Indian cuisine is one of the most diverse in the world – and it’s breakfast menu does not disappoint! Every region offers its own traditional breakfast dishes, from simple spiced pancakes to slow-cooked curries.
What do Indians eat for breakfast? The answer can vary depending on where you are in India, but all breakfasts include a variety of flavors and ingredients that make this meal a satisfying start to the day. Whether sweet or savory, spicy or creamy, Indian breakfast foods provide a delicious way to begin the day.
Table of Contents
What Do Indians Eat for Breakfast?
A typical Indian breakfast consists of Masala dosa, Dal makhani, Vada pav, Stuffed paratha, Dhokla, Idli, Methi Thepla, Moong Dal Cheela, Misal Pav, Rawa Upma, Uttapam, Poha, etc.
India, a country in the Asian subcontinent, is a land of many different cultures and cuisines. No two places will likely have the same cuisine. You would receive all the macronutrients you require with each meal because the cuisine is so carefully planned.
With delicacies like idli, dosa, and aloo parathas, it is no wonder that Indians like to eat a hot breakfast rather than cold cereal or fruit.
There are distinct specializations and variations for each item in each Indian area. North Indian breakfast and South Indian breakfast can be broadly divided into two types. Again, there are differences between the eastern and western sections.
Idli, Dosa, Vada, Sambar, Chutney, Upma, Poori, Pongal, Bisi Bele Bath, Appam, Idiyappam, etc. are characteristic components of South Indian breakfast.
The staples of a North Indian breakfast are paratha and roti, dhokla, and khakras, among other things. There are, however, certain variations, such as kande pohe, poha, thalipeeth, toast, omelette, undi, buns, paniyaram, etc. If you’re trying to search for varieties in breakfast, then Indian breakfast might be suitable for you, read on to find out!
Traditional Indian breakfast
1. Masala dosa
Masala Dosa, also known as dosey or dosai, is a popular South Indian dish with roots in Tuluva Udupi cuisine from Karnataka. In South India, people like it.
A staple dish in any Indian household, masala dosa is a bread and lentil pancake that is enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack.
Made with a potato and lentil batter, this savory pancake bursts with flavor thanks to the blend of spices it contains.
Often reddish and fluffy on the inside, masala dosa is perfect for breakfast or as a snack – ideal when you’re looking for something filling but not too heavy. Its unique flavor makes it well worth trying out!
2. Poori Bhaji
Poori bhaji is a classic combination of deep-fried pooris (wheat bread) served with a spicy potato curry. This is a popular North Indian breakfast and can be found at many roadside stalls and restaurants. You can also add other curries or vegetables to the dish.
3. Dal makhani
The dish dal makhani originates from New Delhi, India. It is a relatively contemporary adaptation of classic lentil meals that uses urad dal and other pulses as well as butter and cream.
If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious breakfast option, Dal makhani is the one to go for. It’s usually served with bread or naan and can be a perfect meal to start your day off right. If you’re looking for something filling but not heavy, this dish is worth trying!
4. Vada Pav
Looking for a delicious and filling breakfast? Look no further than vada pav! Vegetarian fast food dish vada pav, often spelled wada pao, is a specialty of Maharashtra.
The dish consists of a bread bun that has been nearly split in half, inside of which is a deep-fried potato dumpling. A green chili pepper and one or more chutneys are typically served with it.
Some people enjoy eating it with chapati (a type of bread) and salad as their side dishes. Whether you’re new to this Indian favorite or you’ve been enjoying it for years, these four recipes will help spice up your morning meal!
5. Stuffed Paratha
When you want to eat wonderful classic Indian food but don’t want to create anything too difficult, these Indian Stuffed Potato Parathas are ideal.
Stuffed paratha is a type of bread that is stuffed with various ingredients such as potatoes, lentils, or even lamb. It can be made savory or sweet and is often served for breakfast.
A paratha is a great way to start your day with plenty of nutrients and fiber. There are many variations of the paratha, so make sure to try one out when you visit India!
6. Dhokla
Gujarat, an Indian state, as well as several of the neighboring states, are the traditional home of the vegetarian cuisine dhokla. Despite being a Gujarati specialty, it is frequently eaten throughout India.
Dhokla is a savory batter made from semolina, rice, and lentils that is popular in India. It can be savory or sweet and often features spices such as cumin and cardamom.
A variety of flavors are available – including butternut squash, spinach, and paneer cheese. Dhokla is a perfect breakfast option for people who want something hearty yet filling.
7. Barfi
Do Indians have sweet food for breakfast? They do! If you’re a fan of Indian food, then chances are you love barfi. One of the most well-liked mithais (sweets) in India is barfi, also known as burfi.
Since the Hindi word barf, which is borrowed from the Persian, literally means “ice or snow,” barfi is named for its snow-white color and cooling milk base. The main ingredients are milk, milk solids, khoya (milk powder), ghee, and sugar.
There are numerous types of barfi, including pista barfi (flavored with pistachios), besan barfi (also known as besan burfi, made with garam flour), badam barfi, and kaju barfi (also known as kaju katli, prepared with cashews) (almond flavoured barfi).
The basic barfi is the most popular barfi taste. Cardamom is used as a flavoring and the dish includes ghee and milk.
8. Appam
Appam is a South Indian dish made from fermented rice batter and coconut milk. It’s typically served with stew, such as vegetable or fish curries. Appam is often eaten for breakfast but can also be served as a snack throughout the day.
10. Idli
Idli is a popular breakfast dish in South India that can also be enjoyed as an appetizer or main course. Made with rice flour, water, and spices, idli batter is usually steamed until it becomes firm and slightly sticky.
