Famous Foods In Machilipatnam Town

Famous Foods in Machilipatnam Town – Coastal Flavours You Must Try

Machilipatnam, the historic coastal town of Andhra Pradesh, is not just known for its Dutch roots and Kalankari art—it’s also a hidden gem for food lovers. Situated along the Bay of Bengal, the town’s cuisine blends traditional Andhra spice with fresh seafood and age-old cooking styles passed down for generations.

Here’s a look at the most popular and must-try dishes in Machilipatnam, from street-side stalls to family-run restaurants.

1. Chepala Pulusu (Spicy Fish Curry)

This is the signature coastal dish of Machilipatnam. Made using freshly caught fish from nearby ports, Chepala Pulusu is a fiery tamarind-based curry loaded with garlic, curry leaves, and traditional Andhra spices.

Why it’s special:

• Cooked in earthen pots for an authentic smoky flavor

• Served with steamed rice or ragi sangati

• Commonly made with rohu, catla, or seer fish

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2. Royyala Vepudu (Prawn Fry)

Fresh prawns from the Machilipatnam coast are stir-fried with onions, green chillies, ginger-garlic paste, and red chilli powder. The result? A dry, spicy, semi-crunchy dish that locals swear by.

Best places to try:

• Local messes and home-run seafood kitchens

• Served with lemon rice or as a side for beer in coastal dhabas

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3. Ulavacharu with Creamy Curd Rice

A much-loved combo from Krishna district, Ulavacharu is a thick horse gram stew slow-cooked over hours. When poured over hot white rice and eaten with curd or ghee, it becomes a nostalgic comfort food for many locals.

Why it's unique in Machilipatnam:

• Served during festivals, weddings, and weekend specials

• Home-cooked in many households with subtle regional tweaks

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4. Gongura Mutton Curry

A spicy, tangy curry made with gongura leaves (sorrel) and tender mutton pieces. This dish reflects the Andhra love for heat and flavor, and Machilipatnam kitchens do it just right—rich, oily, and mouth-watering.

Pairs well with:

• Ragi sangati or plain rice

• Raw onion and lemon wedges on the side

5. Aratikaya Vepudu (Raw Banana Fry)

For vegetarians, this crispy raw banana fry is a staple item in traditional Machilipatnam meals. Sliced plantains are coated with masala and shallow fried till golden brown.

Often found in:

• Homely Andhra bhojanam meals

• Served as a dry side dish along with dal or sambar

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6. Street-Side Egg Dosa and Tawa Snacks

In the evenings, Machilipatnam’s small lanes, especially near Bus Stand Road and Fort Area, come alive with street vendors making egg dosas, kathi rolls, vada pav, and tawa pulao.

Why foodies love it:

• Affordable and filling

• Local twists on Indian fast food with extra spice and chutneys

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7. Kodi Vepudu (Andhra Chicken Fry)

No food list in coastal Andhra is complete without Kodi Vepudu. This dry chicken fry is marinated with turmeric, chilli powder, pepper, and curry leaves, then sautéed with onions and garlic.

Machilipatnam version:

• Slightly drier and more pepper-heavy than the Vijayawada style

• Perfect as a side for drinks or plain rice

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8. Sweet Delights: Bellam Gavvalu and Ariselu

Machilipatnam is known for its festive sweets like:

• Bellam Gavvalu – shell-shaped snacks made of maida and jaggery

• Ariselu – jaggery rice flour sweet often made during Sankranti

• Kajjikayalu – deep-fried stuffed dumplings, rich in coconut and dry fruits

Available during:

• Local festivals and at Andhra Ruchulu-style sweet shops

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9. Bandaru Laddu – The Iconic Sweet of Machilipatnam

Bandaru Laddu is not just a sweet—it’s a symbol of pride for Machilipatnam. Made from fine besan (gram flour), ghee, and jaggery or sugar, this laddu has a smooth, melt-in-the-mouth texture and a subtle roasted aroma. The name “Bandaru” itself is the traditional name for Machilipatnam, making this sweet deeply connected to the town's identity.

What Makes Bandaru Laddu Special:

• Prepared using a slow-roasting technique that brings out rich flavor

• Handmade by generations of traditional sweet-makers in the town

• Often gifted during weddings, festivals, and family celebrations

• Available at old local sweet shops, especially near Koneru Center and Fort Area

Locals will proudly tell you that no festival or celebration is complete without a box of Bandaru Laddus on the table.

Final Thoughts

The food in Machilipatnam reflects its coastal soul, Andhra heart, and age-old tradition. Whether you're savoring a spicy fish curry by the beach or biting into a homemade ariselu during a local festival, each dish connects you to the heritage of this vibrant town.

So next time you visit Machilipatnam, don’t just explore the Dutch fort or the sandy shores—treat yourself to the flavours that define the town’s taste and tradition.