The great thing about Tirupati is that it is full of tradition and culture, the local food of Tirupati is a combination of Tamil and Telugu cuisine, since Tirupati was a part of Tamil Nadu before 1953 and later became a part of Andhra Pradesh. Both Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have delicious cuisines and use a generous use of chili in their dishes along with spices, rice being the chief staple food. Even though both the places have rich vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian dishes, the food of Tirupati is mostly vegetarian a the city is known as the holy city.
Let’s take a look at some of the most famous foods of Tirupati
Pulihora
One of the most famous and common foods in Tirupati is Pulihora, It is also known as tamarind rice in many parts of India. Cooked rice is seasoned with tamarind paste, which gives it the tangy taste, peanuts, chilies, and turmeric are added to the dish. It is a traditional dish and is often served in temples as Prasadam.
Payasam
Payasam is classic traditional dessert made with milk, sugar, and rice. It is rich and creamy and is prepared in many special occasions in Tirupati and other parts of India.
Murukku
Murukku is one of the most famous snacks in the south, this crunchy snack made with rice and urad dal is something that everyone enjoys.
Pongal
Yet another popular rice dish of Tamilnadu and Andhra Pradesh. It is a common breakfast in the region. Another popular version of Pongal is ChakkaraPongal, which is sweet.
Laddu
Laddu has almost become synonymous with Tirupati, you’ll find it everywhere. Once you’ve visited the Venkateswara Temple it is impossible to leave without the famous Laddu, made with Besan flour, Sugar, Cashew nuts, Cardamom, Ghee, Oil, Sugar candy, Raisins, and Almonds. Around 150,000 laddus are made every day of which small laddus are given free to each devotee.
Andhra Thali
If you want to taste the true flavor of Andhra Pradesh, go for the spicy thali which has a mound of rice in the middle, sambar, a curry dish, pickles, poriyal and kurma, A crispy papadum and dosa are served on the side. A traditional Andhra Thali will offer you all the flavors of Andhra Pradesh and is a great meal to eat.
BisibeleBhath
Bisibelebhath is a spicy, rice-based dish with origins in the state of Karnataka, Bisibelebhath, which translates to ‘hot lentil rice dish’ in the Kannada language, is a wholesome meal. Despite its origins, it is quite popular in Tirupati.
