Celebrating Madras Week: 10 Wonderful Dishes from Tamil Nadu You Didn't Know About

Tamil cuisine is full of surprises. You think you've tried it all but there will always be these hidden treasures waiting to be explored. Every regional food experience in India is like a valued inheritance, rich with traditions that has been passed on over generations. As we're in midst of celebrating Madras Week (from August 20 to August 27; commemorating the founding of the city of Madras on August 22, 1639), we thought it was apt to bring to fore some forgotten or rather unknown dishes from Tamil Nadu that are equally delicious. 
 
1. Pathaneer PayasamA unique dessert from the Kongu region of Tamil Nadu (hilly areas of Coimbatore, Kangayam, Erode and Pollachi), this payasam is made with palm fruit juice. 
 
2. Mor KuzhuThis soft and melt-in-mouth treat is a unique 'tiffin' snack from Tamil Nadu. It is made with rice flour and buttermilk and is popular in Tamil Brahmin families. 
 
 
3. Thalagam Kuzhambu or KootuThalagam Kuzhambu or Kootu is a wonderful delicacy prepared by the Tirunelveli Brahmins especially during the festival of Pongal or the Thirvathirai festival. It is made with seven different types of local vegetables such as raw banana, avarakkai (broad beans), chayote (chow chow), yam (sennai kizhangu), yellow pumpkin and more. 
 4. Banana BondaYou may have all heard of crisp Aloo Bondas that are popular in Karnataka and even Bengal, but this version of the bonda is stuffed with bananas and then fried in oil. This unusual sweet snack is best enjoyed with a cup of tea in Tamil Nadu.(Also read: Try Karnataka's Bonda for Tea-Time)
 
5. Kola UrundaiKola Urundai is a popular Chettinad snack.  These deep fried rounds can be prepared with minced mutton, grated carrot or even raw bananas.
 6. Vada CurryAnother popular Chettinad dish, Vada Curry is usually had as a breakfast dish. Deep fried chana dal vada are cooked in delicious and tangy gravy and then served with idlis or dosa. 
 7. Idiappam PayaSoft and stringy idiappams are served with paya curry - a spicy curry made with goat leg (paya). It makes for the perfect comfort food.(Also read: How to Make Idiappam at Home)8. Mutton Rib SoupAlso known as Nenju Elumbu Soup or Maarkandam, this soothing soup is great to warm your body. Made in a traditional way with lots of spice, shallots and meat from mutton ribs, it is a healthy South Indian-style soup. 
 9. Ennai KathrikaiA much-loved dish of the Tamilians, Ennai Kathrikai is made with fries baby brinjals stuffed with roasted masalas and then doused in spicy gravy. It is best enjoyed with appams or steamed rice. 
 10. Paruthi PaalA very unusual drink from the famous city of Madurai, Paruthi Paal is made with a combination of cotton seeds, flour of raw rice, coconut and jaggery. 
 We've barely scratched the surface of extensive variety of Tamilian dishes that you may not even have heard of but are definitely worth knowing and trying. If you have any such favourites, we'd love to know.