Ooty has been undeniably one of the best tourist destinations in India. It always tops the bucket list of all travel enthusiasts who wish to explore and unwind in its scenic natural beauty. The city is renowned for its all-time pleasant weather, vibrant landscapes, and lush greenery all around. It is indeed a must-visit hill station for all nature lovers, as the city boasts unparalleled views of stunning waterfalls, hills, terraced plantations, and breathtaking viewpoints.
While exploring Ooty has several natural aspects, the street food here is equally inviting. As you go sightseeing in the city, make sure that you try some of the must-have street food nearby. From scrumptious kebabs to biryanis, dahi puri, momos, and several other traditional dishes, Ooty has something to offer for everyone!
What are the Best Street Food Items of Ooty?
For both locals and tourists alike, Ooty has something to offer. However, the main attraction remains its unparalleled street food culture. Delicious, plentiful, and cheap, the street food scene in Ooty is prevalent across the city. There is no dearth of options when it comes to trying out new tastes and recipes.
While each street food vendor in the city will deliver its unique taste, you will always come across a myriad of dishes at highly affordable rates to try out. Some of the must-have street food items in Ooty are:
1. Kebabs
If you love non-veg delicacies, you are assured to fall in love with the divine taste of kebabs across the streets of Ooty. The street food scene in Ooty is full of legendary stalls and eateries serving this delicacy at its best. In Ooty, kebab is the king of favourite snack items amongst the locals.
As a tourist, if you find it difficult to pay a hefty amount at a high-end restaurant, you can definitely try out scrumptious kebabs in Ooty to fulfill your cravings. You can have a fulfilling platter of this dish at highly affordable rates.
2. Sandwiches
Another signature dish that has gained a huge impetus across the street food scene in Ooty is a myriad of sandwiches that entice one & all. It serves to be a great light and healthy breakfast option. At the same time, it is readily available across street side stalls and eateries at highly affordable rates.
Most sandwiches in Ooty are served on a white bread base. Moreover, you will be surprised by the contrasting flavors of green chillies and red chutneys that are beautifully smeared on the white bread. In most cases, the chutney that is served is hot and spicy. This makes up for a great tantalizing effect on your taste buds.
3. Avial
It is a type of delicious vegetable stew that is immensely famous amongst the locals of Ooty. The dish is prepared by moderating the overall flavours by adding peppers and a wide range of veggies. It is regarded as the ultimate comfort food of local residents in the city.
Avial is not only delicious but is equally nourishing as it features the goodness of a number of veggies. Avial is served across stalls and eateries by garnishing the same with grated coconut and fresh curry leaves to improve its nutritional value and overall taste.
4. Neer Dosa
Dosa is a popular breakfast option across South India. As a matter of fact, it is one of the healthiest food options that is heartily consumed by all types of food lovers. Ooty serves to be the ultimate food heaven for dosa-lovers. A famous variant of this dish is the Neer Dosa.
It is available as a thin, airy, and immensely light breakfast dish that will keep you satiated and full for long. It is prepared out of a thin rice batter along with a delicious stuffing of potatoes and coconut. The dish is a popular traditional accompaniment with a myriad of spicy gravies.
5. Chicken Chettinad
It is a classic traditional delicacy from South India cuisines. The entire dish is enhanced with the use of a spicy, delicious gravy prepared out of coconut milk. It is a famous Southern-style chicken-based dish that contains the goodness of a myriad of spices and herbs. The entire dish is effectively balanced by the overall silkiness and softness of coconut, delivering a heavenly taste to your senses.
In a typical bowl of Chicken Chettinad, the succulent chicken pieces are marinated beautifully by mixing garlic, ginger, fennel, cumin, red chillies, and peppercorns. The marinated chicken pieces are then deliciously cooked to bring out the best flavours. The dish is usually served hot with roti or a bowl of rice.
6. Kozhi Varutharachathu
Kozhi Varutharachathu is a famous traditional dish in Ooty features a divine amalgamation of rich flavours derived from fresh ingredients and spices. Some additional ingredients that enhance the flavours of the dish are succulent chicken pieces, desiccated coconut, peppercorns, bay leaves, and much more.
This South Indian favourite is the classic version of the chicken recipe to make you drool all over. The chicken in this dish is cooked meticulously to form a soft, thick, and mushy gravy along with a tomato puree to bring about the perfect blend of a mélange of flavours.
Conclusion
Right from savoury to sweet, crunchy snacks to soupy dishes, Ooty offers a great combination of the best street foods you could imagine. The place features a series of old food joints and even new, contemporary food stalls and carts that are budget-friendly and will fulfill all your cravings on the go.
If you are craving something quick and delicious, you can now order food online in Ooty from Swiggy. There is no better feeling than enjoying a hot plate of your favorite dish in the comfort of your home.
FAQs
1. What type of street food is famous in Ooty?
Ooty is renowned for its perfect mix of a myriad of cuisines and local recipes. Therefore, it is the ultimate food heaven for all types of food lovers, including both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
2. Are there any sweet delicacies unique to Ooty’s street food?
In addition to savoury and spicy delicacies, the street food scene of Ooty is also dotted with a number of mouth-watering sweet dishes that will take you by surprise. Some of the must-have sweet dishes here are Ooty Varkey, Mysore Pak, and so more.
3. What are some of the must-have street foods of Ooty?
In Ooty, you will be spoilt for options when it comes to choosing the best street food item. There is a myriad of both veg as well as non-veg delicacies that fulfill the cravings of one & all. Some of the must-have local delicacies here are Neer Dosa, Chicken Chettinad, Avial, and so more.
4. Where can I find street food in Ooty?
There are several famous lanes and streets across Ooty that are famous for serving some of the most delicious and sought-after local dishes. If you are exploring the hill station and wish to try out something quick and mouth-watering, you can head to different street food stalls and eateries that deliver culinary goodness at highly affordable rates.
