Exploring Must-Try Local Foods and Eateries in Mangalore

Mangalore, a coastal city in Karnataka, India, is a foodie's paradise, known for its delicious and unique cuisine. The city's coastal location and its rich cultural heritage have influenced its street food scene, resulting in a unique and flavorful mix of dishes. Let us checkout some of the Local foods and eateries in Mangalore.

10 Local Foods that you must try in Mangalore

1. Golibaje

2. Neer Dose

3. Kori Rotti

4. Fish Curry

5. Fish Fry

6. Gujje Podi

7. Mangalore Buns

8. Ghee Roast

9. Churumuri

10. Patrode

1. Golibaje

Mangalore's signature snack, Golibaje, is a crispy, fluffy, and slightly tangy delight. Made with a batter of curd, maida, and spices, it's a must-try for anyone visiting the city. 

You can find this delicious snack almost anywhere in Mangalore. You can eat it with Tea or coffee as an afternoon snack or morning breakfast. It is best combined with a coconut and green chilli chutney. 

2. Neer Dose

^{Neer Dose (Image Source)}

Neer dosa, a beloved Mangalorean dish, is a must-try for anyone who loves a good dosa. Its name, which literally means "water dosa" in the Tulu language, comes from the watery batter that is used to make it. Made from rice flour and water, neer dosa is a thin, lacy crepe that is incredibly soft and delicate. It is typically served with coconut chutney or spicy chicken curry, and the combination of the two is simply irresistible.

The soft texture of neer dosa is one of its most appealing qualities. It is so light and fluffy that it melts in your mouth. The coconut chutney adds a touch of sweetness and creaminess, while the spicy chicken curry provides a flavorful counterpoint. You can even try Neer Dosa with Fish curry. 

If you are looking for a unique and delicious dosa experience, I highly recommend trying neer dosa. It is a dish that is sure to please even the most discerning palate.

3. Kori Rotti

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Kori roti, a crispy paper-thin rice wafer, is another iconic Mangalorean dish. It is made by spreading rice paste into sheets and drying them, giving them a hard and crunchy texture. When broken into pieces and served with chicken curry, the roti absorbs the flavorful gravy and becomes soft and delicious.

One of the things that makes Mangalorean cuisine so appealing is its perfect blend of spices. The flavours are complex and nuanced, yet there is a certain harmony to it that is simply irresistible. Even those who are not typically fans of Indian food often find themselves enjoying Mangalorean dishes.

If you are looking for a truly unique and flavorful dining experience, I highly recommend trying kori roti with chicken curry. It is a dish that is sure to tantalise your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

4. Fish Curry

^{Mangalore Fish Curry}

Mangalore Fish Curry is a beloved dish in Coastal Karnataka, made with fresh, locally sourced fish and a blend of fiery spices. It is a must-try for any seafood lover, and its unique flavour is sure to tantalise your taste buds.

The curry is typically made with a variety of spices, including chilli peppers, coriander, cumin, and turmeric. It is also often cooked with coconut milk, which gives it a rich and creamy texture. The fish is typically cooked until it is flaky and tender, and the curry is served with rice or roti. Make sure to try this on your next visit to the coastal gem of Karnataka. I personally recommend Melugu fish Curry! 

5. Fish Fry

Mangalore fish fry is a must-try dish for anyone visiting the coastal city of Mangalore. It is a simple dish made with fresh fish, coated in a batter of spices and deep-fried until golden brown. The fish is typically a mix of mackerel, pomfret, and kingfish, and the batter is made with a blend of spices such as turmeric, coriander powder, chilli powder, and garam masala.

You can enjoy fish fry with rice or any other main course as a side dish. Highly recommended to try with brown rice and curry.

6. Jee-Gujje Podi

^{Jee-Gujje Podi (Image Source)}

Mangalore's Jee-Gujje Podi is a unique and beloved snack that is sure to surprise and delight even the most sceptical of foodies. Unlike traditional pakodas, which are typically made with vegetables or lentils, Gujje Podi is made with thinly sliced jackfruit pieces. The jackfruit is dipped in a flavorful batter and deep-fried, resulting in a crispy and crunchy treat with a slightly sweet and tangy flavour.

What sets Jee-Gujje Podi apart from other pakodas is its unique texture. The jackfruit is a fibrous fruit, and the batter helps to keep the pieces intact during frying. This results in a pakoda that is both crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside.

Jee-Gujje Podi is typically served as a snack or appetiser, and it can be enjoyed on its own or with a dipping sauce. It is also a popular ingredient in chaats and other street food dishes.

If you are looking for a unique and flavorful snack that is sure to tantalise your taste buds, be sure to try Jee-Gujje Podi. It is a must-try for any visitor to Mangalore.

