Thousands of devotees flock to Tirupati every year. The cuisine of Tirupati is influenced by the city’s religious character, with the majority of its specialties being purely vegetarian.
Here are some popular local delicacies of Tirupati.
Murukku
Murukku is a crispy and tasty South Indian staple made from rice flour, lentil flour, and spices, including sesame seeds and chili powder.
Andhra Thali
Andhra Thali is a filling meal that includes lip-smacking specialties, such as rice, sambar, appam, curry, pickle, kurma, payasam, and more.
Pulihora
Pulihora features as an offering or a “prasad” at the Venkateshwara Temple. It is made with kokum, raw mango, lentils, peanuts, turmeric, curry leaves, and jaggery.
Bisibele Bhath
This dish is made with lentils, rice, vegetables, and spices, including turmeric, ginger, and loads of ghee.
Pongal
Pongal is a popular dish and is cherished throughout South India. It is made with rice, moong dal, ginger, green chilli, curry leaves, and cashews.
Payasam
Payasam is a succulent dessert crafted from milk, sugar, rice, and jaggery. To add flavour, spices like nutmeg, cardamom, and saffron can also be used.
Laddu
Laddu is often used as an offering to Lord Vishnu at the Venkateshwara Temple. It is prepared with besan, sugar, cardamom, cashews, and ghee.