Break your fast, the most important meal of your day, with these fantastic Indian breakfast recipes. Explore the best and easiest recipes that include traditional South Indian dishes like idli, dosa, and upma, as well as North Indian poori, chole bhatura, and paratha, along with classic milk tea (chai) and coffee.
Easy Vegetarian Breakfast Ideas
Indian breakfast recipes are traditionally vegetarian and broadly classified into 2 categories: North Indian and South Indian. Again, there are variations in the eastern and western parts.
South India: Being a south indian from the Mangalore region of Karnataka, my breakfast was vegetarian and started with idli (khotte, moode), dosa, appe (paniyarma, paddu), upma, vermicelli, masala dosa, poha (avalakki), mangalore buns, undi (pundi), puri bhaji, etc.
North India: Traditional north indian breakfast includes paratha, chole, poori, poha, cheela.
West India: Here, you will find a mixture of sweet and spicy breakfasts based on your state, like sabudana khichdi, batata poha, vada pav, pav bhaji, misal pav, dhokla, fafda, thepla, jalebi, etc.
East India: Aloo poori, momos, pitha, and litti choka are some breakfast dishes from this region.
South Indian Breakfast Recipes
South Indian breakfasts are mainly made with rice, lentils (urad dal, moong dal), and sooji rava (semolina). Our popular list of south indian breakfast items includes idli (steamed rice lentil cakes), dosa (crepes and pancakes), upma (semolina porridge), pongal (lentil and rice porridge), adai, appe (paniyaram), pesarattu, bisi bele bath, butter masala dosa, rava kesari (kesari bath), avalakki etc.
If you come to coastal regions like Mangalore, coastal Kerala, and Udupi, you will find shevai (idiyappam), appam, banana buns, pundi (undi, steamed rice dumplings), neer dosa (pan polo), mushti dosa, set dosa, surnali (sweet and spicy), cucumber dosa, crispy plain dosa, and more.
South Indian dosa, idli, and other breakfast items can be served with coconut chutney, sambar, garlic chutney, tomato chutney, hing chutney, vegetable stew, veg korma, and more.
1 Dosa Batter 7 Different Recipes
You will learn how to make a perfect dosa batter and 7 different ways of using this batter, which you can use for breakfast, lunchbox, or tiffin box.
Check out this recipe.
Butter Masala Dosa | Davangere Benne Masala Dosa
Butter Masala Dosa or Davangere benne masala dosa is a flavorful and aromatic Indian breakfast recipe where the crispy dosa is served with potato bhaji or masala and spicy chutney.
Check out this recipe.
Idli - Traditional Recipe
Make soft and fluffy idli at home with fermented urad dal and rice batter—the most popular and healthy, protein-packed South Indian breakfast recipe.
Check out this recipe.
Chutney for Dosa, Idli
Chutney is a popular spicy or savory condiment or a dip from Indian cuisine that can be served from breakfast to lunch, snack, or dinner as an accompaniment with almost anything.
Check out this recipe.
Sambar
Sambar is a popular and classic South Indian style lentil stew or soup that is packed with protein. Sambhar is my favorite comfort food that is hearty, healthy, and flavorful.Sambar can be served with idli, vada, pongal, upma, dosa, medu vada, or almost any South Indian breakfast recipe or along with steamed rice (brown or white) for lunch and dinner.
Check out this recipe.
Pesarattu or Green Moong Dal Dosa
Pesarattu is a traditional South Indian dosa recipe prepared using green moong dal (mung beans). This dosa is crispy, easy to make, and protein-rich. Serve pesarattu with chutney and sambar. No fermentation and no rice are used to make this dosa batter.
Check out this recipe.
Sprouted Moong Usli (Sundal)
Sprouted Moong Usli is a simple, protein-packed vegetarian recipe that can be served for any meal. It is one of the best recipes to try with mung bean sprouts. Sundal or usli is a popular recipe during Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, or any fasting and vrat days.
Check out this recipe.
Mangalorean Neer Dosa
Neer Dosa or Neer Dose is a soft, thin, light, addictive lacy rice crepe prepared using rice batter. One of the easiest dosas to make, and no fermentation is required. This is a popular recipe from the Mangalore Udupi Tulunadu region.You can serve neer dosa with chutney and sambar. These crepes are dairy-free, vegan, and gluten-free.
