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India’s diverse culinary culture shines brightest during summer, with every region offering its own unique set of cooling, hydrating, and flavourful seasonal dishes.
These traditional summer foods are not only delicious but also designed to help the body beat the heat. Here's a curated list of regional Indian summer foods you must try this season:
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Aam Panna – Maharashtra & North India
A refreshing summer drink made from raw mangoes, Aam Panna is tangy, slightly sweet, and infused with cumin and mint. It helps prevent heat strokes and keeps the body cool.
Kairi No Ras – Gujarat
This dish is a seasonal favourite in Gujarati households. It’s essentially sweet mango pulp served with puris or thepla. The cold, thick mango pulp is a simple yet comforting summer indulgence.
Thalipeeth with Buttermilk – Maharashtra
Thalipeeth is a multigrain flatbread paired with cold buttermilk (chaas). This wholesome meal keeps you full and hydrated while being light on the stomach.
Pakhala Bhata – Odisha
A traditional fermented rice dish served with curd, green chillies, and sometimes fried vegetables. Pakhala Bhata cools the body and promotes gut health, making it perfect for scorching summer days.
Curd Rice – Tamil Nadu & Andhra Pradesh
This southern staple is a soothing blend of rice and curd, often tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chillies. It's simple, cooling, and incredibly satisfying.
Aamti with Rice – Maharashtra
Aamti is a thin, tangy dal made with kokum or tamarind. It's light, easy to digest, and pairs perfectly with rice, making it a go-to comfort meal in hot weather.
Bel Sharbat – Uttar Pradesh & Bihar
Made from the pulp of the wood apple (bel fruit), this sweet, fibrous drink is known for its digestive properties. It's a traditional way to stay cool and hydrated in the northern belt.
Sol Kadhi – Goa & Konkan
A coconut milk-based drink mixed with kokum, Sol Kadhi is often served with meals in coastal regions. It's both a palate cleanser and a digestive aid with cooling properties.
Sattu Sharbat – Bihar & Jharkhand
Prepared from roasted gram flour, water, lemon, and spices, sattu sharbat is a protein-packed summer cooler that energises and hydrates the body. It can be sweet or savoury.
Watermelon Curry – Rajasthan
In this arid region, even fruits become part of the main meal. Watermelon curry (tarbooz ki sabzi) is a mildly spiced, sweet-and-sour curry that’s surprisingly refreshing.
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These regional summer specialties showcase India’s culinary wisdom—using seasonal produce and traditional ingredients to naturally cool the body. Whether it’s a chilled drink or a fermented rice dish, these recipes offer nourishment and relief when the sun is blazing. So this summer, go beyond ice creams and smoothies—explore these local Indian treasures!
