South India ranked among world’s best food destinations: A guide to the region’s best eats

India’s diverse culinary landscape has once again gained international recognition. Travel and food guide TasteAtlas recently released its year-end list of the “100 Best Food Regions” worldwide, highlighting regions celebrated for their unique flavours, traditional dishes, and food culture. Among the global entries, Southern India secured the 40th spot, making it the only Indian region in the top 50. Other Indian destinations to feature in the top 100 include West Bengal (73), Maharashtra (76) and Kerala (97).

This is not the first time South Indian food has received global recognition in recent times. Last month, travel guide Lonely Planet listed Kerala's culinary culture as one of the world's best experiences for the year ahead.

With rising international interest, travellers seeking to explore India’s southern cuisines can find a wealth of culinary experiences across five states.

Guide to south Indian cuisines:

• TAMIL NADU

Tamil Nadu’s food culture is rich and varied, spanning several sub-regions: Chettinad (known for spice-heavy masalas and robust meat dishes), Kongu Nadu (millet and lentil-based dishes with ghee-led flavours), Tanjavur-Cauvery Delta (rice meals, sambars and gravies), Madurai (street-style non-veg dishes, parottas, dosas), and temple cuisine (prasadam-style meals with minimal spices). The state uniquely balances structured vegetarian meals with fiery meat dishes and a wide tiffin repertoire.

Must-try dishes: Idli with sambar/chutney, Ghee roast dosa, Chettinad chicken/pepper chicken, Ambur or Dindigul biryani, Mutton chukka, Pongal, Kara/puli kuzhambu, Kothu parotta, Filter coffee

Foodie destinations: Chennai, Madurai, Karaikudi/Chettinad region.

• KERALA

Kerala’s culinary identity varies across regions: Malabar (Moplah biryanis, breads like pathiri), central Kerala (Syrian Christian stews and roasts), and southern Kerala (coconut-based vegetarian meals and seafood). Coconut, spice trade heritage, and influences from Arab, Portuguese and Christian cultures define its flavours.

Must-try delicacies: Malabar biryani, Karimeen pollichathu, Fish moilee, Kappa Meen Curry, Appam with stew, Puttu and kadala curry, Kerala parotta with roast, Kerala Sadya, Toddy

Foodie destinations: Kozhikode (Calicut), Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram

• KARNATAKA

Karnataka showcases dramatic culinary shifts across regions: Udupi (vegetarian temple-linked dishes), Mangalore/Karavali (seafood, coconut, Tulu and Catholic influences), Malnad (foraged greens and bamboo shoots), Coorg/Kodagu (pork-rich mountain cuisine), and Bengaluru-Mysuru tiffin belt.

Must-try dishes: Mysore masala dosa, Bisi bele bath, Mangalorean fish curry, Kori rotti, Neer dosa, Pork pandi curry, Ragi mudde with saaru, Mangalore chicken ghee roast, Udupi sambar and rasam, Mangalore Buns

Foodie destinations: Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Coorg (Madikeri).

• ANDHRA PRADESH

The state’s cuisine spans Coastal Andhra (seafood, tamarind-based curries, gongura), Rayalaseema (spicy, chilli-heavy dishes), and Uttarandhra (milder, coconut-based meals). Guntur chillies and bold flavours are hallmarks of its culinary identity.

Must-try dishes: Gongura mutton, Chicken or fish pulusu, Pesarattu, Royyala vepudu, Pulihora, Ulavacharu, Bobbatlu, Nellore fish curry, Andhra biryani

Foodie destinations: Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam (Vizag), Guntur

• TELANGANA

Telangana offers two culinary pillars: regional Telangana fare (millet-based rotis, earthy curries, festival snacks) and Hyderabadi Nizami cuisine (Persian-influenced biryanis, kebabs, qormas, festive desserts).

Must-try dishes: Hyderabadi biryani, Haleem, Patthar ka gosht, Nihari, Sarva pindi, Jonna rotte with curries, Sakinalu, Telangana mutton curry, Double ka meetha/qubani ka meetha, Hyderabadi kebabs

Foodie destinations: Hyderabad, Warangal, Nizamabad

Indian regions on the global stage

Southern India’s 40th-place ranking marked India’s highest position on the TasteAtlas list. West Bengal (73), Maharashtra (76) and Kerala (97) were the other entries from the country. Globally, Campania (Italy) topped the chart, followed by Emilia-Romagna.

India also featured among the Top 15 Best Cuisines in the World, ranking 13th between Serbia (12) and Poland (14). Popular Indian dishes highlighted by TasteAtlas include Masala Dosa, Hyderabadi Biryani, Butter Garlic Naan, Amritsari Kulcha, Parotta, Muthia, and Garam Masala blends.

South India’s culinary diversity, from coconut-based Kerala dishes to fiery Andhra curries, Mysore dosas, Chettinad spices, and Hyderabadi royal fare, continues to captivate travellers and food enthusiasts worldwide. While many dishes cross regional boundaries, the subtle variations in preparation and flavour make exploring these cuisines a rewarding experience.

For food-loving travellers, this global recognition offers a perfect reason to plan a culinary journey across Southern India.