Malnad: Food, Recipes and Cuisines

Malnad region, which is known for hospitality, is also famous for its wide-range of food items. The unique quality and taste of Malnad food is heavily influenced by the geographical conditions and naturally available food ingradients. Malnad foods are not just tasty but also nutritious. Malnad people are known for their hospitality. They welcome guests with a smile, ready to help even strangers at odd hours.

Variety of foods and dishes:

The recipes and cusines followed at one part of Malnad is very different from the other. Kodava way of preparation of food is different from that of the all other South Indian dishes. Certain dishes are very unique to the Kodavas or Coorgs. Some of the typical Kodava dishes are the Pandhi Curry (Pork Curry), Bamboo Shoot Curry, Jungle Mango Curry and Rice Roti or Otti as they are known in the local Kodava dialect.

Uttara Kannada has its own unique dishes and cooking style. "Todedevu" is one such food which requires expert cook and the food is not found in other part of Malnad. In Chikmagalur region rice and wheat is a part of the daily menu. Traditional dishes like Ragi mudde, Ganji-oota, Kadubu-chatni are a few other dishes. Though some traditional dishes like Edi-chatni, Iruve-chatni, Maralu-meen-saru are now vanishing from daily menu.

Shimoga has many of food items which are unique to that region. Food in Shimoga is known for oil-free, healthy cuisines. Rice is used extensively in Malnad culinary. Classic Cuisines include Akki roti, Vadaikki Mudde, Kotte Kadabu, Tambuli, Pathrode among others.

Click on the each region to find more information about ethnic food style and recipes particular to each regions: