Telugu or Andhra cuisine is a must-try for foodies interested in South Indian cuisine. Andhra cuisine, known for its robust and spicy flavours, represents the state’s numerous cultural influences. Here are the top ten must-try Telugu foods that will delight your taste buds.
Biryani:
A fragrant rice meal cooked with spices, veggies, or meat, biryani is an Andhra cuisine staple. Andhra-style biryani is distinguished by its spiciness and usage of locally cultivated spices such as bay leaves, cardamom, and cloves.
Dosas:
Thin, crunchy crepes made from fermented rice and urad dal batter. Dosas are a popular breakfast and snack food in South India. Dosas in Andhra are cooked with a hot onion and chilli mixture that lends a spicy bite to the dish.
Pesarattu:
Pesarattu, a healthy and nutritious morning meal made from green moong dal and rice batter, is an Andhra cuisine specialty. It’s accompanied by coconut chutney or spicy ginger and tamarind chutney.
Gongura Chicken:
Gongura Chicken is a fiery dish cooked using Gongura leaves, an Andhra Pradesh native sour vegetable. This meal is acidic, spicy, and flavorful.
Gutti Vankaya:
Gutti vankaya, a classic Andhra meal prepared with stuffed brinjals, is a must-try for vegetarians. The brinjals are roasted first before being packed with spices, coconut, and onions.
Royyala Iguru:
This dish, a spicy prawn curry with coconut and tamarind, is a popular non-vegetarian alternative in Andhra cuisine. It’s usually eaten with rice or roti. Natu Kodi Pulusu – A spicy and tangy Andhra-style chicken curry made using country chicken, Natu Kodi Pulusu is ideal with steaming rice.
Sambar:
Sambar is a delicious lentil and vegetable soup that is famous in Andhra Pradesh. It has a sour flavour since it is created with a blend of spices and tamarind.
Mirapakaya Bajji:
Mirapakaya Bajji is a deep-fried chilli patty packed with onions and spices that is famous in Andhra. It’s usually accompanied by coconut chutney or tomato ketchup.
Gongura Pachadi:
Gongura Pachadi is a popular Telugu dish made from brown leaves, tamarind, and red chillies. This tangy chutney is a perfect accompaniment to hot steamed rice and ghee. Gongura Pachadi is a signature dish of Andhra cuisine known for its unique sour and spicy taste. It is also a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a healthy addition to your diet.
Andhra Chicken Fry:
Andhra Chicken Fry is a spicy and delicious dish popular in Andhra Pradesh. It is made by marinating the chicken in a mixture of spices and then frying it until golden brown. The plate is usually served with rice or roti and is perfect for those who love spicy food. The unique blend of spices in this dish gives it a distinctive flavour that will tantalise your taste buds.
Pulihora:
Pulihora, commonly known as tamarind rice, is a famous rice dish in Andhra cuisine. Pulihora, which is made with tamarind pulp, curry leaves, and a variety of spices, has a sour and spicy flavour that is popular among Andhra Pradesh residents. It is frequently served as a festive or special occasion cuisine, but it is also popular as a snack.
Kheer:
Kheer, a traditional Andhra delicacy prepared with rice, milk, and sugar, is a must-try sweet treat. It has a cardamom flavour and is topped with almonds, raisins, and cashews.
In conclusion, Telugu or Andhra cuisine is a treasure trove of delicious dishes that are a must-try for foodies. Andhra cuisine reflects the state’s diverse cultural influences, from fiery biryanis to tangy Sambar. So, the next time you visit Andhra Pradesh or a Telugu restaurant, try these top 10 must-try Telugu dishes.