Food is one of the best ways to understand a place, and Coorg's Kodava cuisine is rich, earthy and full of flavour. Sharing new dishes together is a lovely part of any honeymoon.
Pandi curry
Coorg's most famous dish is a dark, tangy pork curry flavoured with kachampuli, a local vinegar made from the Garcinia fruit. It is usually eaten with rice dumplings.
Kadambuttu
Soft, steamed rice balls that pair perfectly with pandi curry or chicken curry.
Akki otti
A thin rice roti, often served with curries, chutneys or a little ghee.
Noolputtu
Delicate string hoppers made from rice flour, best enjoyed with coconut-based curries.
Bamboo shoot curry
A seasonal speciality, often made during the monsoon when tender bamboo shoots are available.
Mushroom curry
Wild mushrooms collected during the rains are cooked into a flavourful local curry when in season.
Vegetarian options
Vegetarians can enjoy akki otti, noolputtu, local vegetable curries, chutneys and fresh fruit like Coorg oranges in season.
Drinks and treats
- Freshly brewed Coorg coffee
- Local honey
- Homemade fruit wines sold in local shops
- Spices like pepper and cardamom to take home
Where to try it
Local restaurants in Madikeri serve traditional dishes, and many stays offer Kodava meals on request. Some even arrange cooking demonstrations so couples can learn a recipe together.
Ask your stay
When shortlisting Coorg honeymoon resorts, ask whether they serve local cuisine and can arrange a special Kodava dinner. A shared meal by candlelight is a perfect way to end a day in the hills.
Tasting Kodava food together turns every meal into a small adventure and gives you flavours you will remember long after the trip.
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