One of the most mesmerising weekend getaways in Bangalore is the mystical town of Malnad. From hilly landscape to thick evergreen forest, Malnad is home to diverse indigenous flora and fauna. With almost a five-hour drive from Bangalore, you can book a reliable car rental in Bangalore for a comfortable journey in the backdrop of mesmerising Sahyadri mountains.
Weekenders usually explore this place for its natural beauty and authentic Malnad cuisine, one of the culinary gems of Karnataka. A very interesting fact about Malnad cuisine is it has a variety of vegetarian dishes and in fact, is one of the oldest surviving cuisines in Karnataka. A typical Malnad Oota (Meal) includes Kosambari, Pickle, Palya, Gojju, Raita, dessert, Thovve, Chitranna, Curd rice, and ghee and is traditionally served on a banana leaf.
Mouth-watering Malnad delicacies
Table of Contents
Malnad is a paradise for food freaks; you can satiate your taste buds with a variety of authentic Malnad delicacies, most of which are hailed by the Maharajas of the princely state of Karnataka for their taste and health benefits. Let us have a look at some of the must-try dishes you can vouch for –
-
Pathrode
Pathrode is a super delicious snack prepared using rice and colocasia leaves. It is made by smearing colocasia leaves with spicy tangy rice and coconut paste. The steam-cooked rolls can be enjoyed with a dollop of butter. It is one of the most popular dishes all over the Malnad region.
-
Akki Rotti
Akki rotti is a type of soft-n-crispy flatbread made with rice flour, veggies, coconut, and herbs. This rice-based breakfast item is unique to Karnataka. It is again much in demand and a favourite among travellers visiting the Malnad.
-
Jackfruit Idlis
Blended with a flavoursome aroma of jackfruit, these idlis are steamed in banana leaf which gives a traditional touch. These idlis just melt in your mouth instantly, and you can’t stop at one.
-
Mango Rasam
Next in line is Mango rasam, a spicy, tangy soup prepared using raw mango along with herbs and spices added with asafoetida. It is generally served as a soup in between meals. This one is an all-time favourite due to its tangy flavour.
-
Jackfruit Papad
Jackfruit papad, a very crispy yet light version of papad, is a must-have with every meal. The Malnad-based food variety is made with raw jack fruit that is boiled, ground, pressed, and sun-dried. This mouth-watering recipe is handed down by generations.
-
Malnad Coffee
A filter coffee gives you the much-needed kick if you are tired travelling around. Malnad coffee is famous for its rich aroma and is a divine therapy for your senses. In addition, Malnad has a legendary reputation for its coffee plantations.
-
Kadubu
These are essentially steamed rice balls or dumplings usually served for breakfast or evening snacks. Kadubu is blended with Malnad spices and is available in sweet and spicy variations. You can try the best of both worlds.
-
Koli Saaru
Koli Saaru is a must-have for meat lovers. It is an old-school dish made with poppy seeds and coconut. The unique blend of spices goes well with rice or roti. This is a hands-down winner for food lovers due to its great taste.
The list of lip-smacking Malnad dishes doesn’t end here. There are many more unique dishes that you need to try. So why wait? Start your journey by booking one of the top-rated cabs in Bangalore and for a whole new world of sensory sojourn to Malnad.
