14 Famous Hubli Foods and Local Street Food You Must Try

Jolada Rotti, Girmit, Dharwad Peda, Mirchi Bhajji, Paddu and Paapdi Chutney are among the most famous special food items that you must try in Hubli.

Hubli food is famous. Hubli recipes are even more famous, worldwide. There are restaurants all over the world that serve Hubli special food dishes like Girmit, Jolad rotti, and Bhajji Mirchi.

The discussion on Hubli food is incomplete without mentioning the famous SSK Savji (Saoji) foods and local Lingayat Khanavali foods.

And haven’t you heard of Dharwad pedha? We will get into all that in this post today, Famous Foods that you must try in Hubli.

Almost all of these delicious foods can be found around Durgad bail area, Akshay park street food area and Sirur Park street food area of Hubli. Google these locations for directions.

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Let’s list the 14 Famous Hubli Foods (Veg and Non-veg)

1. Girmit (South Indian Bhel)

Hubli Famous Girmit Recipe:

Girmit is must-have food in Hubli and is the most famous food in Hubli city. Made from Puffed rice, also called “Churmuri” locally. Girmit is undoubtedly the most popular Hubli street food.

Recommended places:

Hiremath Girmit center, Durgad Bail

Head straight to “Durgad Bail” eat street, (Khau Galli) and ask for Hiremath Girmit center and try both sukka as well as classic Girmits available there. Don’t forget to add the masala green chili.

Popular names of Girmit: Mandakki masala, churumuri, Hubli bhel and Khara churumuri

Fun Fact: The Hubli famous food Girmit is so popular, that there was a Kannada movie released named “Girmit” in 2019.

2. Hubli-Dharwad Pedha

Dharwad pedha is one of the most famous sweets in Hubli. Though the original Pedha is from Dharwad (20 km from Hubli), this is THE HUBLI FOOD most people try in the city. Milk and Khova are the primary ingredients.

Due to it’s popularity, you will find this pedha pretty much in every sweet shop in Hubli. You can buy this from the original source Babusing Thakur Pedha shop (if you are in Dharwad) or Mishra Pedha, Big Mishra or Renuka Sweets ONLY if you are in Hubli.

The recipe is even recognized by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Prahlad Joshi who hails from Hubli was selected as the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs (India) in the Central Cabinet under Prime Minister Modi.

PM Modi had asked Prahlad Joshi, “So, where are the Dharwad Pedha?”

Responding to PM Modi’s friendly remark, Mr Joshi distributed Dharwad pedha in the Parliament.

Recommended places:

Babu Singh Thakur Pedha

If you happen to travel to Dharwad, then nothing like it, you can get hold of the original Pedha by visiting the famous Babu Singh Thakur Pedha wala. Just ask anybody for the “original Babu Singh Pedha wala” near the central bus stand.

So, the next time you are in town, don’t forget to try this king of Hubli Foods!

Big Mishra Pedha

In just a few years, Big Mishra Pedha has taken the sweet and snack world by storm. With over 200 franchises across Karnataka and Maharashtra, they’re not just expanding—they’re on a mission to become the “Haldiram’s” of India! From traditional sweets to crispy snacks, you can spot a Big Mishra sweet center on almost every corner of Hubli-Dharwad.

But that’s not all! They’ve spiced things up by launching their own line of veg restaurants and chat centers, which have quickly become the talk of the town. Whether you’re craving a plate of piping hot chaat or a wholesome meal, Big Mishra has got you covered. The locals are loving it, and it looks like Big Mishra is just getting started on their delicious journey to the top!

3. Paddu (Fried Flour Balls)

Have you heard of Paddu?

Paddu is an Indian dish made by steaming batter using a mould.

They are fried flour balls that are extremely popular in the local homes of Hubli as a snack. They are very similar to the South Indian pakodas but with a twist. The best part about Paddu is that it can be made quickly and easily at home with just a few ingredients.

Recommended places:

Durgad Bail Street Food Area

Due to its popularity, quite a few stalls are offering this as street food in Hubli. You can find these famous paddu being sold on push carts all around the city, particularly near the Durgad Bail street food area.

These hot and fresh Paddu are served with two chutneys, green chilli and tamarind chutney along with raw onions. The paddu is fried in common cooking oil and is slightly crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.

It just melts in your mouth as you take a bite of it. This is one of those foods that you must try when you are in Hubli.

4. Kanda Bhajji (Onion Pakoda, Pyaz Ke Pakode)

Unlike the round onion ring pakodas you find elsewhere, the Kanda bhajji or Onion pakoda of Hubli are different to look and taste.

