7 South Indian Foods to Avoid During Summer

1. Heavy Coconut Curries

Rich coconut-based curries like Chettinad Chicken or Kerala Fish Curry, while flavorful, can be heavy and generate internal heat.

2. Spicy Dishes

South Indian cuisine often features bold spices like chilies and peppers. While delicious, they can elevate body temperature and lead to sweating in hot weather.

3. Deep-Fried Foods

Vadas, Pakoras, and some Masala Dosa varieties involve deep-frying, making them oily and heavy. This can lead to sluggishness and digestion issues during summer.

4. Red Meat Curries

Lamb Rogan Josh or Andhra-style Mutton Curry are delicious but red meat takes longer to digest, putting a strain on the digestive system in hot weather.

5. Fermented Foods

Appam and Dosa, while staples, are fermented and can create internal heat in some individuals. Opt for lighter fermented options like buttermilk.

6. Fried Rice Dishes

Tomato Rice or Biryani involve ghee or oil for frying, making them heavy and potentially causing heartburn in hot weather.

7. Sweetened Beverages

Mango Lassi or Panna drinks, though refreshing, are often high in sugar. Opt for plain water, coconut water, or buttermilk for hydration.