten out of shape before being tossed with a variety of ingredients on a cast iron griddle. You can make a meat-free Muttai (Egg) Kothu Parotta, as well as one with chicken, mutton, and a variety of spices. Click here for Kothu Parotta recipe.

3. Karandi Omelette

If you are an omelette lover, this recipe is sure to impress your taste buds. Karandi is referred to as ladle in Tamil Nadu. This is a quick omelette made in a large ladle (Thalippu Karandi in Tamil) that is typically used for tempering or ‘tadka’. This method of cooking (in a confined space rather than pouring it on a pan) is responsible for the karandi omelette’s fluffy textures and layers. The number of eggs (typically one or two) or the size of the ladle influences the karandi omelette’s shape and texture. Click here for Karandi Omelette recipe.

4. Idiyappam

Idiyappam is a popular breakfast dish that pairs well with the stew. It is a rice noodle dish that originated in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It is also known as string hooper (or nool pottu/noolappam). Idiyappam is made from rice flour that is pressed into noodles and then shaped into a flat disc before being steamed. Click here for Idiyappam recipe.

5. Atho

Atho, a Burmese salad variation, is frequently served with mohinga, a soup, making it a filling meal. The ingredients in atho-orange noodles, cabbage, onions, chilli flakes, roasted chana dal powder, tamarind juice, bejo (a dish resembling gol gappas), garlic oil, and coriander leaves-make it a culinary delight. It is a must-try street food in Tamil Nadu and is described as a lip-smacking fusion of Indian chaat and Burmese salad. It is zesty, fiery, crunchy, and much more. Click here for Atho recipe.

So, what are you waiting for? Enjoy the flavours of Tamil Nadu’s street food in the comfort of your own home. Try out these recipes as your next special meal and let us know how you all liked them in the comments below. For more such recipes, stay tuned!