Dosa dosa

Want to step outside the box when it comes to South Indian food? These are the dishes you need to try.

Spread over six states—namely, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and the union territory of Puducherry—the recipes are as varied as any other region, even if dried red and green chilies, coconut, and the refreshing tang of tamarind also make regular appearances. Meanwhile, states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh are known for their spices, complex flavors, and abundance of vegetables. Still, the food of the Tamil community, which is typically vegetarian and serves as most people’s introduction to South Indian cuisine, doesn’t necessarily represent the region as a whole.