Karnataka has one of the oldest cuisines in India. It has different regions with a variety of cuisines. There are many regions in Karnataka like North Karnataka, South Karnataka, Udupi, Mangalore and Kodagu. All regions have their own specialities and different tastes. Here are some of the most amazing and delicious cuisines to explore in Karnataka.&nbsp;

Mysore Pak is a mouth-watering delicious sweet. It is a famous and iconic Karnataka dessert. It is made with ghee, sugar and gram flour. It originated in the kitchens of Mysore Palace. Now, it has become the favourite dessert for many people. Mysore pak is a must-try cuisine for those who have a sweet tooth.

Korri Gassi comes from the coastal region of Karnataka. It is a finger-licking chicken curry. The curry is cooked with the flavours of coconut and tamarind which are the main ingredients of this cuisine. This Karnataka food item is best enjoyed with Neer Dosa. The flavours of this recipe will make you wanting for more.

Maddur Vada is the most popular cuisine of Karnataka. This recipe derives its name from Maddur town in Mandya, Karnataka. It is a very famous snack. Maddur Vada is made with maida, semolina, and some spices which are the main ingredients of this dish. This is commonly served in trains. It is mainly enjoyed with coconut chutney.

Filter coffee is the most famous variant of coffee across Karnataka. Hot milk, sugar and coffee powder are used in coffee making. Almost all restaurants serve filter coffee in Karnataka. Filter coffee is a must-try for anyone who loves coffee. This Karnataka filter coffee is best enjoyed with muddar vada. It can be served at any time.

Mysore masala dosa is quite popular in the entire state of Karnataka. The special red spice mix makes it different from other dosas. The taste of the red spice mix and the crispiness of the Dosa will increase your craving. It is best served with sambar and lots of ghee. You can also have coconut chutney with it.

Mangalorean Biryani is a mouth-watering non-vegetarian dish of Karnataka. The reason Mangalorean biryani tastes amazing is the masala paste. The paste is a blend of cardamon, clove, coconut, coriander seeds, ginger, garlic, dry red chilli, cumin seeds and fennel seeds. It is a popular biryani in Karnataka.

Chitranna (Lemon Rice) is a staple food of Karnataka. It is made from boiled rice. Coconut oil, onion, lemon extract, ground nuts, green chilli and mustard are the main ingredients of this recipe. Coriander leaves and cashew nuts are used for garnishing. It is enjoyed hot with coconut chutney. Chitranna is widely available at affordable prices across Karnataka.

Chiroti is a popular sweetish delight of Karnataka. The sweet is prepared in households on festivals and different occasions. It is made from maida and sprinkled with cardamon sugar for a better taste. Chiroti is a delicious dessert for anyone who loves sweets. You can also have it at your craving times.

Mysore bonda is a lip-smacking fried snack of Karnataka. It is prepared from maida and yoghurt. It is very popular across Karnataka. The Karnataka cuisine Mysore bonda is best enjoyed with coconut chutney. You can also have a sambar with it. It is easy to make and you can have it as an evening time snack.

Obbattu, also known as holige, is a delightful sweet in Karnataka. It is prepared during festivals and special occasions. Maida flour is the main ingredient of this cuisine. Chana gram and jaggery are also a part of this recipe. It has many variants such as Plain Obbattu, Kai Obbattu and Fruits or vegetables Obbattu.

Bisi Bele Bhath is one of the most famous foods of South Karnataka. It is cooked with rice, lentils, spices and vegetables for an amazing taste. Bisi means hot in Kannada. It is hot and served with ghee, hing, cashew nuts, dry red chilli and curry leaves on it. It is best to serve with chips or boondi. Bisi Bele Bhath is available in most restaurants across Karnataka. Bisi Bele Bhath is a classic and iconic item of Karnataka.

Thatte Idli is a popular cuisine of South Karnataka. Idli rice and urad dal are used to make a smooth batter. It is cooked with steam in moderate flames. The thatte idli is best enjoyed with coconut chutney and sambar. You can have filter coffee with it. It is commonly a breakfast or evening time snack.

Jolada rotti is a famous cuisine, comes from North Karnataka and is a must-try dish while staying here. The rotti is made from sorghum (jowar). Jolada rotti is a healthy and nutritious food. It is best served with chutney pudi, salad, spicy curries, garlic chutney and sambar. Jolada rotti is available in most restaurants in the North region of Karnataka.

Karnataka is a place of attraction as well as having traditional and iconic food. There are many varieties of cuisines in Karnataka to explore with. The best point is they have many choices for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. So, you don't need to have the same food again and again. Explore Karnataka with amazing food on your honeymoon or family trip with Universal Adventures.

Neer Dosa is a popular cuisine of Coastal Karnataka. It is prepared with a batter made from soaked rice. A pinch of salt is added according to the taste. It is mainly served with Jaggery and coconut gratings. You can also have curries and chutney with it. It is easily available in most restaurants in Coastal Karnataka.

Dharwad Pedha is a delicious sweet. It originated in Dharwad city in North Karnataka. Milk and sugar are mainly used in Dharwad Pedha. It is cooked on a wooden fire. When the product turns brown, it is covered in white sugar powder. Dharwad Pedha is served in Dharwad city and is also available in the sweet shops of Karnataka.

Haalbai is a lip-smacking sweet of Karnataka. Haalbai is made during festivals or special events. Rice batter, coconut milk, ghee and jaggery are the main ingredients of this cuisine. A piece of cashew or almonds are used for seasoning. It is often made to order. You will find Haalbai scrumptiously delectable.

Mangaluru fish curry is made with Bangude (Mackerel), Boothayi (Sardine) and Kane (Lady Fish) which are easily available in Coastal Karnataka. It is a famous non-vegeterian dish. Coconut, tamarind, onion, coriander,chilli and oil are the main ingredients of this cuisine. It is served in non-vegetarian restaurants in Coastal Karnataka.

Raagi Ambali is a popular drink of North Karnataka. It is a health-friendly drink. It is made of ragi powder and water. Buttermilk, curd, salt, hing and cumin seeds are additional ingredients. Raagi Ambali is served in several restaurants in Karnataka.

Banana Bun is a delicious and sweet snack famous in Coastal Karnataka. It is prepared from mashed ripe bananas, flour and sugar. It is also called a banana Poori. Curd (Yoghurt), Salt, Cumin seeds, and baking soda are added to this cuisine. It is served with sahu - curry or chutney.

Majjige (buttermilk) is a refreshing drink in Karnataka. Majjige is a cool, healthy and refreshing drink prepared from curd. It is a mixture of curd, water, chilli, salt and coriander leaves. It is an affordable drink and is easily available in most restaurants in Karnataka. Once you have it, it will make you wanting for more.

20 Karnataka Cuisines That Will Make You Like to Explore the State

India > Karnataka

8 May 2026

Explore in Karnataka

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