If you love tasty and healthy food then South Indian food is something you can never ignore. Even its soft idli, dosa sambar or rice meals, South Indian cuisines has won heart worldwide. What makes South Indian food truly unique is its perfect balance of taste and nutrition. It uses rice, lentils, vegetables, coconut, and mild spices which are best examples of healthy Indian food. Also it is budget friendly and easily available everywhere.
The article is all about best south Indian food, famous south Indian restaurants, and great south Indian food deals. We will also help you find out various restaurant discounts and online offers so that you can enjoy great south Indian food without spending too much.
Popular South Indian Dishes
South Indian food comes in varieties of iconic dishes that suit every taste. This food is full of taste as well as healthy and nutritious. If you are new to South Indian food and want to try best South Indian meals then you must try this popular list of South Indian food names:
Idli and Vada
This is a famous South Indian dish which is soft and prepared using steamed rice. Idli is served with coconut chutney and sambar. This South Indian food item is super light and healthy too. It is best eaten for breakfast.
Vada is also part of the meal for South Indian breakfast. This dish is crispy from outside and soft from inside. Vada and Idli are both breakfast dishes which are served with chutneys and sambar.
Dosa
Everyone knows popular and famous South Indian dish is dosa. Dosa is basically from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. This is thin and crispy pancake style which is made from fermented rice and lentil batter. You can try variety of dosa such as plain dosa, masala dosa stuffed with spicy potatoes, rawa dosa. This South Indian dish served with tangy tomato chutney, coconut chutney, and vegetable sambar. Dosa is super delicious and healthy food.
Hyderabadi Biryani
Biryani is famous non vegetarian South Indian cuisine of Andhra Pradesh. This dish is aromatic rice dish cooked with marinated meat. This is famous for its dum cooking style combined with rice and meat together with saffron and spices.
Uttapam
This is favorite South Indian dish described as ‘pizza-like’ savory pancake. Uttapam is thicker, soft in center, and topped with mix vegetable ingredients. If you want to eat something light in dinner you can try this dish.
Appam
Appam is one of most iconic dishes from Kerala and Tamil Nadu which is enjoyed as light breakfast or dinner. It is soft, slightly spongy in center, with crispy edges. This dish is cooked in special curved pan that gives it its bowl like shape.
Puttu
Puttu is traditional dish from Kerala which is one of the most iconic South Indian breakfasts and simple yet deeply satisfying. It gives taste of natural sweetness from coconut. Its cooking style is very special because its made in special puttu kutti that gives cylindrical shape. Puttu served with kadala curry and papad.
Rasam
Rasam is tasty South Indian soup. It is made with tamarind, tomatoes, and spices like pepper, cumin, and garlic. People usually eat it with rice but it can also be enjoyed as light soup that helps digestion.
These South Indian dishes are perfect for those who like healthy and light food. These dishes are simple and best for daily meals.
Also Read: Delicious Delights: Exploring the Famous Food in Kashmir
Best South Indian Restaurants in India
Every South Indian state has its own unique style of food, taste, and flavours. Here are some famous South Indian restaurants where you can enjoy quality food and good service.
Saravana Bhavan (Multiple Cities)
This restaurant chain has branches all over India and serves tasty vegetarian food. Their mini tiffin lets you try different dishes. On average, it costs about ₹300 per person. You can try their rava masala dosa and you can order through all major delivery apps.
MTR
MTR is old restaurant has been serving since 1924. Their rava idli is so popular that people wait in line for it. The cost is about ₹350 per person. We personally recommend to try their rava idli with butter. You can order it on Swiggy and Zomato.
Murugan Idli Shop
This is one of the most popular South Indian vegetarian restaurants in Chennai. They are best known for their soft idlis, crispy dosas, and chutneys. The must try dishes are idlis with chutney, onion uttapam, ghee pongal, dosa, and filter coffee.
Dakshin
Dakshin is famous fine dining South Indian restaurant inside ITC Hotels especially in Chennai and Mumbai. It serves authentic South Indian dishes from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Puducherry. The menu has vegetarian food, non-vegetarian food, seafood, and special regional meals.
Sagar Ratna
Sagar Ratna is one of India’s most well known South Indian vegetarian restaurant chains. Founded in 1986 in Delhi, it has grown across the country with outlets in major cities. It is especially popular for authentic Tamil Nadu style tiffin and thali meals.
Is South Indian Food Healthy?
Yes. South Indian food is one of the healthiest regional cuisines in India and thanks to its reliance on natural, fermented, and plant based ingredients. This food is super healthy if you eaten in the right way. Lets discuss why South Indian food is healthy:
| Food Item | Healthy Benefits | Things to Watch Out For |
| Idli and Dosa | This is made of fermented rice batter which is good for digestion and gut health. | Masala dosa can be oily if you fry it too much. |
| Sambar | Made of lentils and mixed vegetables which have high protein and fiber. | It can be salty if overseasoned. |
| Rasam | This dish is mix of tamarind and spices which aids digestion. | Too much turmuric cause acidity. |
| Appam and Puttu | Super light food for filling and energy. | Avoid heavy curries. |
| Filter Coffee | It is antioxidant and boosts energy. | Use limited amount of sugar and milk. |
Best Apps and Websites to Order South Indian Food Online
Now getting your favourite South Indian food is very easy through online food delivery apps. You can also get food delivery coupons to get amazing deals.
Here is where to order for the best experience:
- Swiggy has many restaurants and delivers food quickly usually in 30 to 40 minutes. They give ‘Super Saver’ offers on South Indian food, and Swiggy One members get free delivery.
- Zomato is strong competitor to Swiggy and works with top restaurants. Their Zomato Pro membershipgives free dishes and discounts. Zomato is great for user reviews, which help you find hidden gems.
- Dealsshutter helps you find best discounts on restaurants and South Indian food. Instead of checking many apps, we show all current offers, food delivery coupons, and cashback deals in one place.
- You can use restaurant apps like Saravana Bhavan and MTR which have their own apps with special discounts. Delivery can be slower but you usually get better prices and earn loyalty points.
At The End
South Indian food is not just about eating, it is about taste, health, tradition, and value all in one. From crispy dosas and fluffy idlis to hearty meals and soothing rasam, every dish carries touch of culture and care.
Whether you are looking for healthy breakfast, filling lunch, or light dinner, this cuisine has something for everyone. And with so many popular restaurants and easy to use apps, enjoying authentic South Indian flavors has never been simpler.
So grab exciting South Indian food deals on Dealsshutter. Eat well, save more, and enjoy every bite.
