How to Know if You’ve Got the Perfect South Indian Dosa

Sometimes, all you crave is the amazing taste of South India, with a hearty meal consisting of idli, vada, sambar, coconut chutney, and…DOSA! Dosas are a delicious food deeply ingrained in Indian cuisine and are enjoyed not only in the country but worldwide. 

However, especially outside India, it is quite difficult to replicate the perfect dosa, and you may be left disappointed by the dosa a restaurant serves. Well, don’t worry! Here is how to know if you have an authentic and good South Indian dosa. 

What is Dosa?

For the uninitiated, dosa is a staple South Indian dish made from fermented lentils and rice in the form of a thin, long, and crispy pancake. It is an extremely light dish, crispy from the outside, soft from the inside, and traditionally has a filling of spiced potatoes; and is usually served with sambar and coconut chutney. This crepe-like dish is an extremely popular street food, and is often consumed for breakfast or lunch, for a light and tasty start to the day!

What to Look For in an Authentic Dosa?

• Size

Authentic South Indian dosas do not skimp on the size! It’s not uncommon for dosas in India to breach the 1-foot size mark, and if you find a restaurant that serves these mammoth dishes, you can be rest assured about the authenticity of the dosa!

• Types

Dosas come in many options and have vastly different styles and tastes. If the restaurant offers different styles, such as masala dosa, Rava dosa, Mysore dosa, neer dosa, and more, it may indicate the dosa’s great taste, and the restaurant’s commitment to providing an authentic experience!

• Side Dishes

Dosa is not a dish that is eaten alone and is usually accompanied by multiple side dishes that make the meal whole. If a restaurant serves tasty side dishes with dosa, such as sambar, coconut chutney, tomato chutney, and rasam, the dosa is also likely to be delicious.

• Filling 

Dosas are typically filled with spiced potatoes, which adds a ton of flavour to the otherwise plain dosa. The taste and consistency of the potato filling will greatly help you know if the dosa is authentic! Ideally, the potatoes should be mushier in consistency, and not exactly firm; while also adding a spicy kick to the flavour! However, dosas can also be filled with other fillings, such as paneer, soya, and even keema!

Visit Sangam Chettinad for authentic South Indian food!

We know how much you crave your homeland’s food when you live abroad, and finding a good, authentic restaurant to fulfill all your needs can be tough. If you are looking for a great dosa austin, Sangam Chettinad is the place for you! 

We pride ourselves on our authentic South Indian culinary experience and strive to bring quality signature dishes from South Indian cuisine to all our customers in central Texas. Head to Sangam Chettinad and order your favourite dosa now!