Tamil Nadu Cuisine

The state is famous for its mouth watering cuisine. Most food in Tamil Nadu consists of grains, lentils, rice, besides vegetables. Spices of various types are added to give a unique taste. Rice is the staple diet of the local people though Prota, a type of bread prepared from wheat flour, is also relished by the people.

Dosa, Idli, Sambhar Vada, Uppuma and Pongal are some of the popular food items of the state and have become popular all over India and also in some other countries such as Nepal, Bangladesh, USA, Kuwait, and UK.

Majority of the people in the state are vegetarians, but non vegetarian food items including fish, mutton, eggs, and chicken are also widely consumed. Chettinad cuisine is a specialty of the state and should not be missed, especially by those who are fond of hot and spicy non-vegetarian food. This variety consists of many types of fish, mutton, and chicken dishes of which the Chettinad Pepper Chicken is a big hit and a traditional favourite.

Sweets of various types are also quite popular in Tamil Nadu and much enjoyed along with the meals. Among beverages, coffee (especially the filter variety) is preferred to tea. A typical breakfast of a Tamilian consists of Dosa and Idlis with lots of Sambhar (a type of vegetable stew), besides a variety of chutney (a spicy condiment made of vegetables, fruits and pulses with vinegar, spices, and salt) followed by a glass of steaming hot filter coffee.