Hubballi-Dharwad is a haven for food lovers, offering a mix of traditional Karnataka cuisine, street food, and regional specialties. The cities are known for their rich flavors and authentic dishes that reflect the culture and heritage of the region. Here’s a detailed guide to the top 10 foods you must try when visiting Hubballi-Dharwad.
1. Dharwad Pedha
Overview:
Dharwad Pedha is a famous sweet that originated in the town of Dharwad. It’s made from milk solids and sugar, with a soft and rich texture that melts in your mouth. This sweet is perfect for those who have a sweet tooth.
Why It’s Special:
Dharwad Pedha is the pride of the region and is often bought as a souvenir by tourists.
Where to Try:
- Vishal Sweets, Shree Raghavendra Pedha House (Dharwad).
Cost:
₹50 – ₹100 per piece
2. Bisi Bele Bath
Overview:
Bisi Bele Bath is a traditional South Indian rice dish made with lentils, rice, and a variety of spices, giving it a unique flavor. It’s often served with papad (crispy flatbread) and ghee (clarified butter), making it a comforting meal.
Why It’s Special:
It’s a wholesome and flavorful dish, perfect for lunch or dinner, and widely enjoyed in Karnataka.
Where to Try:
- Kamat Lokaruchi, Hotel Sankam Residency (Hubballi).
Cost:
₹80 – ₹150 per plate
3. Ragi Mudde
Overview:
Ragi Mudde is a staple dish in the Karnataka region made from finger millet (ragi). It’s a healthy, steamed ball of ragi dough served with sambar or dal (lentil curry).
Why It’s Special:
It’s highly nutritious and is a traditional Karnataka meal enjoyed by locals.
Where to Try:
- Kamat Lokaruchi, Shree Sagar (Hubballi).
Cost:
₹50 – ₹100 per serving
4. Mysore Masala Dosa
Overview:
Mysore Masala Dosa is a popular variant of the classic dosa, with a spiced potato filling inside a crispy dosa. It is served with sambar (lentil soup) and coconut chutney.
Why It’s Special:
The addition of a spicy red chutney inside the dosa makes it distinct and more flavorful.
Where to Try:
- Hotel Sankam Residency, Kamat Lokaruchi (Hubballi).
Cost:
₹50 – ₹120 per dosa
5. Chutney Pudi with Idli and Dosa
Overview:
Chutney Pudi (also known as Gunpowder) is a spicy, dry chutney made with lentils, chili, and other spices. It is commonly eaten with idli (steamed rice cakes) and dosa (crispy pancake).
Why It’s Special:
The tangy and spicy chutney adds an incredible flavor to the soft idlis and crispy dosas, making them a local favorite.
Where to Try:
- Hotel Metropolis, Shree Sagar (Hubballi).
Cost:
₹30 – ₹80 per serving
6. Pani Puri
Overview:
Pani Puri is a popular street food consisting of small, crispy puris filled with spicy water, mashed potatoes, and chutneys. It’s known for its burst of flavors in every bite.
Why It’s Special:
The combination of spicy water, crispy puris, and tangy chutneys makes it a refreshing and enjoyable snack.
Where to Try:
- Hubballi Market, Sadar Bazar (Dharwad).
Cost:
₹20 – ₹50 per serving
7. Misal Pav
Overview:
Misal Pav is a spicy Maharashtrian dish made from sprouted lentils, served with pav (bread rolls) and a variety of chutneys. It’s a popular breakfast or snack option.
Why It’s Special:
The dish combines spicy, tangy, and savory flavors, making it an exciting and filling option for food lovers.
Where to Try:
- Chai Point, Shree Sagar (Hubballi).
Cost:
₹40 – ₹100 per plate
8. Bhutte Ka Kees
Overview:
Bhutte Ka Kees is a unique dish made with grated corn, cooked with spices and milk, and served as a side dish or snack. It’s a mildly spiced corn delicacy.
Why It’s Special:
The sweet corn flavor combined with spices and milk makes it a creamy, flavorful dish.
Where to Try:
- Local street vendors in Hubballi Market and Sadar Bazar (Dharwad).
Cost:
₹30 – ₹60 per serving
9. Chana Chaat
Overview:
Chana Chaat is a popular street food made from boiled chickpeas mixed with onions, tomatoes, cucumber, green chilies, and a variety of spices. It’s a healthy and flavorful snack.
Why It’s Special:
The tangy, spicy flavor of the chickpeas mixed with fresh vegetables makes it a refreshing and light snack.
Where to Try:
- Sadar Bazar (Dharwad), Hubballi Market.
Cost:
₹30 – ₹70 per serving
10. Kunda (Sweet)
Overview:
Kunda is a traditional sweet from Hubballi-Dharwad made from milk, sugar, and a variety of nuts. It is often prepared during festivals and special occasions.
Why It’s Special:
The soft and rich texture, combined with the delicious milk-based flavors, makes it a regional favorite.
Where to Try:
- Vishal Sweets, Shree Raghavendra Pedha House (Dharwad).
Cost:
₹50 – ₹100 per piece
Summary Table: Best Foods to Try in Hubballi-Dharwad
| Food | Description | Where to Try | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dharwad Pedha | Sweet made from milk solids and sugar | Vishal Sweets, Shree Raghavendra Pedha House | ₹50 – ₹100 |
| Bisi Bele Bath | Rice and lentil dish with spices | Kamat Lokaruchi, Hotel Sankam Residency | ₹80 – ₹150 |
| Ragi Mudde | Finger millet dough ball served with sambar/ dal | Kamat Lokaruchi, Shree Sagar | ₹50 – ₹100 |
| Mysore Masala Dosa | Dosa with spiced potato filling | Hotel Sankam Residency, Kamat Lokaruchi | ₹50 – ₹120 |
| Chutney Pudi with Idli/Dosa | Spicy chutney powder with steamed rice cakes/dosa | Hotel Metropolis, Shree Sagar | ₹30 – ₹80 |
| Pani Puri | Puffed bread with spicy water and chutney | Hubballi Market, Sadar Bazar | ₹20 – ₹50 |
| Misal Pav | Spicy lentils with bread rolls | Chai Point, Shree Sagar | ₹40 – ₹100 |
| Bhutte Ka Kees | Grated corn cooked with spices and milk | Local street vendors in Hubballi, Dharwad | ₹30 – ₹60 |
| Chana Chaat | Boiled chickpeas mixed with spices and veggies | Sadar Bazar, Hubballi Market | ₹30 – ₹70 |
| Kunda | Milk-based sweet with nuts | Vishal Sweets, Shree Raghavendra Pedha House | ₹50 – ₹100 |
Conclusion
Hubballi-Dharwad offers a rich variety of food that reflects the diverse and flavorful cuisine of Karnataka. From Dharwad Pedha and Bisi Bele Bath to Pani Puri and Kunda, these top 10 foods will give you a true taste of the region. Don’t miss out on these local delights when you visit, as they will make your trip even more memorable!