Top 10 South Indian Dishes to Keep You Cool This Summer

09/JUNE/ 2025

Sambar 

Filled to the brim with proteins and summer vegetables such as drumsticks and bottle gourd, sambar is a nutritious South Indian curry that goes incredibly well with rice, idli, or dosa—ideal for a light yet healthy meal 

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Avial 

A colorful blend of seasonal vegetables cooked in a coconut cream base, Avial is highly nutritious and flavorful. Seasoned with curry leaves and coconut oil, it's served best with steamed rice.

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Vathal Kuzhambu  

Prepared using sun-dried berries and spicy tamarind gravy, Vathal Kuzhambu is strong, sour, and ideal for a comforting summer meal with hot rice and a dollop of ghee.

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Tomato Rasam  

Easy to make and refreshing, Tomato Rasam uses ripe tomatoes, tamarind, and aromatic spices. Light on the stomach, it makes a great starter or rice accompaniment for hot weather days.

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Kara Kuzhambu  

This spicy tamarind-based curry is full of shallots, garlic, and strong spices. If you enjoy strong flavors, Kara Kuzhambu with rice accompanied by a side of poriyal is a must-try.

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Poricha Kuzhambu  

A simple Tamil Brahmin dish, Poricha Kuzhambu is a mixture of lentils, coconut, and vegetables in a humble yet soothing curry. It's a heartwarming summer recipe when had with hot rice.

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Kandala Curry  

Prepared with black chickpeas cooked in a coconut and tamarind gravy, Kandala Curry is nutritionally dense and flavorful. It is good with both rice and chapati, so it is very convenient.

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Cucumber Pachadi  

Chopped cucumber combines with creamy curd in this South Indian-style raita that is tempered with mustard seeds and curry leaves. It's a refreshing side dish ideal for hot summer nights.

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Thayir Sadam  

Chilly, creamy, and soothing—Thayir Sadam (curd rice) is a South Indian comfort food prepared with curd, soft rice, and a seasoning of mustard seeds and curry leaves. It calms the stomach and conquers the heat.

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Moru Curry  

Light, tangy, and spiced just right, Moru Curry is made with buttermilk, turmeric, and a tempering of spices. Served with rice, it’s a wonderfully light dish to cool down on sweltering afternoons.

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