Karnataka culinary tradition is very vast and varies from region to region.

The state’s rich, diverse culture and multi-faceted heritage is notable in its food and spreads across North Karnataka, South Karnataka, Kodagu, Udupi, Mangalorean, North Canara and the Navayath cuisine.

The cuisine is said to be one of the oldest surviving in the country and is a combination of flavours, ingredients and cooking techniques from its neighbouring states of Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.

It is one of the mildest in terms of spice levels and uses jaggery generously in the local cuisine, with the exception of North Karnataka cuisine, which is a bit spicy.

North Karnataka cuisine

The North Karnataka cuisine is mainly dominated by Rice, Jowar or wheat rotis and is accompanied by a variety of spicy curries, pickles and spiced buttermilk.

South Karnataka cuisine

The South Karnataka cuisine has the traditional Ragi mudde, Benne Dosa (Butter dosa), Akki Roti, Ragi Roti and a variety of rice based dishes like Bisi bele bhath, lemon rice and Vangi Bath.

North Canara or Coastal/Malenadu cuisine

The North Canara or Coastal/Malenadu cuisine boasts of seafood delicacies with rice and fish curry being the staples. The Mangalorean cuisine is unique & diverse and has more of coconut, along with the local spices.
Their local dishes include the delicate Neer dosa, rice-based Kori Roti, Mangalore Buns to name a few.

Kodagu cuisine

The Kodagu cuisine consists of spicy curries either from meat, chicken or pork, while rice remains the staple food.

Udupi cuisine

The Udupi cuisine emphasizes the use of local fruits, vegetables, grains and beans. It is entirely vegetarian food that makes use of jaggery, rice and coconut and also boasts of different types of dosas & spicy rice.

Navayath cuisine

The Navayath cuisine is predominantly found in the coastal districts.

Kannadigas have an interesting range of sweets too like the famous Obbattu, Kajjaya, Karjikai, Kadubu, Peni, Mysorepak and a wide range of payasa with Khus-Khus payasa being the most traditional one!