Check out this recipe.
Mangalorean hotel style ghee dosa
Ghee Dosa, popularly known as tuppa dose, is a delicious and flavorful recipe prepared using simple dosa batter and a generous amount of ghee. Serve this with chutney or any South Indian curry for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Check out this recipe.
2 ingredient Indian Dosa Recipe
Indian Dosa: How to make a simple and easy dosa batter using only two ingredients - rice and urad dal. This batter can cook plain crispy dosa, masala dosa, soft dosa, uttapam, appe (paniyaram), or rolls. Dosa is traditionally served with chutney and sambar.
Check out this recipe.
Hotel Style Uttapam
Uttapam is a popular South Indian breakfast recipe that is crispy on the outside and has a soft and fluffy texture inside. The uttapam dosa is prepared using the traditional rice and urad dal dosa batter and is topped with veggies of your choice. This is served with chutney and sambar.
Check out this recipe.
Lemon Pepper Rice
Lemon Pepper Rice is a spicy and tangy rice recipe made by mixing cooked rice with a special seasoning. This dish is vegan and gluten-free and can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. It is also a great recipe for lunchboxes or to use leftover rice.
Check out this recipe.
Vangi Bath
Vangi Bath is a popular rice recipe from Karnataka and Maharashtrian cuisine prepared using eggplant and aromatic spice mix. You can make this dish in less than 15 minutes if you have any leftover rice.
Check out this recipe.
Set Dosa
Set Dosa or Set Dose is a popular breakfast recipe from South India which are vegan, soft, spongy, thick and incredibly delicious. These dosas are served in sets of 2 or 3 with chutney or kurma.
Check out this recipe.
Undi - Steamed Rice Dumplings
Undi or Coconut Rice Dumplings is an easy-to-make, traditional, healthy, and tasty breakfast recipe from the coastal Karnataka region (Udupi, Mangalore) prepared using rice and coconut. This Indian breakfast dish is vegetarian, dairy-free, vegan, and gluten-free.
Check out this recipe.
Soft and Fluffy Banana Buns
Mangalore Buns or Banana Buns are soft & fluffy, sweet, and delicious buns or pooris prepared using ripe bananas. Mangalore buns can be served for breakfast or as an evening snack. It is one of the best recipes that people of all age groups love.
Check out this recipe.
Sponge Dosa (Surnoli)
Surnoli Recipe: This is not just any dosa recipe but a unique, old-fashioned, traditional Konkani-style soft and sponge dosa. It's prepared using a blend of rice, poha, coconut, and yogurt (curds), giving it a distinct flavor and texture. The versatility of this batter allows you to make both sweet and savory dosa, known as godi surnoli and cheppi surnali, respectively.
Check out this recipe.
Vegetable Kurma
Vegetable korma or Veg Kurma is an easy-to-make, flavorful, and traditional Indian curry prepared using mixed vegetables and aromatic spices. Kurma can be served as an accompaniment with naan, South Indian dosa, poori, roti, chapati, or flavored rice for a complete meal.
Check out this recipe.
North indian Breakfast Recipes
North Indian breakfasts are mainly wheat-based dishes and dairy-based items like aloo paratha, paneer paratha, chole bhatura, poha, bedmi puri with aloo sabzi, methi thepla (fenugreek flatbread), etc
Aloo Paratha
Aloo Paratha is a delicious and popular Indian stuffed flatbread that is crispy on the outside, with soft and flavorful melt-in-mouth mashed potato filling on the inside. This quick recipe is for all bread and potato lovers.
Check out this recipe.
Paneer Paratha
Paneer Paratha is delicious and easy-to-make cheese and herb-stuffed Indian flatbread prepared using whole wheat flour (atta), paneer (Indian cottage cheese), and a few herbs. Parathas can be served for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even lunchbox.
Check out this recipe.
Chole Bhatura
Bhatura or Bhature is deep-fried Indian leavened bread that is crisp on the outside, soft and fluffy in texture, and can be served any time of the day. Chole Bhature or Chana Bhatura is a popular combo served in any restaurant or dhaba across India.
Check out this recipe.
Dalia Moong Dal Khichdi
Dalia Moong Dal Khichdi is a healthy, wholesome & nutritious, flavorful recipe prepared using broken wheat (bulgar), yellow lentil, and vegetables of your choice.
