Tamil Nadu is a state in Southern India, renowned for its cultural diversity and its lip-smacking cuisine. Tamil cuisine is an amalgamation of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes prepared using a variety of spices and ingredients.
The region is known for its diverse range of food, from spicy curries to sweet treats. Tamil Nadu is particularly famous for its range of traditional snacks, many of which have become popular all over India.
Idlis:
Idlis are a popular breakfast dish in Tamil Nadu. Idlis are steamed rice cakes, usually served with sambar (a lentil-based stew) and chutney (a spicy condiment). Idlis are often eaten as a snack too, with tea or coffee.
Dosa:
Dosa is another popular South Indian snack that originated in Tamil Nadu. It is made from fermented rice and black lentils and can be served plain or stuffed with various fillings such as vegetables, potatoes or cheese. Dosa is typically served with chutney and sambar.
Vada:
Vada is another common snack found in Tamil Nadu. Vadas are deep-fried doughnuts made from a mixture of lentils and spices.
They can be served plain or with chutney or sambar. Vada can also be used as an accompaniment to other dishes such as idli or dosa.
Sambar:
Sambar is a type of lentil-based stew that is popular throughout South India but especially in Tamil Nadu. It consists of cooked pulses such as tuvar dal (split pigeon peas), tamarind pulp, vegetables, spices and herbs. Sambar is typically served with idli, dosa or vada.
Rasam:
Rasam is a soup-like dish that consists of tamarind pulp, tomatoes, chillies and spices such as pepper, mustard seeds and cumin seeds. It can be eaten on its own or as an accompaniment to rice dishes such as curd rice or sambar rice.
Tamil Nadu has an array of delicious traditional dishes that have become popular throughout India. Idli, dosa, vada, sambar and rasam are some of the most famous dishes from the region that have gained widespread popularity across the country.