South Indian cuisine is rice based.
Rice is combined with lentils to make wonderful dosas, idlis,
vadas and uttapams. These items are delicious besides being
nourishing and digestible (due to the fermenting process). They are combined with sambar
(dal), rasam (tamarind dal), dry and curried vegetable and pachadi
(yogurt). Their rice preparations are also masterpieces like the biryani from Hyderabad,
lemon rice and rice seasoned with coconut peanuts, tamarind, chilies, curry leaves, urad
dal and fenugreek seedsSouth Indian chutneys are made of tamarind, coconut, peanuts, dal,
fenugreek seeds, and cilantro. Meals are followed by coffee. South Indian dals and curries
are more soupy than North Indian dals and curries. South Indian cuisine is also hotter.
Coconut milk straight from the nut is a common beverage in South India. Coffee is very
popular in South India and Madras coffee is popular in South Indian restaurants throughout
the world.
The South Indian food is a brilliant blend of flavors, colors, seasoning, nutritional
balance, fragrance, taste, and visual appeal.