7 popular breakfast dishes from around India

Masala Dosa (South India): A crispy, thin pancake made from fermented rice and lentil batter, filled with a spicy potato mixture. Served with coconut chutney and sambar (a lentil-based vegetable stew).

Poha (West India): Flattened rice cooked with onions, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and turmeric. Often garnished with peanuts, coriander leaves, and a squeeze of lime.

Aloo Paratha (North India): Soft, unleavened bread stuffed with a spiced mashed potato filling. Best enjoyed with a dollop of butter, yogurt, or pickle.

Idli-Sambar (South India): Steamed rice cakes made from fermented rice and lentil batter, served with a flavourful lentil-based vegetable stew called sambar, and coconut chutney.

Puri Bhaji (North India): Deep-fried, puffed bread (puri) served with a spicy potato curry (bhaji). It's a favourite street food breakfast across India.

Upma (South India): A savoury porridge-like dish made from semolina (cream of wheat) cooked with onions, and vegetables, and flavoured with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies.

Misal Pav (West India): A spicy sprouted bean curry topped with farsan (crispy snack mix) and served with pav (soft bread rolls). It's a hearty and flavourful breakfast option from Maharashtra.