🍩 Vada

🍛 Description: Crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, Vada is a savoury South Indian fritter made from urad dal (black gram) or chana dal (Bengal gram), seasoned with ginger, curry leaves, green chillies, and spices. Often shaped like a doughnut with a hole in the centre, vadas are deep-fried to golden perfection and served hot with sambar and coconut chutney.

📍 Origin: Tamil Nadu, though enjoyed across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and beyond.

🌿 Varieties: Medu Vada (soft urad dal fritter), Masala Vada (spiced chana dal fritter), Thayir Vada (vada soaked in yoghurt).

💡 Cultural Note: A popular breakfast or tiffin snack in South India and a festive delicacy during temple offerings and special occasions.

🌱 Nutritional Tip: Packed with plant-based protein and fibre from lentils, though best enjoyed fresh and hot for maximum flavour.

Cypriot Parallel: Similar to savory loukoumades, but made from lentils instead of flour, and seasoned with aromatic Indian spices.

👉 Bite into a golden ring of South Indian flavour!