13 Best South Indian Recipes for Lunch | Top South Indian Recipes For Lunch (2024)

South Indian Recipes- Lunch time should be a memorable meal, after all you do need a good break while at work or even home. But then again, not all of us have the luxury of cooking scrumptious meals, and as such we always resort to easier options which save us time but aren't always healthy. The truth is that there are various lip-smacking recipes that you can dish out in a matter of a few minutes. Yes, you have heard us right.And if you love South Indian food, the endless dishes that you can whip up in a matter of few seconds is sure to take you by surprise.

Those who are familiar with South Indian food will know that the various regional dishes come packed with flavor. Even a simple plate of sambar and rice can make you feel happy and satisfied to the core. Rice of course is an important ingredient and as such one gets to see many rice-based creations such as tamarind rice, tomato rice, puliyogare, curd rice, bisi bele bhaat, among others that make for great lunch options. Moreover, they are super easy to dish out at home so cooking them is a breeze.

If you love veggies then you can cook them the South Indian way using ingredients like mustard seeds, curry leaves, grated coconut, tamarind, etc. Drumstick, brinjal, beans, cabbage and sprouts commonly feature in the South Indian lunch menu. For meat lovers, you can make flavorful stews and curries. For a more elaborate affair, how about trying the Malabar Fish Biryani or Mangalorean Fish Gassi? Tempted? Try our best South Indian lunch recipes.

Here's a list of top 13 South Indian recipes for lunch:

1. Tamarind Rice

A tangy rice dish made with channa and urad dal, infused with the flavour of tamarind pulp. You can enjoy it with papad and pickle on the side.

13 Best South Indian Recipes for Lunch | Top South Indian Recipes For Lunch (1)Best south Indian recipes for lunch:This dish is also known as Puliyodharai in Tamil language.


2. Arachu Vitta Sambar

In tamil language, the word arachuvitta means to 'grind'. The sambhar is made with roasted spices which are then ground with fresh coconut, hence the name Arachu Vitta. This sambar recipe is made with urad dal, tur dal and a little channa dal, along with drumsticks, coconut, tamarind and spices.


13 Best South Indian Recipes for Lunch | Top South Indian Recipes For Lunch (2)Best south Indian recipes for lunch:This sambhar is a Tambrahm speciality, made specially in tamil brahman homes.


3. Malabar Fish Biryani

In Malabar this dish is made with "kaima rice" a short grain mildly flavored rice. It is also known as the biryani rice of Kerala. This classic Malabar Fish Biryani can be devoured at all times.

13 Best South Indian Recipes for Lunch | Top South Indian Recipes For Lunch (3)Best south Indian recipes for lunch:Enjoy the delicious taste of this ever-charming dish.

4. Avial with Kerala Red Rice

Avial is a traditional south Indian dish from Kerala. A thick mixture of vegetables like drumsticks, potatoes and carrots are cooked in coconut oil and mustard seeds. Served with red rice.

13 Best South Indian Recipes for Lunch | Top South Indian Recipes For Lunch (4)Best south Indian recipes for lunch:A salad made of cooked vegetables, seasoned with coconut paste.

5. Bendekaayi Gojju

Bendekaayi Gojju is a bhindi recipe from South India that belongs to Kannada cuisine. It's sweet, tangy and very masaledar.It is also known as Saasive Gojju (Mustard seeds curry) as it uses raw mustard seeds.

13 Best South Indian Recipes for Lunch | Top South Indian Recipes For Lunch (5)Best south Indian recipes for lunch:This creamy gojju is a tangy, sweet and spicy curry that goes well with roti and rice.

6. Mango Kuzhambu

A delicious, simple and easy to make Kara Kuzhambu using ripe mangoes. Popular during summer season and in parts of Tamil Nadu, this is best served with hot rice.

13 Best South Indian Recipes for Lunch | Top South Indian Recipes For Lunch (6)Best south Indian recipes for lunch:A beautiful curry with the tangy combination of mango.

7. Puliyogare

In many South Indian households, Puliyogare is very common breakfast or lunch recipe. Basically, puliyogare is mix of left over rice and spices with tamarind and jaggery. these would result in acombination of sweet and tangy rice.

(Also read: Why is Puliyogare a hot favourite dish?)

13 Best South Indian Recipes for Lunch | Top South Indian Recipes For Lunch (7)Best south Indian recipes for lunch:A popular lunch treat in South Indian, this spicy rice


8. Aatukkari Kuzhambu with Steamed Rice

South Indian lamb curry with coconut milk, tamarind and curry leaf tempering. Pair it with rice and enjoy your afternoon!

13 Best South Indian Recipes for Lunch | Top South Indian Recipes For Lunch (8)Best south Indian recipes for lunch:Enjoy this authentic delicacy with rice.


9. Fish Gassi

A Manglorean classic this delicious fish curry is ideal for anyone who loves seafood, spice and creamy coconut milk. Soothing combination of rich flavours that compliment any fish, this curry is not only tasty but is fairly simple to put together.

13 Best South Indian Recipes for Lunch | Top South Indian Recipes For Lunch (9)Best south Indian recipes for lunch:delicious fish curry, cooked in a coconut and masala paste.


10. Ariti Pooru Kobri

Ariti Pooru Kobri is made from banana flowers, curry leaves, mustard seeds, red chillies and coconut. This dish hails from Andhra Pradesh, South India.

13 Best South Indian Recipes for Lunch | Top South Indian Recipes For Lunch (10)Best south Indian recipes for lunch:Worth a try for an everlasting taste.

