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Food and coffee

What to Eat in Chikmagalur: Malnad Food Guide

Akki rotti, kadubu, pandi curry, neer dosa and strong filter coffee. A guide to the food of the Malnad hills.

2 min read Updated Nov 2026
Must try
Akki rotti
Drink
Filter coffee
Style
Malnad
Veg friendly
Yes

The Malnad region has its own food culture, shaped by rice, coconut, jackfruit, forest greens and plenty of pepper and cardamom from the estates.

Dishes to try

  • Akki rotti: rice flour flatbread, often with onion, coriander and coconut, served with chutney.
  • Kadubu: steamed rice dumplings, sometimes cooked in leaves.
  • Neer dosa: soft, thin rice crepes served with coconut chutney or curry.
  • Kesu (colocasia leaf) dishes: a seasonal Malnad favourite.
  • Pandi curry: spicy pork curry, a classic of the coffee estates.
  • Kori saaru: chicken curry with rice or rotti.
  • Jackfruit sweets and chips in season.

Coffee

Strong filter coffee made with fresh decoction and hot milk is the drink of the region. Try it at a local hotel in town and at breakfast at the resort.

At Tranquil Terrain

Breakfast and hi-tea are included. Lunch and dinner buffets can be added and include South Indian, North Indian and local dishes. Read more about dining at Tranquil Terrain.

Questions travellers ask

What is the famous food of Chikmagalur?

Akki rotti, kadubu, neer dosa, pandi curry and of course filter coffee.

Book direct

Stay at our coffee estate resort

Book directly with Tranquil Terrain. Just pay 50% advance and the rest on arrival.

  • Free cancellation up to 7 days
  • Just pay 50% advance
  • Breakfast and hi-tea included