Malnad cuisines include many vegetarian dishes. They are one of the oldest surviving cuisines. Clearly, the varieties of Malnad cuisine have influenced all over Karnataka. Although the ingredients differ from one region to another, a typical Malnad Oota ( Meal) includes the following dishes in the order specified and is served on a banana leaf: Uppu (salt), Kosambari, Pickle, Palya, Gojju, Raita, dessert, Thovve, Chitranna, Curd rice, and ghee.

Let us know about some of the very delicious and popular dishes in Malnad

1. Pathrode

Pathrode or patrode is a very tasty snack or breakfast recipe prepared using rice and colocasia leaves. It is also familiar by name Patra Vadi or Patra vada. Firstly, the colocasia leaves are smeared with spicy tangy rice and coconut paste. Secondly, It is rolled and cut into rounds so you can see the layers of the stuffing. Further, it is stacked upon each other and then steam cooked. The steam cooked rolls are later relished as such with a dollop of butter or cut into slices and shallow fried in coconut oil. This cuisine is the most popular all over Malnad region.

2. Akki Roti

The akki rotti is in practice throughout Karnataka State but the recipe varies from one region to another. Hence, the differences are there in the ingredients used and differences are there in the process involved. This particular Akki rotti recipe is in practice across the malenadu region of Karnataka. Furthermore, Akki rotti is prepared using rice flour, onion, green chili and a lot of curry leaves. You can also replace curry leaves with coriander leaves.

3. Jackfruit Idli ( Halasina Hannina Kadubu )

They are locally known as “Halasina Hannina Kadubu.” No points for guessing who the hero of the dish is. Obviously, the seasonal fruit that is Jackfruit. Blessed with the soft and flavourful aroma of jackfruit, these idlis taste just divine. Traditionally, over riped jackfruit is used to make these idlis. Along with, they are steamed in banana leaves which adds an amazing aroma & taste. Additionally, they are best had with ghee on top.

4. Jackfruit Fitters ( Halasina Hannina Mulka )

Halasina Hannina mulka is a sweet dish prepared using jack fruit, rice, coconut, salt, and jaggery. This jackfruit dish is familiar by name mulka. Subsequently, Halasina hannina mulka or jackfruit fritter is very easy to prepare and tastes out of the world.

5. Mango Rasam ( Appe Kayi Saaru )

Appe kayi saaru or mavinakayi saaru or mango rasam is a spicy beverage prepared using wild raw mangoes. Unlike any other rasam, this mango saaru or rasam is served as a soup or beverage in between the meal. Also, this rasam is not served along with the rice. This Malnad style mango saaru or rasam tastes tangy and spicy. Additionally, it is filled with asafoetida and mango flavor. Generally, on special occasions, this rasam is prepared. Clearly, it is a good appetizer that aids digestion. Everyone loves to drink this spicy saaru rasam.

6. Thambuli & Hashuvale

Thimare or ondelaga thambli is a curd based side dish which is prepared using Brahmi leaves, coconut, and curd. Thambuli is served as the first course in a multi-course meal. Above all, this Brahmi thambuli or raita is much simpler since there is no frying or cooking involved. Raw Brahmi or thimare or ondelaga leaves are grounded with coconut, mixed with curd and tempered.

7. Jackfruit Papad ( Halasina Kayi Pappad )

Halasina kayi happala is a very tasty and popular recipe in the malnad region. At this time, Raw jack fruit is steam cooked, mashed, pressed and sun-dried. Finally, it is fried with refined oil.

8.  Mung dal-carrot salad ( Kosambari )

Mung dal and carrot salad or hesarubele carrot kosambari is prepared using soaked raw green gram dal or mung dal and grated carrot. Moreover, this type of salads is called “kosambari” in Karnataka. This salad is very common or sometimes compulsory on various occasions. As well as that, it’s an easy and quick recipe, which helps you to increase the number of recipes on your menu card when you have guests.

9. Tender Mango Pickle ( Mavin Midi Uppinakayi )

Mavina midi uppinakayi or tender mango pickle is a very popular pickle in Karnataka. Coming to the name mavina midi uppinakayi, tender mango translates to mavina-midi and pickle translates to uppinakyi in the Kannada language. Additionally, the tender mango, red, and mustard seeds are the three main ingredients in this pickle. Followed by, turmeric, black pepper, and asafoetida are the other optional ingredients.

10. Pumpkin Idli ( Cheenikayi kadubu )

Pumpkin idli is prepared using grated pumpkin and idli rava. They are instant idlis as no fermentation is required. Firstly, for a sweet version, grated pumpkin, jaggery, coconut, and idli rava are mixed well and steamed into idlies. Secondly, for a spicy version, grated pumpkin, red chili, coconut, ginger, coriander leaves, and idli rava are mixed well and steamed into idlies.

After trying all these malnad famous dishes, do not forget to sip a cup of Malnad Coffee. It is indeed one of the best classic south Indian filter coffees you have enjoyed. Somewhere over the Sahyadri mountain range, lies a petit region called Malenadu. Particularly covering the western and eastern slopes of the Western Ghats in the Karnataka region of South India, this blend is what we like to call classic malnad filter coffee.

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