Check out this recipe.
Sandwich without Bread
Breadless Sandwich | Eggless Omelette or Omelet is a delicious and high protein-packed sandwich recipe that is sure to be your NEW favorite family recipe. This sandwich is one of the best vegetarian gluten free recipe you can serve for breakfast, lunch or dinner specially on meatless Mondays and also the best option if you are on weight loss program. With few tweaks in the sandwich filling, this breadless sandwich can be made vegan too.
Check out this recipe.
East and West Indian Breakfast
From east and west Indian regions you will find some of the popular breakfast items that include misal pav, pav bhaji, vada pav, sabudana khichdi, sabudana vada, thepla, batata poha, khandvi, dhokla, fafda and jalebi, patal bhaji and puri, aloo dum, ghugni, thekua, dal or rice pitha.
Sabudana Khichdi
Sabudana Khichdi is a popular Indian breakfast recipe or comfort food prepared using sago or tapioca pearls, potatoes, crunchy and roasted nuts, lemon juice, and spices. It is chewy and fluffy in texture.
Check out this recipe.
Misal Pav
Misal Pav is a spicy and flavorful, nutritious, and protein-packed dish from Maharashtra served with ladi pav bun – Indian dinner rolls.Misal Pav is one of the popular street food in Maharashtra and Goa, and is served for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a light meal in itself.
Check out this recipe.
Crispy Sago Vada
Sabudana Vada is a crispy and addictive popular Indian snack or finger food prepared using sago, potatoes, and a few spices. These fried vadas are crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Sabudana Vada is specially made during fasting, vrat, and upvas days like Navratri, Ekadashi, etc.
Check out this recipe.
Batata Poha
Tarri Batata Poha is a spicy and flavorful, protein-packed, easy-to-make breakfast recipe prepared using chickpeas, poha (rice flakes), and batata (potato) as the main ingredients.Batata Poha is a popular street food recipe from Maharashtra and Gujarat. Poha, along with tarri, is so filling that it can also be served as one complete meal (lunch or dinner) during fasting, upvas, or vrat days.
Check out this recipe.
Aloo Rasedar | Aloo Tomato Curry without onion and garlic
Aloo Rasedar is a quick, easy-to-make Indian curry prepared using potatoes and tomatoes with aromatic spices. You need less than 30 minutes to make this simple potato curry. Serve it with dosa, poori, or any Indian flatbreads for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Check out this recipe.
Dhokla
Dhokla or Khaman Dhokla is a soft, spongy, instant steamed dish made using gram or chickpea flour (besan) and a few spices. This savory cake is a popular recipe from Gujarat, India that can be served for breakfast, snack, main course, or side dish for lunch or dinner - almost for any meal.
Check out this recipe.
Vada Pav
Vada Pav is a popular street food snack from Mumbai, India. It has a fantastic combination of flavors where batata vada or fried potato dumpling is sandwiched between pav or bread rolls with a spread of green mint chutney, garlic chutney, and dates or tamarind chutney, green chili.Some occasionally refer to this snack as an Indian slider or Bombay burger 🙂
Check out this recipe.
Pav Bhaji
Pav Bhaji is a very popular Indian street food where spicy and irresistibly delicious curry (bhaji) prepared using mixed vegetables is served with homemade warm rolls or pav that are toasted in butter. The recipe is ready in under 30 minutes and comes to about 270 calories per serving.
Check out this recipe.
Batata Patal Bhaji
Patal Batata Bhaji is a delicious, quick, and easy-to-make Indian curry with potatoes. You can make this potato masala in less than 30 minutes in one pan. Serve this potato dish alongside poori, chapati, pav, or dosa for Indian breakfast and snacks.
Check out this recipe.
Tomato Curry, Gojju
Tomato Curry is a simple and easy-to-make Indian style curry packed with full of flavors. This sabzi is prepared with ripe tomatoes and spices in less than 30 minutes. Serve it with steamed rice, dosa, or any Indian flatbreads.
Check out this recipe.
Sabudana Appe
Sabudana Appe is a quick and easy-to-make Indian snack that is crispy and crunchy on the outside with a soft and melt-in-mouth texture on the inside. This recipe is a no-fry version of traditional sabudana vada.
Check out this recipe.
