The best restaurants South India

Timetable

Traditional restaurants are open, as in France, for lunch and dinner, often with a weekly closing day (or two). Some restaurants open only for lunch or dinner. In tourist towns and seaside resorts, restaurants are often open non-stop from morning to night.

Budget & Tips

Smaller restaurants generally do not accept credit cards, but some now accept payment via an application (GooglePay or other). Mid-range and high-end restaurants almost all accept credit cards.

In the mountains of the Western Ghats and in some tourist places, some places offer you to fill your water bottle for a small fee to avoid the proliferation of plastic bottles.

What costs extra

In big-city restaurants, be sure to check the price list, which will indicate whether government taxes (10%) and service (between 5 and 10%) are included in the price. The bill can sometimes climb very quickly!

The local way

Many travelers consider the cuisine of South India to be better than that of the North. The general view is that northern food is very spicy, while southern food is milder. This is not entirely true, as there is a wide variety of cuisines in the South: the central role of coconut in Kerala, the Portuguese influence in the cuisine of Goa, the Mughlai style of Hyderabad, the spicy cuisine of Chettinad, the mutton-based dishes of Madurai... The best meals often come at surprisingly low prices and, although not vegetarian, many travelers enjoy the countless vegetarian dishes on offer in restaurants. The thali, a complete meal traditionally served on a banana leaf and accompanied by rice as much as you like, allows you to sample a multitude in a single sitting. And don't hesitate to try the famous masala dosa, lentil pancakes with vegetables, especially potatoes: a simple dish, but much appreciated by Westerners... and Indians, who eat them for breakfast. The abundance of fish on the coast further enhances the choice at mealtimes, with the catch of the day sometimes displayed on a stall outside restaurants.

Beef. Although cows are sacred in India, it is still possible to find them on the menu of some restaurants, especially in Kerala, where beef is highly prized, even by Hindus. On a national scale, however, its consumption remains marginal, and beef is especially popular with Muslims.

To be avoided

Always eat with the right hand, the left being considered impure.

To avoid illness, avoid raw vegetables, which are often washed in dubious water, and unpeeled fruit.

Also avoid fruit juices cut with water (ask for them without ice or water), and ice creams sold on the street. Always wash your hands before and after every meal. By sparing your stomach, you'll enjoy India's delights all the more!

It's better to opt for typical local dishes rather than (so-called) continental ones. Many a tourist has fallen ill from a dish of pasta or pizza... Of course, this is not a general rule, but at least Indians know the secrets of a good thali or chicken tikka masala...

For fresh fruit juices, Indians often add sugar or salt; if you don't want any, please specify when ordering.

Smokers

Smoking is strictly prohibited in public places. Some restaurants have a smoking area, separated from the rest of the room. In the tourist areas and along the coast, it is possible to smoke on some open-air terraces. However, ask the waiter or use your common sense (presence of children or families nearby, etc.) before doing so.