Discover a collection of the best South Indian side dishes and chutneys you can serve with crispy dosa!
From the classics to other fusion dishes – this post will inspire you to try something new or help you rediscover some of your favorites!
Celebrating the South Indian Cuisine
What is your favorite cuisine?
I would have to say my favorite cuisine is Indian – for the incredible variety of flavors, tastes and textures in each dish (especially for a vegetarian)!
Plus, you can incorporate a wide range of fresh ingredients (including vegetables and aromatic spices) into each recipe.
The South Indian cuisine is a branch of Indian cuisine and brings a wonderful and distinctive selection of unique flavors and spices! This cuisine originates from southern India and is one I absolutely love!
I would like to take this opportunity to celebrate the South Indian cuisine – and the incredible blend of flavors, spices and textures in each dish!
In this post we explore a range of delicious South Indian dishes (as well as other Indian dishes) you can enjoy with crispy dosa. This includes a collection of recipes you can make to take your meal to the next level!
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What is dosa?
Dosa, also known as crispy dosa, is a popular traditional South Indian dish consisting of crispy, golden brown crepe (made from a fermented batter of rice and urad dal/black gram). This is often stuffed with a flavorful filling including spiced potatoes (or other mixtures).
There are many types of dosa include masala dosa (spiced potato filling), paneer dosa (spiced paneer filling), moong dal dosa – and even noodles dosa (consisting of a noodle mix inside the crispy dosa)!
Dosa can be enjoyed alone or served with a range of side dishes and chutneys for a fuller experience.
You can enjoy dosa as part of your breakfast, lunch or dinner!
Side dishes with Dosa
Here are some of the best mouthwatering side dishes that perfectly accompany crispy dosa
Chutneys and Dips
Whether you are ordering a crispy dosa from your favorite South Indian restaurant or making it at home – this dish would typically be served with a range of chutneys to enhance the flavor of the meal.
I love serving dosa with a mix and match of fresh chutneys including:
Coconut Chutney
This chutney recipe uses fresh coconut and coriander/cilantro. This dip is topped with a flavorful tempering (with ingredients such as mustard seeds and curry leaves). (
Peanut Chutney
This flavorful chutney is made by roasting peanuts with other spices to enhance their flavor. These ingredients are blended into a smooth chutney topped with a flavorful tempering.
Mint Chutney
This dip can be served alongside other chutneys. Fresh mint leaves are the main ingredient in mint chutney to bring a refreshing taste.
Coriander Chutney
This coriander chutney is made using a handful of ingredients and a great option if you are looking for a simple dip without onion or garlic!
Indian Mint Sauce
This delicious and cooling mint sauce is another great dip to complement a crispy masala dosa!
Other chutneys
These include tomato chutney, onion chutney, tamarind sauce, .
Classics
Some of my favorite classic South Indian side dishes include:
Idli sambar
This popular dish consists of idli (steamed rice and lentil cakes) served with sambar (a flavorful lentil and vegetable dish). Idli and dosa are both made from rice and lentils (the batter for idli is thicker than dosa). Many individuals like to use one idli dosa batter as a convenient way to make both dishes.
Masala Idli
Masala idli (with leftover idli) is so simple, quick and easy to make using leftover idlies. You will love the range of incredible South Indian spices in this tasty masala idli recipe!
Toor dal
This lentil gravy dish can be served with rice, or idli.
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Rassam
This is the best side dish to bring warmth, spice and flavor into your meal! This spicy and tangy South Indian tomato-based soup features fresh tomatoes, tamarind and tempering spices. I love serving a bowl of rassam with rice as a side dish with crispy dosa.
Curry
South Indian style vegetable curry can be a great side dish with dosa to add some extra vegetables and spice!
Uttapam
This is a South Indian savory pancake-like dish, made using a fermented batter (consisting of rice and urad dal/black gram or semolina/sooji). This dish can be made with spices and toppings including fresh vegetables, paneer or cheese.
Rice dishes
Many South Indian style (and other Indian style) rice dishes can be enjoyed with dosa.
Lemon rice
Lemon rice is a light, refreshing and easy side dish made using rice, tempering spices and fresh lemon juice.
Tamarind rice
Tamarind rice (also known as Pulihora) is a delicious dish made with rice, tamarind and tempering spices – with a wonderful balance of spice, tanginess and hint of sweetness.
Yogurt rice (or Curd rice)
Yogurt (dahi) rice or curd rice (also known as Thayir sadam) consists of rice, fresh yogurt with tempering spices (including curry leaves).
Vegetable biriyani
Vegetable biriyani can be made in either a South Indian, North Indian or South Asian style (depending on spices used and cooking technique). This dish consists of rice mixed with spices and vegetables.
Other fusion dishes
There are many other dishes which can complement crispy dosa. Although these are not primarily from the South Indian cuisine, they are considered part of the Indian (or Indo-Chinese) cuisine.
Many of these dishes are served in restaurants and typically ordered with crispy dosa for a full course meal!
Paneer manchurian
This features soft and crispy cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese), marinated in a blend of spices or seasoning and cooked with peppers and onions, tossed in a spicy, tangy and semi-sweet sauce.
Chilli paneer
This dish consists of cubes of Indian cottage cheese (paneer) tossed with onions, chillies and peppers in a flavorful and spicy (or sweet/spicy/tangy) sauce
Veggie noodles
This features fresh vegetables, spices and flavor for some crunch on the side
Raita
There are many types of raita (yogurt dish) including cucumber raita or aloo raita. This can typically be served as a side dish with biriyani or other rice dishes.
Achar (pickles)
A popular condiment in the Indian cuisine and can be served as part of a thali (Indian-style food platter). Mango pickle is one of the most popular types. This pickle is made by preserving mango with spices, oil and other ingredients. This condiment has a tangy, spicy and flavorful taste.
Salad
Salad is a very common side dish throughout Indian households! From onion salad to Indian cucumber salad, these add extra flavor and tanginess to the meal.
Other salads include Kosambari salad (South Indian tempered salad, made using lentils, coconut, cucumber and other spices with a flavorful tempering).
Drinks
Serve dosa and other side dishes with a delicious drink including:
Masala chai
Refreshing pear juice
Apple orange and carrot juice
Orange and passion fruit juice
Personal favorites and serving tips
My personal favorite is masala dosa – served with a range of chutneys and sambar! Plus a bowl of rassam with rice!
Along with dishes from South India, I also enjoy side dishes from the Indian and Indo-Chinese cuisine such as paneer manchurian, chilli paneer and noodles. Add a glass of fresh juice (I recommend pear juice) on the side or for a warm drink - a cup of masala chai!
Enjoy - and let us know what your favorite side dishes with dosa are in the comments below!
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