Appetizers

57 recipes

Mangalorean Chicken Bezule

Crispy, spicy boneless chicken bites from coastal Karnataka, perfect as a party appetizer. A bright, herb-forward marinade and a quick deep-fry give these morsels irresistible crunch and flavor.

Thenga Vada (Coconut Rice Fritters)

Crispy, golden fritters made from rice flour and coconut—perfect with a hot cup of tea. They use just a handful of pantry ingredients and come together quickly for an easy snack.

Crispy Lotus Stem in Honey-Chili Sauce

Crunchy slices of lotus stem are deep-fried and tossed in a glossy honey-chili sauce for a sweet-spicy snack that’s light, addictive, and perfect as an appetizer.

Kerala-Style Chicken Kondattam

Crispy, spice-scented chicken strips fried in a light batter and tossed with fragrant curry leaves and chilies — a bold Kerala-style appetizer that’s perfect with chapathi or rice.

Mint Rasam (Southern Style)

A bright, tangy South Indian rasam where fresh mint and toasted spices lend a lively, fragrant kick—perfect spooned over steamed rice or served as a warming, spicy soup.

Chinese-Style Chilli Egg Stir-Fry

Crispy battered omelette strips tossed in a tangy, spicy sauce — a quick Chinese-style egg stir-fry that pairs beautifully with fried rice. Crunchy, saucy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a hearty snack.

Brinjal Manchurian

Crispy battered brinjal tossed in a tangy soy-tomato sauce, this Indo-Chinese starter is a crowd-pleaser that’s quick to prepare and perfect for parties.

Kerala Sukhiyan (Moong Dal and Jaggery Fritters)

Crisp, golden fritters filled with sweet jaggery and coconut, made from protein-rich moong dal. These Kerala tea-time treats are comforting, lightly spiced, and perfect with a hot cup of tea.

Crispy Prawn Rava Fry

Crispy prawn rava fry features spiced prawns coated in an egg and semolina-breadcrumb crust, then deep-fried until golden. It makes a crunchy, irresistible appetizer for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.

Vada Manchurian

Crispy lentil vadas meet a tangy, spicy Manchurian sauce in this comforting Indo-Chinese fusion. It’s a great party bite or a hearty weeknight dinner when you want something bold and satisfying.