MildAkki Roti
VegA soft rice-flour flatbread patted with onion, coriander and chilli and griddled crisp — a Malnad-Karnataka breakfast staple.
₹40–120
Best around: Coffee estates and Chikmagalur town
Eat in Chikmagalur
What to Eat in Chikmagalur Today?
Search Chikmagalur dishes by craving — akki roti, kadubu, malnad coffee and more.
Chikmagalur's food is Malnad food: simple, filling hill-country cooking built on rice, coconut, black pepper and whatever grows in the estates. Breakfasts are rice-based, curries are warm with pepper, and coffee is part of every meal.
If you are wondering what to eat in Chikmagalur, start with a cup of coffee grown in the hills around you, then try akki roti, kadubu and a country-chicken koli saaru.
Popular cravings
Diet
Best for
5 Chikmagalur dishes found
Mild
MildKadubu
VegSteamed rice dumplings eaten with sambar or a spicy curry — a comforting Malnad staple.
₹50–150
Malnad Coffee
VegFreshly roasted estate coffee from the hills where India's coffee was born — best sipped where the beans are grown.
₹30–200
Best around: Coffee estates and Chikmagalur town
HotMalnad Koli Saaru
Non-vegA country-chicken curry of the Malnad hills, spiced with pepper, coconut and roasted masala — hearty and warming.
₹180–400
MildNeer Dosa with Curry
VegSoft, lacy rice-batter neer dosas with coconut chutney or a Malnad curry — a light hill-country breakfast.
₹40–120
Famous Food to Eat in Chikmagalur
Malnad cooking is made for cool, rainy hills. These are the dishes to look for during your visit.
Malnad Coffee
Coffee is the reason many people come to Chikmagalur. Try it as strong filter coffee with milk, or ask an estate for a black coffee made from beans grown and roasted on site. Many estates also sell fresh beans and powder.
Akki Roti
A flatbread made from rice flour, mixed with onion, coriander and green chilli, patted thin and cooked on a hot griddle. It is a breakfast favourite, usually served with chutney and butter.
Kadubu
Steamed rice dumplings, soft and plain, served with sambar, chutney or a spicy curry. It is everyday comfort food in Malnad homes.
Neer Dosa with Curry
Thin, soft rice-batter crêpes with coconut chutney or a curry. They are light and make a good breakfast before a drive to the peaks.
Malnad Koli Saaru
A country-chicken curry cooked with roasted spices, coconut and plenty of black pepper. It is hot and warming, and is best eaten with rice, akki roti or neer dosa.
Coffee and Breakfast in Chikmagalur
Mornings in Chikmagalur start with coffee and a hot breakfast. Town Canteen in the town is known for its crisp masala dosa and butter-soaked benne dosa, and often has a queue at breakfast. Coffee estates and estate cafés around the town are the best places to taste coffee grown on the surrounding hills.
Food Tips for Travellers in Chikmagalur
- Try coffee at an estate at least once, not just at a café.
- Eat breakfast early before driving to Mullayanagiri or Baba Budangiri, as there are few places to eat on the peaks.
- Carry water and snacks for Kemmangundi and Hebbe Falls.
- Many homestays serve home-cooked Malnad meals, often the best way to try local dishes.
- Ask for less spice if you are not used to black pepper and chilli.
- Buy coffee beans or powder from estates or shops in town to take home.
Questions
Chikmagalur — FAQ
What food is Chikmagalur famous for?
Chikmagalur is known for its coffee and for Malnad dishes such as akki roti, kadubu, neer dosa and Malnad koli saaru.
Where can I buy coffee in Chikmagalur?
You can buy fresh coffee beans and powder from coffee estates, estate cafés and shops in the town. Ask for beans grown on the surrounding hills.
What is Malnad food?
Malnad food is the cooking of Karnataka's hill region. It uses rice, coconut, black pepper and local produce, with dishes like akki roti, kadubu and peppery chicken curries.
Is vegetarian food easy to find in Chikmagalur?
Yes. Akki roti, kadubu, neer dosa and dosas are all vegetarian, and the town has several pure vegetarian restaurants.