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Local Cuisine

Udupi / Mangalore cuisine consists of a wide variety of regional and traditional cuisines native to the Indian subcontinent

Udupi cuisine is a collective name given to the cuisine of Udupi which comprises cuisines like Mangalore as well as cuisine of the Mangalorean communities like that of the Tuluvas, Rajapur Saraswat Brahmins, Goud Saraswat Brahmins, Mangalorean Catholics and the Bearys.

Udupi Lunch

Udupi cuisine is largely influenced by the South Indian cuisine, with several cuisines being unique to the diverse communities of the region. Coconut and curry leaves are common ingredients to most Mangalorean curry, as are ginger, garlic and chili. Udupi Mangalore Fish Curry is popular dish in Karnataka. Well-known Tuluva dishes include Neer Dosa, Masala Dosa, Chicken Ghee Roast, Chicken Sukka, Kori Rotti (dry rice flakes dipped in gravy), Bangude Pulimunchi (spicy sour silver-grey mackerels), Beeja-Manoli Upkari, Neer dosa (lacy rice-crêpes), Boothai Gasi, Kadubu, and Patrode. The Konkani community’s specialties include Daali thoy, bibbe-upkari (cashew based), val val, avnas ambe sasam, Kadgi chakko, paagila podi, and chane gashi. Tulu vegetarian cuisine in Mangalore, also known as Udupi cuisine, is known and liked throughout the state and region.

Since Udupi is a coastal town, fish forms the staple diet of most people. Mangalorean Catholics’ Sanna-Dukra Maas (Sanna – idli fluffed with toddy or yeast; Dukra Maas – Pork), Pork Bafat, Sorpotel and the Mutton Biryani of the Muslims are well-known dishes. Pickles such as happala, sandige and puli munchi are unique to Udupi. Khali (toddy), a country liquor prepared from coconut flower sap, is popular.