India is known for its spices. Each state in the country is famous for its special cuisines, but one thing remains common — different flavors of spices. When it comes to spices, Andhra Pradesh has a lot of scrumptious flavors to offer. Whether it’s Hyderabadi Biryani or the Andhra-special tea, South Indian food is known for its remarkable taste. The famous red chili that’s used in nearly all Indian delicacies is cultivated in large volumes in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. So, if you want to enjoy the true flavors of Indian spices, a visit to this state is a must. Let’s check out the famous foods of Andhra Pradesh that have made the state foodies’ paradise.
21 Traditional and Famous Foods of Andhra Pradesh
The spicy flavours of Andhra cuisine are well-known around the world. Andhra Pradesh is a major producer of red chilli peppers. The indigenous cuisine is naturally dominated by spices. If you're just starting out with chilies and spices, it's a good idea to have a bowl of jaggery or a glass of butter-milk on hand to help reduce your tongue's discomfort. Otherwise, the experience can become excruciating. If you're planning a journey to the peaceful beaches of Vizag, the tranquil Araku Valley, or the soul-searching Tirupati temple, here is a list of delectable Andhra cuisine you just must not miss.
1. Pulihora
Also called Chitrannam, this unique way of preparing tamarind rice filled with delicious flavors and spices makes Pulihora locals’ favorite. The sour and salty flavors taste amazing. The recipe is cooked in different styles and with a variety of flavors. It consists of tamarind, curry leaves, tomatoes, etc. If you are looking to greet your guests with an Andhra-special dish on a special occasion or a family gathering, try the tamarind rice recipe.
2. Pootharekulu
Paper sweet is a popular Indian dessert made with rice flour and ghee. Jagerry and other spices like elaichi and cardamom are put between the thin rice flour sheets.
3. Pulasa Pulusu
This fish curry is made of the most expensive and seasonal fish found in the Godavari River. If you are a seafood lover, Andhra Pradesh has some fish recipes that will satisfy your hunger pangs. Whether you are relaxing on a beach in Vishakapatnam or trying a new restaurant in Hyderabad, try Pulasa Pulusu to experience Andhra’s fish variety. Made with various spices and a considerable amount of oil, this fish curry will definitely leave you wanting more.
4. Gongura Pickle Ambadi
A spoonful of Gongura Pickle Ambadi can turn your simple lunch into something extraordinarily delicious and healthy. Indians are pickle lovers. They want pickles as a side dish for every meal. If you, too, like spicy and salty flavors for lunch and dinner, you should try this delicious Gongura Pickle Ambadi recipe. This Chutney is quite famous in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. You can enjoy it with flavored rice and chapatis. You can learn the chutney recipe from locals and try it at home.
5. Gutti Vankaya Kura
Eggplant curry is another popular dish in India. If you are looking for a spicy eggplant curry full of unique flavors and a delicious taste, Gutti Vankaya Kura in Andhra Pradesh is super satisfying. The curry is made with roasted herbs and Indian masalas, giving it delicious flavors. Once you are done enjoying the beauty of Vijaywada, head to a traditional Andhra restaurant and order this eggplant curry for lunch. You are going to love the taste. It’s served with Chapatis and rice.
6. Pesarattu
Pesarattu is a popular and healthy breakfast that locals prefer in Andhra Pradesh. It looks like dosa but is prepared with Moong dal. It’s kind of a dosa variant that every local and tourist enjoys in the state, especially for breakfast. This green dosa is served with tomato chutney or green chili chutney. Coconut chutney for dosa is also quite popular in South India. You can sample Pesarattu at any local Hyderabadi restaurant. This is not the urad dal dosa, but the recipe is similar, and the fillings are often the same.
7. Gonguro Mutton
Andhra Pradesh offers a variety of delicious meat delicacies that are rich in various spices and Andhra-special flavors, but Gonguro Mutton is special. The gravy contains potatoes and coconut milk, which gives it a lovely taste and texture. The spicy Andhra-style Gonguro mutton curry is everyone’s favorite, and people learn its recipe after trying it to show Hyderabad's unique taste to their families.
8. Kadai Paneer
If you are looking for a spicy variety of paneer in Andhra Pradesh, the Kadai Paneer recipe will definitely fulfill your cravings. Unlike Shahee Paneer or a normal paneer recipe, this one isn’t sweet, nor does it have a creamy texture. It’s rather cooked with Kasuri Methi, bell pepper, tomatoes, and Indian cottage cheese. Serve it with Nan and Rice for dinner, and you will know why Kadai Paneer is famous.
9. Uppindi
You don’t need to spend hours cooking meals. Some meals are given the name “bachelor’s diet” for the right reasons. They take less time to cook and taste incredibly delicious. Plus, they offer many health benefits. All these factors make Uppindi one of the many Andhra-special dishes every tourist must try at least once. It’s a Rava Upma, served for breakfast. Uppindi is your go-to recipe when you are running late for school or work. This mixture of Rava, spices, and peanuts tastes delicious.
10. Medu Vada
If you live in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, or Andhra Pradesh, you must be familiar with Medu Vada. It has a doughnut shape and a taste that will leave you craving more. Also called Uzhunnu Vada, you can find Medu Vada cooked in almost all South Indian households on special occasions. The dish is prepared using Urad Dal, hence the name. This ring-like vada is crispy on the outside and incredibly soft on the side. It’s often served with Sambar and coconut chutney for breakfast.
