Belgaum is a city located in the southwestern state of Karnataka in India. It is known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and vibrant food scene. With a population of over 500,000 inhabitants, Belgaum is a bustling city where people lead a busy and stressful life. However, food plays an essential role in the daily routine of the locals and is a way of unwinding and relaxing after a long day.
One of the most popular dishes in Belgaum is the spicy and flavorful Kunda Curry. This vegetarian dish is made with a mixture of chickpea flour, jaggery, and coconut milk, seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and red chili powder. The mixture is then simmered until it thickens and develops a rich, creamy texture. Kunda Curry is typically served with rice or chapati, a type of flatbread.
Another favorite dish in Belgaum is the spicy and tangy Mirchi Bajji. This dish consists of deep-fried green chilies stuffed with a mixture of mashed potatoes, onions, and spices. The chilies are coated with a batter made from chickpea flour and deep-fried until golden brown. Mirchi Bajji is often served as a snack or appetizer and is best enjoyed with a cup of hot tea.
Belgaum is also famous for its sweet delicacy called Kardantu. This sweet is made with a mixture of dry fruits such as almonds, cashews, and pistachios, which are mixed with jaggery and sesame seeds. The mixture is then shaped into small squares and left to dry in the sun. Kardantu has a chewy texture and a nutty flavor and is often served as a dessert or snack.
When it comes to drinks, Belgaum has a unique and refreshing beverage called Solkadhi. This drink is made from a mixture of kokum fruit, coconut milk, and spices. The kokum fruit gives the drink a tangy and sour flavor, while the coconut milk adds a creamy texture. Solkadhi is often served as a digestive after a heavy meal and is believed to aid in digestion.
Apart from the traditional dishes, Belgaum also has a vibrant street food culture. The city is dotted with small food stalls that offer a variety of snacks and treats, such as Vada Pav, a type of Indian burger made with a spiced potato patty, and Pav Bhaji, a savory dish made with a mixture of mashed vegetables and spices.
In terms of meal times, breakfast is usually a light affair, with dishes such as idli, a type of steamed rice cake, and dosa, a crispy crepe made from fermented rice and lentil batter. Lunch is the main meal of the day and is typically served between 12 pm to 2 pm. Dinner is usually a lighter meal and is served between 7 pm to 9 pm. Belgaum also has a vibrant night life, with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars that stay open late into the night.
Belgaum is a city with a rich and diverse food culture that reflects the region's history and cultural influences. The people of Belgaum lead a busy and stressful life, and food is an essential part of their daily routine. From traditional dishes to street food, Belgaum has something to offer to everyone's taste buds. So, if you're ever in the area, make sure to try some of the local delicacies and immerse yourself in the city's vibrant food culture.