Idli
Forget bacon and eggs. In South India, idli is what's for breakfast. Idlis are savory rice cakes made from steamed batter of fermented black lentils and rice. A variation is made with semolina. Idlis are made in special dishes that give them their round shape and served with sambar, chutneys, or a spicy powder usually mixed with oil.
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Vada
Think of vada as a kind of savory donut. South India is home to several different varieties of vada, both savory and sweet. Vada is typically made from legumes that have been soaked in water and ground into a batter. The batter may be seasoned with cumin, onion, curry leaves or chilies. The mixture is formed into a donut shape, then deep-fried, giving vadas a crispy outside and a soft, fluffy inside. Vada is sometimes served submerged in sambar or a yogurt sauce.