7. Mangalore Buns

Mangalore buns, a beloved teatime snack in Udupi-Tulu Mangalorean cuisine, are a popular choice for people all over Karnataka. These pillowy soft bread puris are made with a simple yet irresistible combination of flour, sugar, and mashed overripe bananas, which gives them a unique and refreshing sweetness. 

Mangalore buns are typically enjoyed warm and with coconut chutney, which is a perfect complement to their sweetness. You can find these buns at many breakfast places in Mangalore, where they are often served fresh and hot. If you are looking for a delicious and authentic Udupi-Tulu Mangalorean snack, be sure to try mangalore buns. You won't be disappointed!

8. Ghee Roast

Chicken ghee roast is a popular Mangalorean dish that is known for its irresistible flavour and aroma. The chicken is marinated for several hours in a blend of spices and then roasted in ghee until it is golden brown and succulent. When served with neer dosa, chicken ghee roast is a truly heavenly experience. The dosa is a thin crepe made from fermented rice and lentil batter. 

Overall, chicken ghee roast is a must-try for anyone visiting Mangalore. It is a dish that is sure to tantalise your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

9. Churumuri

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Churumuri is a beloved evening snack in Mangalore, especially near beaches and parks. It is made with beaten rice, a variety of vegetables, and spices, but what sets Mangalorean churumuri apart is the use of coconut oil.

The coconut oil gives the churumuri a unique flavour and aroma that is unmatched by other types of churmuri. It also helps to bind the ingredients together and create a more cohesive snack.

While some people may not enjoy the taste of coconut oil, it is an essential ingredient in a Mangalorean churumuri. Without it, the snack would simply not be the same.

10. Patrode

Patrode is a must-try Mangalorean dish made with Arbi ke patte. The leaves are stuffed with a spicy lentil mixture and steamed until tender. The lentil mixture is a blend of split pigeon peas, coconut, and local spices. Patrode can be enjoyed with coconut chutney, which helps to balance the spiciness of the lentil mixture. This unique dish is only available in a few parts of India, so be sure to try it if you're in Mangalore!

Must visit Eateries in Mangalore

Pabbas Ice Cream, Lal Bagh

Pabbas Ice Cream is a must-visit eatery in Mangalore for anyone who loves ice cream. It is a family-owned business that has been serving up delicious ice cream for over 50 years.

Pabbas Ice Cream is known for its fresh and creamy ice cream, made with high-quality ingredients. The ice cream is available in a variety of flavours, including traditional favourites like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, as well as more unique flavours.

In addition to its ice cream, Pabbas is also known for its creative and delicious sundaes and milkshakes. Some of the most popular items on the menu include the Gadbad ice cream sundae, the Tiramisu milkshake, and the Bella Candy ice cream.

Pabbas Ice Cream is a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike. The parlour is always busy, but the wait is worth it for a taste of their delicious ice cream.

Location: Shree Krishna Prasad Building, Lalbagh, Mangaluru

Naturals Ice creams (Just Sundaes), Kodibail

Naturals Ice Creams is a popular ice cream brand in Mangalore, known for its fresh and creamy ice cream made with natural ingredients. The brand offers a wide variety of flavours, including both traditional favourites and more unique options. Try as many flavours and sundaes as you can, each of them has a unique taste that will make your taste buds want more!! 

Personal favourite? Tender coconut and Tadgola (irol) sundae. (Try them all)

Location: Shop 1 & 2, Yamuna Gardens, 4th Cross, Mannagudda Rd, opp. Shree Gokarnatheshwara College, Gandhinagar, Mangaluru

Vanas

Vanas is a popular restaurant in Mangalore that serves authentic Mangalorean cuisine. The restaurant is known for its fresh, high-quality ingredients and its delicious and flavorful dishes. Vanas offers a wide variety of Mangalorean dishes, including seafood, chicken, crab and vegetarian options.

Location: Mallikatte, Kadri, Mangaluru

Woodlands Mangalore

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Woodlands is a popular vegetarian restaurant in Mangalore that has been serving up delicious food for over 60 years. It is a family-owned business that is known for its fresh and flavorful dishes, made with high-quality ingredients. Woodlands offers a wide variety of vegetarian dishes, including both traditional Mangalorean fare and more modern dishes.

Location: Bunts Hostel Road, Hampankatta, Mangaluru

Tandoor Mangalore

Try different varieties of Chicken Biryanis (chicken ghee roast Biryani) and other tasty starters. You will find the unique varieties of local food as well. 

Location: Jail Rd, Boloor, Kodailbail, Mangaluru

Other Local foodie points to visit

• Bombay Lucky (biryani, chicken fry)

• Food Junction (Try Shawarma here)

• Chicken Lagoon

• Capella Pastries (for sweet tooths)

• Albatross mangalore

• Perera hotel (Must visit for pork lovers)