The moment you eat your first bite, you will feel the pleasant taste of the onions (the slightly burnt aroma), dip this with your favourite green chutney (green dip), or accompany it with fried green chillies to complete the taste. This is one of the must-try foods in Hubli. You can even try it with tomato sauce, especially the tomato chilli version.

The chutney that you get with this recipe differs from place to place in Hubli. Some offer extra hot and spicy green chilly chutney, while others offer coconut chutney. Onion bhaji goes well with both the chutneys.

5. Paapdi Chutney

Well, another popular Hubli food loved by the locals and visitors is Paapdi Chutney. Let me warn you, this chutney is not for the faint-hearted, because it is mainly prepared from hot (spicy) green chillies. So, this street food is a must-try when you are in Hubli.

Recommended places:

Ramesh Sweets (Kamripeth, Dajiban Peth)

Head straight to Kamaripeth, ask for Tuljabhavani Temple. This sweet shop is right next to the temple.

Mishra Pedha, Vidyanagar

You will find Mishra Pedha all over Hubli city, so no problem finding this one in the city. If you are around the Vidyanagar area, try the big Mishra Pedha outlet thats recently opened. Not only will you get to taste the local sweets, but also get scores of chats and snacks like Samosas, Pav haaji and Kachoris.

6. Bhille Lakkad Ghaati and Misal Khara

Craving a one-of-a-kind snack experience? Look no further than Bhille Lakkad Ghaati and Misal Khara , the crown jewel of Hubli’s street food scene! If you’re a true food adventurer, this iconic treat is an absolute must-try. Famous not just locally but globally, Gangaram Bhille’s legendary Lakkad Ghaati has earned its reputation as one of Hubli’s most beloved culinary treasures.

Imagine biting into crackling, crispy, and perfectly spiced ghaati (ghaatiya) that pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee—and even better with beer or other alcoholic beverages. It’s a flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds tingling!

But here’s the catch: these delicious Lakkad Ghatiyas are in such high demand that they’re often exported abroad—but only by advance reservation. And if you plan to grab them fresh from the source, timing is everything. Bhille’s operates on STRICT TIMINGS—open only between 8 AM and 10:30 AM daily . Once their limited daily stock runs out (which it almost always does), the shop closes for the day!

So whether you’re a local or just visiting Hubli, don’t miss your chance to savor this world-famous snack. Get there early, or risk missing out on the magic of Bhille’s Lakkad Ghaati!

Location details:

Gangaram Bhille’s Sweet Mart, Maratha Galli Cross

DIRECTIONS

7. Mirchi Bhajji (in Akkihond Market)

You will find Mirchi Bhajji in every nook and corner of Hubli, it is that famous over here. However, I highly recommend trying the original, super tasty, and authentic Mirchi Bhajji from the Akkihond market.

Recommended places:

Basappa Mirchi Center

The place has no name, but just reach the Akkihonda market and ask anybody for “Famous Bassu Mirchi Wala” and you will be guided.

What’s special about these mirchis is the jeera masala chillis. There are other places in Hubli that serve mirchi bhajjis with masala chillies as well. However, I must say, the Mirchi bhajjis of Akkihonda market is sure to give you the “YUMMMMM” wala feeling.

Please note, you cannot travel to this place by car due to the congestion and lack of parking space. Highly recommend travelling in an auto-rickshaw.

Map Directions

This place starts around 5 pm every day. Expect a minimum wait time of 10-15 minutes as there will always be a queue to get hold of this famous Hubli food, evening snack. Consider yourself lucky, if you get your order immediately!

8. Lingayat Khanavali Meals

Your visit to Hubli will remain incomplete if you miss tasting meals from “Basaveshwara Lingayat Khanavali”. These Khanavalis are present in many areas of Hubli and offer some of the most authentic Lingayat recipes – heard of vegetable pallya and jolada rotti?

Here is the ORIGINAL Basaveshwar Lingayat Khanavali location:

Please note: There are many duplicates of this brand in Hubli. It’s not that they are bad. All homemade, fresh food. However, the original is original.

What’s interesting about this place is, that you can buy the local Dharwad Pedha along with tasting the local Lingayat meals.

9. Savji Kahavali Meal

Let’s talk about the real food of Hubli. The Savji food! This is where the vegetarians voluntarily convert to non-vegetarians, lol!

If you love Non-vegetarian food, then you must check out the Top non-veg restaurants in Hubli.

Once you land in Hubli, just literally ask anybody in the town to guide you to a good Savji Khanavali and you will not be disappointed.

Do remember, the people in the Savji community eat pretty hot and spicy food.

When you order the savji meals, you will be typically served with a bowl of mutton curry, keema (meatballs) curry, khara boti (salted spicy Savji kebabs), a very delicious tasting edmi (also pronounced as Yadmee), and the yummy savji kushka rice.

