Southern Region
The vast coastal regions and tropical climate of southern India influence the region’s cuisine. Food in this area tends to be spicier than in other parts of India, and the close proximity to the coast results in numerous seafood dishes including a variety of fish and prawns. Other local dishes include dosas (thin rice crepes with savory filling), idli, rice and lentil cakes served with sambar or chutney. India’s southern region is known for its extravagant rice dishes and is quickly gaining recognition as one of the top culinary tourism destinations in the country. Frommer’s recently recognized the city of Cochin in the southern coastal state of Kerala as the center for Indian culinary tourism and named it a top travel destination in 2010.