Question 1

What's the main difference between North and South Indian food?

Accepted Answer

North Indian food is built around wheat, dairy, and tandoor cooking. South Indian food centres on rice, lentils, coconut, and fermentation. The spicing uses more curry leaves, tamarind, and black pepper, creating sharper, more aromatic flavours.

Question 2

Is South Indian food always vegetarian?

Accepted Answer

No. While there's a strong vegetarian tradition, coastal regions have rich seafood and meat dishes. Chettinad cuisine is famous for spicy chicken and lamb. Madurai offers both vegetarian and non-vegetarian South Indian cooking cooking.

Question 3

Why is South Indian food naturally gluten-free?

Accepted Answer

It's based on rice and lentils, not wheat. Dosas, idlis, and uttapam are made from ground rice and lentil batters. This isn't a modern adaptation — it's how South Indian food has always been cooked.

Question 4

Is South Indian food very spicy?

Accepted Answer

It can be, but heat isn't the only goal. South Indian cooking balances spice with sourness, sweetness, and aromatics. We can adjust heat levels at Madurai.

gluten-free dining

Why South India Is Quietly One of the World’s Great Food Cultures.

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