Introducing South Indian food into your dining life is easy when you know what dishes are available. The myriad of savory and sweet dishes of South India is a study of fresh ingredients blended creatively while adhering to the tradition that infuses every creation with a sense of heritage. While some South Indian foods are native to the area, many have arrived from other shores, creating a one-of-a-kind character made up of many components. Once you know the composition of the dishes and how they fit into your dining life, you can sample a few South Indian creations at a time to get a better idea of the variety of sublime tastes and textures represented by the region’s beloved culinary traditions.
Where do you start when it comes to trying South Indian food? Even if you’re not a newcomer to dishes of South India, expanding your palate can prove tricky without a bit of guidance. To give your voyage of culinary discovery a bit of direction, we’ve gathered a list of the 31 top picks to get your South Indian food taste test underway. With a mix of savory dishes, breads and desserts on the table, a journey into South Indian food is bound to be one of the most delicious culinary trips you’ve ever taken.