11. Konju Varutharaccha Curry (Kerala Prawn Curry) Recipe

This one's a seafood lover's delight. It is a prawn recipe filled with a melange of spices. Prepared with prawns, coconut, coconut oil, turmeric, coriander, tamarind pulp, et al and made to perfection, this curry is the perfect for your lunch. Pair this amazing recipe with rotis or rice.

13 Best South Indian Recipes for Lunch | Top South Indian Recipes For Lunch (11)

12. Mavinakayi Nellikai Chitranna (Raw Mango and Gooseberry Rice) Recipe

Create magic with a tangy and exciting combination of amla, raw mangoes and rice. The mix is infused with the goodness of local herbs and spices and cooked to perfection.

13 Best South Indian Recipes for Lunch | Top South Indian Recipes For Lunch (12)

13. Instant Rava Dosa Recipe

If you are pressed for time, instant rava dosa is sure to come to your rescue. Just 30 minutes and simple ingredients is all you need to make delicious and crispy dosa. Make it to believe it.

13 Best South Indian Recipes for Lunch | Top South Indian Recipes For Lunch (13)

Armed with our best South Indian Lunch Recipes, you can now get going and try each one of them and be the best host for scrumptious lunch parties.

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13 Best South Indian Recipes for Lunch | Top South Indian Recipes For Lunch (2024)

FAQs

What is a traditional South Indian meal? ›

South Indian thali, rice is staple in south India. Idli and sambar, a typical south Indian breakfast dish. Non-vegetarian Andhra-Telengana thali in restaurant. Dosa, a typical south indian breakfast dish.

What is the traditional lunch in India? ›

The core of a typical Indian dinner (or lunch) is rice, or a flatbread, and a lentil stew (dal). There will also be a vegetarian stew, and if non-vegetarian, a meat, chicken, or seafood curry.

What is healthy in South Indian food? ›

The incorporation of heart-healthy ingredients like lentils, vegetables, and coconut oil makes South Indian cuisine a boon for cardiovascular health. Lentils are rich in soluble fiber, which helps lower cholesterol levels, while vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals that support heart function.

What South Indian people eat daily? ›

  • . Dosas.
  • Idli Sambar.
  • Medu Vada.
  • Uttapam.
  • Fish Molee.
  • Kerala Prawn Curry.
  • Bisi Bele Bhaat.
  • Payasam.
Mar 23, 2018

Which rice do South Indians eat? ›

Parboiled red rice widely consumed in Kerala, which includes Thondi, Matta, Paal, Kuruva, Chitteni and Chettadi. Seraga Samba is an aromatic rice variety consumed widely in Tamil Nadu and Kerala; it is known as 'Basmati of South India' (Priya et al., 2019) .

What is the #1 Indian dish? ›

1. Chicken Makhani (Butter Chicken) Butter chicken is mouth-watering, tender chicken, cooked in a spiced tomato sauce. It's traditionally cooked in a tandoor (a cylindrical clay or metal oven), but may be grilled, roasted or pan-fried in less authentic preparations.

What do Mumbai people eat for lunch? ›

So, take a look at the top 10 food to eat in Mumbai.
  • Akuri on toast. Akuri is usually prepared from scrambled eggs mixed with onions, tomatoes red chilli powder and green chillies topped with fresh coriander. ...
  • Batata Vada. ...
  • The Bombay Sandwich. ...
  • Brun Maska. ...
  • Bhel Puri. ...
  • Chicken Mayo Roll. ...
  • Ragda pattice. ...
  • Faluda.
Mar 11, 2019

What do Hindus eat for lunch? ›

A typical meal consists of several preparations, but most often the main meal, at lunchtime, will consist of rice, sabji, dahl and chapattis. Food plays an important role in worship, and the food offered to the deities (prasad) is thought to bestow considerable religious merit, purifying body, mind and spirit.

What is the staple food of southern India? ›

Rice is a staple food of South India. Rice covers one-third of the total cultivated area of India. It provides food to more than half of the Indian population. Wheat is the second most important crop of India after Rice.

What is healthy lunch in India? ›

Easy and Healthy Indian Lunch Recipes
  • Vegetable Pulao: Fragrant rice is cooked with assorted vegetables and aromatic spices like cumin, cardamom, and cinnamon. ...
  • Chickpea Salad: A salad made with chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, and a tangy lemon dressing. ...
  • Roti Rolls with Paneer Bhurji: ...
  • Lentil Soup (Dal):
Sep 20, 2023

What is the staple diet in South India? ›

Rice is a staple food of South India. Rice covers one-third of the total cultivated area of India. It provides food to more than half of the Indian population. Wheat is the second most important crop of India after Rice.

What do Delhi people eat for lunch? ›

15 Foods to Eat in Delhi
  • 01 of 15. Murgh Makhani (Butter Chicken) Zohaib Hussain/Getty Images. ...
  • 02 of 15. Kebabs. uniquely india / Getty Images. ...
  • 03 of 15. Biryani. ...
  • 04 of 15. Dal Makhani (Butter Dal) ...
  • 05 of 15. Mutton Korma. ...
  • 06 of 15. Tandoori Raan (Leg of Lamb) ...
  • 07 of 15. Makki di Roti and Sarson ka Saag. ...
  • 08 of 15. Shahi Paneer.
Mar 6, 2020

What is lunch called in the South? ›

Which would explain why, in certain parts of the south, the word 'dinner' has persisted as a reference to the noon, rather than evening, meal. It also helps explain why 'supper' has become a distinctly southern word.

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