Why Chettinad Cooking is Better Than Others?

Chettinad House

Before going into Authentic Chettinad cuisine, we have to know the origin of the Chettinad Cuisine. Chettinad is the region which is located in the Siva Ganga district, which comprises 76 villages. In the olden days, Chettiars were trading salts and spices and mercantile for their growth. They lived as a joint family, so they constructed the big house with 1 acre. 

During the early period, Chettiars were vegetarian. After the trade to different places like Burma, Ceylon, Vietnam, and Malaysia. They were influenced by non - vegetarianism also they have lived far away from the sea. This is the reason behind Chettiars become non-vegetarian. 

Let's see about the authentic Chettinad cuisine, Chettinad cuisine is the cuisine of the Nattukotai Chettiar's community.  Mostly, Chettiars used a variety of spices, grounded masala, a variety of sun-dried meats, sun-dried vegetables. They have used most of the sun-dried meats because they were trading to different places.  

Authentic Chettinad Cuisine

The authentic Chettinad cooking is better than others because they served food full of healthy spices. The spices which they used are Kalpachi, Star Aniseed, Chilies, Fennel seed, Tamarind, Cinnamon, Cloves, Bay leaf, Peppercorn, Cumin seed, Fenugreek.  

Authentic Chettinad Spices

The famous Chettinad food item in vegetarian is Dosa, Appam, Idiyappam, Adais, Idly, Paniyaram, Paal Payasam, Maavurundai, Kandarappam, and Athirasam. The famous Chettinad Non - vegetarian foods are Chettinad Chicken, Vazhaipoo Meen Kuzhambu, Milagu Kozhi Varuval, Karaikudi Eral Masala, Kada fry, Mutton Chukka, Mutton Uppu Varuval.

Authentic Chettinad Vegetarian Dishes

Chettinad cuisine food is better to taste than others because all non-vegetarian foods are prepared by a ground masala of tomato, shallots, coconut, ginger, and garlic. It makes the food better aroma and flavor.

Authentic Chettinad Non -Vegetarian Dishes

Another specialty in their cuisine is they will be using sun-dried vegetables and meats in the dishes which helps to preserve the nutritional value of the dishes.  Mostly, The curry and gravies are served with rice accompaniments like Idiyappam, Idlis, Dosa, and Adais. Chettinad cuisine was served in banana leaf, it is one of the traditions followed by their community.