11. Punugulu
When it’s raining outside, and the weather seems pleasant, Indians crave something crunchy and spicy with a cup of tea. Punugulu is just for that. Whether you have guests at home or you are looking for a simple and crispy recipe to have with your evening coffee, Punugulu is your best option. It doesn’t take much time, nor does it require effort. The batter is similar to the Idli batter. The only difference is that you need to deep-fry these crunchy rolls until they turn golden brown. Try this traditional famous food of Andhra Pradesh with coconut chutney or tomato chutney.
12. Royyala Yeppadu
Seafood lovers won’t return disappointed from Andhra’s restaurants. The state is known for its delicious servings of prawns and shrimps. The fried seafood is fairly easy to cook and tastes extremely delicious. You just need fresh and clean prawns for the recipe. Mix them with the masala and cook until you achieve a soft texture. It can be served with Rumali Roti, plain rice, or Biryani.
13. Natu Kodi Pulusu
Andhra Pradesh is popular for meat — whether it’s prawns, mutton, or chicken. This popular chicken curry recipe is the most satisfying and delicious meal for lunch. Unlike the regular pepper chicken, this one is cooked with poppy seeds, which give a unique aroma and tangy taste to the curry. The dish is served in nearly all restaurants in Hyderabad and other cities in Andhra. Even locals cook Natu Kodi Pulusu with Andhra-special masalas and serve it with chapati and pickles.
14. Curd Rice
Do you want something light and tasty for dinner? Well, locals in Andhra Pradesh have curd rice for their afternoon meals. These are also quite popular for dinner. Popular in Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, this simple yet delicious recipe will become your favorite once you get a taste of it. The recipe is incredibly simple. It’s a blend of mixed veggies, unsweetened curd, and plain rice. To add flavors to the recipe, add ginger, red chilies, and Curry Leaves. Not only is it good taste-wise, but this recipe offers a range of health benefits.
15. Palak Pappu
Andhra’s spinach dal curry, filled with protein and many healthy nutrients, is the local’s and tourist’s favorite. If you are searching for popular food of Andhra Pradesh that will make you fall in love with this state, try this vegetarian recipe. Even your kids will love its taste. The recipe is served with rice and is cooked in a lot of Ghee, making it the most scrumptious meal in Andhra Pradesh. It’s like Dal, but with spinach and red chili tadka.
16. Dondakaya Fry
The foodies who want to taste the special flavors of Andhra should give Dondakaya Fry a shot. Rich in Andhra flavors, this dish is cooked with IvyGuord curry. Not only does it offer a wide range of vitamins, but it works as a famous body detoxifier. Try this natural way of cleansing your body from toxins and savor a healthy and delicious meal in Andhra Pradesh. The dish has nuts and spices and is often served with roti.
17. Bobbatlu
Andhra is famous for spices and tangy flavors, but it’s also known for light meals that satisfy your hunger pangs without increasing your calorie intake. Also called Puran Poli, this famous Andhra and Marathi dish has a sweet flavor and a delicious taste that will have you craving more. This traditional sweet dish is cooked on special occasions. This is made of chana dal, wheat flour, jaggery, cardamoms, and other flavors. You could also store it in the refrigerator for 3-6 days and microwave it before serving.
18. Ulava Charu
If you are looking for a perfect starter for your meal, try Ulava Charu. In the Guntur and Krishna districts of the state, this horse gram soup is quite popular and frequently prepared for at least one meal in a day. The creamy texture and spicy taste make Ulava Charu tourists’ favorite. The dish is served with rice and cream. In other words, Ulava Charu is a lentil soup made of horse gram and several Andhra herbs that give it tangy flavors. You can have it as a starter or a main dish with rice.
19. Crispy Bhindi
You may have had crispy Bhindi at home. There’s something special about this homemade vegetable recipe that makes it Indian’s favorite. When in Andhra Pradesh, you should try Crispy Bhindi, as the chefs add Andhra’s unique spices and flavors to make this recipe delicious. You can try it with hot rotis or plain rice. Crispy or Kurkuri Bhindi is the ladies' finger filled with spices and herbs and deep fried until they turn golden brown.
20. Panasa Pottu Aava Koora
Jackfruit is rich in many essential minerals and vitamins that have been proven good for your heart health. If you haven’t tried jackfruit yet, Andhra is your best place to have the most delicious jackfruit recipe. Panasa Pottu Koora is a jackfruit that’s marinated with herbs and spices. It’s left to marinate for hours until the fruit absorbs the rich flavors of the Andhra. It is then cooked until you get a curry texture. You will love the incredible taste of the fruit, and every bite will give you the authentic flavors of the state.
21. Boorelu
Last but not least, Boorelu is a sweet dumpling made of rice, coconut, and pulses. It’s mostly prepared during special Andhra festivals and can be found in most dessert shops in the state. It’s also famous in Telugu. The outer layer is made of rice flour, while the inside stuffing consists of dry fruits and mixed dal. There’s also jaggery that gives the dish a unique and delicious flavor. These dumplings are served hot.
Try these famous foods of Andhra Pradesh the next time you plan a trip to Hyderabad. You can learn the recipes by asking locals or researching them online. We are sure your kids and family will love the unique taste and tangy flavors of Andhra. So, what are you waiting for? Try restaurants and eateries, and order your favorite food. Don’t forget to try prawns, chicken curry, dumplings, Gutti Vankaya Kura, etc. We are sure you will want to taste more of Andhra’s flavors once you try these few dishes.