Millet Breakfast
Millet-based recipes are nutritious and good to kick-start your day and keep you full for a longer time. Check out ragi dosa, millet khichdi, millet idli, ragi roti, and more.
Ragi Dosa, No Rice
Ragi Dosa is a healthy, nutritious, protein-packed Indian breakfast recipe with finger millet and urad dal (lentil) as the main ingredient. This dosa batter is prepared without using rice or rice flour.
Check out this recipe.
Ragi Roti
Ragi Roti or Nachni Roti is a healthy, nutritious, gluten-free alternative to the traditional roti prepared using ragi flour or finger millet flour. I have shared 3 simple ways in which you can make a ragi roti recipe at home. Serve ragi roti with spicy Indian chutney, dal, or any Indian curry or simply with some butter or ghee.
Check out this recipe.
Idli without Rice, millet or Quinoa Idli
Millet Idli or Quinoa idli is a South indian breakfast recipe prepared using fermented grain and dal (lentil) batter, a healthy and nutritious alternative to traditional rice idli. This idli is high in protein and fiber, low in calories and fat good for weight loss and a diabetic diet.
Check out this recipe.
Millet and Sago Dosa
Sabudana Millet Dosa, served with Spicy Green Chutney, is a light and golden crispy dosa recipe for breakfast or any meal. If you are looking for a vegan-gluten-free option, vrat, and fasting recipe, or something new to try in the kitchen, then this dosa recipe is for you.
Check out this recipe.
Sprouted wheat dosa recipe
Sprouted Wheat Dosa is a crispy and savory Indian crepe that is a protein-packed and nutritious twist to a classic dosa recipe. Serve it with green chutney and butter for breakfast or as an evening snack.
Check out this recipe.
Quinoa Pongal
Quinoa Pongal is an easy, nutritious, delicious comfort food prepared using quinoa & moong/yellow lentils in less than 25 minutes (under 500 calories).
Check out this recipe.
Millet pulao
Samak Chawal Pulao or Barnyard Millet Pilaf is quick and easy to make, flavorful & fluffy, one-pot or one-pan recipe that can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. It becomes even more wholesome, satisfying, and tasty when you add more vegetables to the recipe.
Check out this recipe.
Breakfast Drinks
Indian breakfasts are generally accompanied by milk tea, masala chai or adrak wali chai, filter coffee, lassi, badam milk, nimbu pani (lemon water), herbal tea, sattu drink, kokkam sharbat, kanji, ragi malt, etc.
Traditional Indian Tea
Indian tea, known as milk tea or chai, is an aromatic, delicious, and comforting hot beverage. Tea is consumed in every Indian home for morning breakfast and evening snacks on a daily basis.
Check out this recipe.
Layered Filter coffee
Disco Coffee, also known as dancing coffee or layered coffee is a special and one of the most beautiful ways of serving coffee. A quick and easy visual treat for all coffee lovers.
Check out this recipe.
Ragi Malt
Ragi Malt or Finger Millet Porridge is a delicious, healthy, and nutritious drink that can be prepared in less than 10 minutes and served for breakfast or even as a snack.Ragi Malt can be served to babies, toddlers, diabetic patients – people of all age groups.
Check out this recipe.
Mango Lassi
Make the best lassi today in less than 5 minutes. Mango lassi or Mango Smoothie is a popular Indian smoothie drink that is creamy and sweet, refreshing, a healthy and delicious way to cool on a hot summer day, or to add a touch of tropical flavor to kick-start your morning routine.
Check out this recipe.
Herbal tea
Ginger Tea is a soothing herbal drink prepared using fresh ginger root, turmeric, honey, lemon, cinnamon, and other fresh herbs. It is a refreshing alternative to tea or coffee and the best way to start your morning.
Check out this recipe.
5 minute breakfast recipes Indian
If the batter is ready, dosa can be made in less than 5 minutes. You can also try mango smoothies, sweet and spicy poha, fruit toast, and omelets, all of which can be made instantly.
Instant wheat dosa
Instant wheat dosa is one of the easiest and tasty, healthy recipes prepared in less than 20 minutes for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. No rice, dal, grinding or fermentation.
Check out this recipe.
Avocado Toast
This Avocado toast is one of the best, healthy, crispy, and creamy, delicious toast recipes that you will try this summer.The recipe below is vegan and vegetarian, dairy free. You can also check out other toppings ideas that I have shared if you wish to try them.