Depending on the ingredients used, idli can have a variety of flavors and textures – from soft to crunchy. It’s usually served with chutney (a mixture of fruits, spices, and coconut milk), sambar (a lentil-based soup), or dosa batter (a thin wheat pancake).
Idli makes for a healthy breakfast option as well as being satisfying enough to eat as an appetizer or main course.
11. Masala Chai
If your day starts with coffee, the mornings in India are drenched in chai, the country’s staple milk tea. Spices, milk, and sugar are added to black tea to make masala chai.
Although drinking herbal infusions is a centuries-old custom in India, the British are credited with introducing the habit of adding milk and sugar to tea. After some time, Indians began to add spices to the tea to make it more to their liking, giving rise to Masala Chai.
The masala chai is more than just a beverage. Every home’s welcome sign and a respite from the daily rush, it signifies welcome. Masala is a spice concoction. Black tea, spices, milk, and sugar are the four main ingredients; there is no specific recipe for this dish.
Masala chai is the perfect drink for breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up. It’s caffeine-rich and usually doubles up as a healthy snack.
Popular Indian Breakfast
12. Methi Thepla
Fresh fenugreek (methi) leaves and whole grain flours are used to make methi thepla, which is a popular breakfast in India. These leaves smell amazing both raw and cooked, and they have a mildly bitter flavor with a trace of maple.
In addition to being quite healthful, fenugreek is well known for its ability to lower blood sugar and inflammation.
The strong earthy flavor of the methi is exquisitely balanced when coupled with spices and a mixture of whole wheat flour, gram flour, sorghum flour, and pearl millet flour.
It forms a dough-like texture that can be served with any kind of gravy or sauce – such as hara masala. Breakfast usually consists of bread and tea or coffee – two staples in the Indian diet that are enjoyed all day long!
13. Moong Dal Cheela
Moong dal cheela is a popular breakfast in India that consists of mung dal, channa dal, and lots of spices. You can add vegetables such as capsicum or green peas to make them more filling.
It is an easy meal to make and perfect for those mornings when you don’t have much time to cook. Of course, if you don’t cook and you are in India, you should try this light breakfast!
14. Misal Pav
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and in India, there are several delicious options to choose from. One of these breakfast favorites is misal pav – a mouthwatering Maharashtrian breakfast that can be prepared in one pot on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot.
Misal Pav is a filling dish that makes a delicious breakfast or brunch option. Misal is a hot sprouts curry (usal) made with coconut, ginger, garlic, onions, and tomatoes. Onions, lemon juice, and farsan are then added, and this is served with pav (dinner rolls).
If you like a filling dish and a fan of Indian cuisine, then you should try this misal pav!
15. Rawa Upma
South Indian breakfast staple upma is produced by simmering roasted rava in tempered and seasoned boiling water. Semolina is referred to as “rava” in South Indian, where it is also referred to as “rava upma”, which is a popular breakfast option in India.
Today, it can also be made using oats, vermicelli, poha, bread, etc. in addition to the traditional coarsely ground rice or wheat. This Indian cuisine is packed with nutrients, so I really recommend this cuisine to you if you like a healthy and hearty breakfast!
16. Uttapam
If you are looking for an authentic Indian breakfast, then there is no better option than uttapam!
South Indian dosas come in the form of uttapams. An uttapam is a fatter dosa with toppings as opposed to a regular dosa, which is crisp and crepe-like.
Classic and traditional South Indian breakfast pancakes called uttapam are created from fermented rice and lentil batter.
Idli dosa batter is used to make the delightful South Indian meal uttapam, which is prepared on a pan similar to one used for dosas. Uthappam is delicious either with or without toppings and goes perfectly with sambar, chutney, and podi.
17. Poha
Rice that has been flattened and steam-cooked with onions, herbs, and spices is called poha. Both the flattened rice itself and the dish created with it are referred to as “poha.”
Rice that has been beaten or parched is another name for these flattened rice flakes. Since they are produced with only a little processing paddy, they are regarded as healthy and nutritious.
It is consumed as breakfast, a snack, and even a quick meal. No side dish is required for this straightforward recipe. But diverse things like sev, raw onions or fresh coconut are frequently used as garnishes and toppings.
This breakfast is a good option because it is packed with nutrients and will give you satisfying feeling, so you should try it!
18. Bread Pakora
Bread Pakora is a delicious dish made of stale bread dipped in chickpea batter and deep-fried.
It can be enjoyed with different fillings such as paneer (cottage cheese), chicken, mutton, or spiced potato. Fried bread balls made with chapattis (flour, salt, and water) and spices are also popular choices for this dish.
Bread Pakora can also be had for breakfast, lunch, or dinner – it’s a versatile meal that everyone will love!
FAQs
1. What is the most popular Indian breakfast?
The most popular Indian breakfast is dosas. Dosas are a type of rice and lentil pancake that is typically served with chutney.
2. What should Indians eat for breakfast?
Poha, upma, moong dal cheela, idli, mixed veg paratha, uggani, and methi muthia are all nutritious breakfast food that Indians should eat.
3. What do Indian people eat every day?
Roti, rice, dal, chutney, pickles, beans, and legumes, together with meat or chicken, or fish, make up the foundation of Indian cuisine. Though it would be impossible to list them all here, these can differ from region to region with the inclusion of several other factors.
4. Which is the No 1 breakfast in India?
Breakfast in India can vary greatly depending on the region you’re in. However, some of the most popular breakfast items in India include idlis (a rice and lentil dosa dish), vada pav (deep-fried potato patties), uttapam (rice pancake), and dosas (a type of crepe).
Conclusion
Starting your day the right way can make all the difference. In this blog, I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of Indian breakfast recipes that will give you the energy you need to start the day off right. From idli dosa to vada pav, I’ve got you covered! Thanks for reading this article! Let me know your thoughts in the comment below!
