Tirupati, located in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, is one of the most visited pilgrim centers in India. It is home to one of the most important religious sites in the country – Sri Venkateswara Temple.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is an important pilgrimage spot for Hindus. Aside from being a holy place for devotees, Tirupati is also known for its delicious food.
The cuisine in Tirupati is a unique blend of South Indian and Andhra flavors. The staple food includes steamed rice, lentils and vegetables cooked with spices like chilli powder, cumin and coriander.
Fried dishes such as vadas, dosas, karam podi and upma are also popular. Popular snacks include murukku, sevai and chakli.
One of the most famous dishes in Tirupati is pulihara or tamarind rice. This dish is prepared with tamarind pulp mixed with cooked rice and spices such as chilli powder and jeera (cumin). It can be served as a main course dish or as a snack.
Pulihora, or tamarind rice, is one of the most famous dishes in Tirupati. Another popular dish from this region is Puliogare. This dish is made by cooking rice with tamarind paste, mustard seeds, curry leaves and other spices like chilli powder and jeera (cumin). The dish has a tangy flavor that makes it ideal for those who love spicy food.
The Payasam, also known as kheer or payesh, is yet another popular dessert from Tirupati. This simple but delicious dessert consists of cooked rice mixed with milk, jaggery (unrefined sugar) and cardamom powder.
Rava Kesari, also known as sooji halwa or semolina pudding, is yet another traditional dish from Tirupati that has been around for centuries. This sweet dish consists of roasted semolina cooked with milk, sugar and raisins until it attains a thick consistency.
Vada Curry, served with steamed white rice or chapatis (flatbreads), is yet another popular dish served in Tirupati restaurants. Vada curry consists of fried vadas served in a spicy gravy made using onions, tomatoes and garlic.
Gongura Pachadi, made using red sorrel leaves (gongura) mixed with ground coconut paste, green chillies and ginger-garlic paste, is yet another traditional Andhra recipe found in Tirupati restaurants.
Qubani Ka Meetha, made using dried apricots soaked overnight in syrup flavored with cardamom powder and saffron strands are some other famous desserts found only in Tirupati restaurants.
Conclusion:
Tirupati offers an interesting mix of South Indian dishes along with some unique offerings such as pulihara (tamarind rice), payasam (kheer), rava kesari (semolina pudding) vada curry and gongura pachadi. Qubani ka meetha (dried apricot sweet) are some other desserts one can find only here!
Hence it can be concluded that all these dishes make up the famous food items found only at Tirupati!