Cuisines of Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu or Tamizhagam as is fondly called by its natives is a cultural gem of India. Buoyed by  a glorious past  emboldened by mighty kingdoms, Tamil Nadu apart from other things is definitely a treat for your taste buds. For those familiar with south Indian food, the fact that spices form an  integral part of the cuisine goes without saying. For those with a red eye for spicy foods, payasams and kesaris are always on the table.

Though famous for Dosas, Idlis, Vadas etc Tamil Cuisine is definitely not limited to the aforesaid and the list runs through numerous varieties of tangy and spicy sustenances.

On broader lines, food in Tamil Nadu can be grouped into four heads namely Chettinadu, Kongunadu, Nanjil Nadu and TamBram. Each specific to a particular region showcases a change in taste serving as an elixir for travelers and not-so-much-a traveler alike. Welcome on board for a mouth watering journey of Tamil edibles.

Chettinadu dishes: 

One of the shining gems in the food repertoire of Tamil Nadu, chettinadu cuisine is no doubt one that every knowing person would bet his money on. Hardly known even to the best of travellers is the fact that it stands as a hallmark of globalisation long before it became a fashion. Traditionally vegetarians, Chettiars adopted a non vegetarian tinge to their fares after coming in touch with traders of South India, Burma Ceylon and Singapore, thus giving birth to an amalgamation of cultures. For all the gourmet travelers out there, here is a gist of what should not be missed .

1. Chettinadu chicken




2. Vazhaipoo meenu kuzhambu




3. Milagu kozhi varuval




4. Karaikudi eral masala



5. Ennai kathrikai




6. Paruppu urandai kuzhambu



7. Mutton chukka



8. Meenu kuzhambu



9. Kandarappam




Kongu Nadu Cuisine:

If the thought of Tamil Nadu brings only the chettinadu cuisine to your mind then its nothing short of being called disdainful.
Northwestern part of Tamil Nadu, rich for its historical fables of Chera Kingdom, credits itself to be the harbinger of KonguNadu fares. Arid climate and distance from the sea has clearly left a deep mark on its cuisine. Sesame seeds, dry coconut and dry ginger and turmeric find a special place in all KonguNadu foods. Here is list of dishes which should make into your bucket list when you are in Tamil Nadu.

1. Karur mutton kuzhambu






2.Pallipalayam kozhi varuval:



3.Nathakadaiyur nandu masala:





4.Ellu karai dosai:



5.Nila kuzhambu:



Nanjil Nadu Cuisine:

Southern part of Tamil Nadu, especially Kanyakumari forms the heart of Nanjil Nadu. The fares here form a mash up of Tamil and Kerala style of cooking. Heavily smacked with spices and coconut, this cuisine is lipsmacking combo of veg and non veg foods. What separates it from other Tamil foods is that Beef as staple as any other item elsewhere. The tasty list runs as  under :

1. Lentil rice



2. Fenugreek stew:



3. Kinnathappam:



4. Ila appam:



5. Theeyal:



6. Nanjil fish curry:



A visit to Tamil Nadu in incomplete without having a taste of its spicy hot food in addition to the usual and famed dosa. For those longing for a sumptuous meal must bank on lavish Brahmin Lunch followed by a sweet dish. Make sure you include the aforesaid in your bucket list while in Tamil Nadu.