A great day deserves a great breakfast. Indian breakfast dishes are among the most delicious options you could choose from. They carry the warmth, depth, and nutritional goodness that Indian cuisine is known for.
Each region in India has its take on a perfect breakfast. From the soft, steamed Idlis of the South to the distinct, robust Thepla, Indian breakfasts will have you eagerly awaiting the next day.
So, join us as we serve up a platter of breakfasts that is sure to make your mornings extra special!
Rise, Shine And Dine
Idly
We bet it is nearly impossible for you to find a curated list of the best Indian breakfasts and not see Idly proudly claiming the top spot. So, it should come as no surprise for you that Idly is a beloved breakfast staple for numerous households.
Idlis are like the little moons on your plate that are light yet filling. These fluffy steamed cakes are low in calories and abundant in protein and probiotics. They stand out as a remarkable food for your gut health. It is an easily digestible food as well.
Oh, we cannot stress enough how amazing it is to savour Medu Vada along with Idli for breakfast. Give it a try next time and you will understand why they are a match made in heaven.
There is a comforting joy in enjoying fluffy Idlis with Vada, all generously dipped into a delectable Sambar and accompanied by an assortment of Chutneys. It is everything you could dream of and then some.
Poha
If you want a breakfast that is both light and nourishing, relish in the deliciousness of Poha. This classic dish that features flattened rice has immense popularity in North India. The word ‘poha’ itself is a direct reference to these rice flakes.
It is mixed with flavorful aromatics, including curry leaves and onions, all seasoned to perfection. Diced potatoes, green peas or crunchy peanuts are also added to enhance the texture and taste.
With its strong iron content, high fibre levels and entirely gluten-free ingredients, Poha presents you with a good reason why this dish is ideal to ensure your mornings are both healthier and more satisfying.
The options for savouring poha are plentiful and exciting. You have the Maharashtrian Kanda Poha, the Bengali Poha and the Indore Poha, each with its own unique flavours.
Simply put, Poha proves to be a delectable breakfast that leaves you feeling pleasantly full.
Dosa
Dosa always remains as a leading contender for breakfast, if not the absolute favourite. It is a truly scrumptious crepe, characterised by its slightly sour notes.
The paper-thin, crispy texture of Dosa makes it all the more alluring. Much like Idly, these crepes are paired with a bowl of Sambar and enticing Chutneys.
There are countless reasons to celebrate dosa. It embodies comfort and warmth and is an expression of happiness on a plate. So, trust us and give it a shot!
You can enjoy Dosa either on its own or with a variety of fillings. The Masala Dosa, in particular, is a popular choice. It is spread with spiced mashed potatoes that bring a burst of flavour to every bite.
You can also explore Dosa with different fillings such as onion, podi (gunpowder), egg, and even chocolate. These scrumptious dishes are not limited to just breakfast, feel free to eat them whenever you want.
Paratha
For individuals who delight in bread-based breakfasts, Paratha is an iconic North Indian dish that brings together taste, tradition and versatility. It is an unleavened Indian flatbread, distinguished by its layers that are tender and crisp.
Parathas can be plain or flavour-packed by stuffing them with a range of palatable fillings, including potatoes, cauliflower, or paneer.
After the dough is stuffed, it is rolled out and then cooked on a flat griddle with a generous drizzle of ghee (clarified butter) until it reaches a beautiful golden hue and a flaky texture.
A true paratha experience has a selection of sides – yoghurt, achar (pickles), or any curry. When you relish the flavours of paratha, it feels like a heartfelt journey back home, a reminder of love and care. It warms your soul and fulfills your appetite.
Idiyappam
Idiyappam (string hoppers), also known as Nool Puttu, is a famous delicacy from South India. The dish impresses you with its fluffy, airy texture.
The process of making it involves pressing the rice flour dough into slender noodles and steaming them. This results in the delicate, soft nests.
Idiyappam is a valuable source of carbohydrates, giving you a healthy dose of energy that would not burden you with an overly full feeling. It is also a gluten-free breakfast.
The sweet coconut milk complements Idiyappam really well. Or, if savoury flavours are your thing, pair it with a lip-smacking Vegetable Stew, Kadala Curry or Egg Curry.
Once you taste this delicious dish, you will see exactly why this dish has captured the hearts of so many and amassed a loyal fan base.
Thepla
Soft and mildly spiced, thepla is Gujarat’s delectable contribution to breakfast tables across India. It is loaded with calcium, magnesium and other essential minerals.
Prepared from a healthy mix of wheat flour, besan (gram flour) and a sprinkle of methi (fenugreek leaves), Thepla carries an earthy character that is refreshingly different from other breads.
It is typically served with yoghurt, mint, chutney or pickles to balance the flavours. Thepla is the kind of dish you will fall in love with, one you could easily see yourself savouring every single day without ever tiring of it.
And, this multigrain flatbread has also long been a favourite for travel because it stays fresh for extended periods. It remains delicious and soft even after hours on the road.
While so many foods taste best right out of the pan, this dish is just as good when it is cooled down. Thus, a perfect companion at any hour, Thepla can be relished not only in the morning but also during lunch or dinner.
We hope that this blog has whetted your appetite for Indian cuisine, compelling you to venture out and experience these lip-smacking dishes firsthand.
And, should you happen to require the best Indian dining venue in Amsterdam or Utrecht, visit us at The Madras Diaries. We promise to give you an experience that lives up to your expectations, in terms of both quality and flavour.