Check out this recipe.
Bread and Fruit toast
Strawberry Toast is a quick and easy-to-make healthy and delectable breakfast toast ready in less than 5 minutes. This toast recipe is not just great as a quick breakfast on the run but also as a mid-day snack or as an after-school snack.
Check out this recipe.
Omelette
Keto Omelette is a healthy, protein-packed, low-carb recipe for breakfast or brunch made with eggs, cheese, and your favorite veggies, ready to eat in less than 15 minutes.
Check out this recipe.
Bread Upma, Bread Usli
Bread Upma is a popular easy-to-make Indian recipe using leftover bread in less than 15 minutes that you can serve for breakfast, evening snacks, or after-school snacks.
Check out this recipe.
Spot Idli with leftover batter
Spot idli is a crispy and unique idli recipe where the idli batter is poured over spicy onion tomato masala on a tawa or skillet and cooked.For the spot idli recipe, you can use fresh idli batter, leftover batter, or store-bought idli batter. This dish is a popular Hyderabadi street food, and if you are in Hyderabad, you can see roadside vendors or food stalls serving this delicious dish.
Check out this recipe.
Spring Dosa with Leftover Batter
Spring dosa is a delicious variation of a traditional dosa recipe that combines crispy dosa with healthy roasted vegetables similar to spring rolls' flavor and filling.
Check out this recipe.
Plan your breakfast
- Some recipes can be made ahead of time, some are instant, and some require batter preparation.
- Indian breakfasts like dosa, appe (paddu, paniyaram) and idli are healthy choices, easy to make at home, and they are mostly vegan and gluten-free. You can make the batter on weekends, and your breakfast on busy mornings is ready in less than 5-10 minutes. All can be made with one batter like dosa idli batter, 7 in 1 dosa batter, etc.
- Breakfasts like poha, upma, and vermicelli can be prepared in less than 20 minutes.
- Most indian breakfasts are served with accompaniments like a pickle (achar), chutney, sambar, raita, etc. You can prep for it the previous night, and preparing hardly takes minutes.
- Most of the indian breakfast recipes are vegetarian. You can also add boiled eggs or an omelet for extra protein (quick and easy).
Recipe FAQs
What is a popular breakfast food in India?
Dosa, idli, paratha, dhokla, thepla, and batata poha are popular and healthy breakfast foods in India.
What is the healthiest Indian breakfast?
Idli, poha, upma, cheela, pesarattu, and sprouted sundal (usli) are healthy and protein-packed.
More Indian Recipes
Recipe card
Easy Indian Breakfast Recipes
Break your fast, the most important meal of your day, with these fantastic Indian breakfast recipes. Explore the best and easiest recipes that include traditional South Indian dishes like idli, dosa, and upma, as well as North Indian poori, chole bhatura, paratha, along with classic milk tea (chai) and coffee.
Ingredients
7 Day Indian Breakfast Menu
- Idli with chutney and sambar
- Aloo paratha with curd and pickle
- Batata poha or sabudana khichdi
- Dosa, cheela or pesarattu with chutney
- Misal pav or pav bhaji
- Rava upma or vermicelli upma
- Masala dosa with chutney
Instructions
- The above given is a sample indian breakfast menu.
- Serev it with your favorite chai, filter coffee, lassi or any other drink.
- Pick the breakfast items from the post abve and plan your week accordingly.
Nutrition
Calories: 88kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 3gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.03gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.03gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.03gSodium: 157mgPotassium: 21mgFiber: 2gSugar: 0.02gVitamin A: 0.3IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 1mg
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Note: We originally posted this list of North & South Indian Vegetarian Breakfast Recipes in Nov 2021. It has now been modified in Jan 2025 with Expert Chef Tips, FAQs, Storage Instructions, etc.
LisaLisa
Each one of these Indian breakfast recipes look so good, I would surely try the Sambar, it sounds delicious and hearty.
Karen
These Indian breakfast recipes look absolutely delicious! And love that they dont take much time to prep. I'm a big mango fan, so that Mango Smoothie recipe is calling my name!
Marysa
The dosas and paratha sounds really good, and they look like they have a great fluffy texture. I have had dosas before, but not for breakfast.
Veena
Super collection of Indian breakfast recipes