Many tourists can be found in the savji khanavalis in Hubli. Most of these original khanavalis are literally Savji homes! They dedicate one or two rooms to their small restaurant and the food is cooked at home.

Hubli has recently seen an upscale Savji restaurant called Jumann. In a very short span of time, Jumann has earned the ‘most famous Savaji hotel in Hubli’ title.

The lingayats and savjis rule the Hubli city when it comes to food.

10. Guru Sandwich (Durgad Bail)

This is a very old place and I remember eating the sandwich here for as long as I can remember. The Guru sandwich stall is located in the Durgad bail street food area in Hubli.

Why should you try Guru Sandwich?

I love this sandwich because it is a very straightforward recipe and they don’t try to add too many things to it. The vegetables are fresh. The toppings are boiled potato, cucumber, beetroot, tomato, and onion with a green chutney base.

No frills, no cheese, no mayonnaise. Just fresh bread, vegetables, and green chutney at a very affordable price of just Rs.20!

Due to so many sandwich options available these days, the Guru sandwich stall might not look like much for many. Just one thing on the menu every day – The Famous Guru Sandwich.

So, if you are looking for a no-nonsense, healthy, and tasty sandwich option in Hubli then this is the stall you might want to try.

Just one standard sandwich that is totally worth trying!

11. Lamb Blood Fry – Hubli’s Daring Delicacy!

For the adventurous foodies out there, Lamb Blood Fry is a must-try delicacy when visiting Hubli.

This unique and thrilling dish, primarily savored by the Savaji community of North Karnataka, is bound to challenge your taste buds and expand your culinary horizons. Found predominantly in the regions of Hubli, Dharwad, and Gadag, this intriguing dish is not for the faint-hearted!

The Lamb Blood Fry’s preparation is quite an experience in itself. As the lamb is slaughtered, blood is carefully collected through the neck and serves as the central ingredient of this daring recipe.

Expert chefs then skillfully combine the fresh blood with a blend of exotic spices and local ingredients, resulting in a dish that’s both intensely flavorful and utterly unforgettable.

Dare to indulge in this extraordinary culinary adventure and discover a new dimension of Hubli’s rich and diverse food culture.

However, it’s important to note that the Lamb Blood Fry is not a dish you’ll easily find in commercial establishments. This delicacy is typically prepared in the homes of the Savaji community and is reserved for special occasions when a sheep is slaughtered.

Savaji people generally do not purchase blood from mutton shops, maintaining the exclusivity of this exceptional dish. If you happen to know someone from the local Savaji community, consider yourself lucky, as you may have the opportunity to taste this elusive and daring delight.

12. Savji Veg Meals

While the Hubli Savji community is renowned for their non-veg dishes, their vegetarian offerings are a hidden gem and deserve a special mention. It’s rare to find Savji vegetarian restaurants, but the veg food prepared in Savji homes is delicious and highly under-rated. One such special food of Hubli includes a variety of dishes, often prepared for special occasions or family gatherings.

Famous Hubli Food – Savji Veg Meals

A typical Savji Veg Meal might include:

• Holige (Puranpoli): A sweet flatbread filled with jaggery and lentil mixture, served with a dollop of ghee.
• Ginna: A dessert made from jaggery, milk, and desi ghee.
• Yellow Potato Sabji: Cooked with a tempering of mustard seeds and curry leaves, garnished with fresh coriander.
• Kosambri: A salad made from soaked moong dal, grated cucumber, finely chopped onion, coriander, and spices.
• Vade: A unique preparation similar to papad, made from a special dough that’s sun-dried to perfection.
• Spring Onion Subji: A healthy and unique dish made from the green leaves of baby onion plants.
• Peanut Red Chutney: A flavorful chutney made from roasted peanuts, Byadgi chili powder, salt, garlic, and other special spices.

These dishes highlight the diversity and richness of the Savji community’s vegetarian cuisine. Although not commonly found in commercial establishments, if you’re fortunate enough to have local Savji friends, you might get a chance to experience this authentic and special food of Hubli.

13. Sabudana Vada

Recommended place:

Akshay Part Street Food Area, Gokul Road

If you’re strolling through the bustling streets of Akshay Park, there’s one snack that might not scream “Hubli” but is definitely a local favorite—Sabudana Vada.

Just ask anyone around, and they’ll point you straight to the stall that’s been serving these crispy, golden delights for nearly 15-20 years. While Hubli isn’t traditionally known for Sabudana Vada, this spot has carved out a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of locals.

The vada, with its perfect balance of crunch and softness, paired with a tangy chutney, is a must-try if you’re looking to explore something different.

Remember, the best food experiences often come from where the locals eat, and this is one hidden gem you don’t want to miss!

14. Avalakki (Poha)

When it comes to Hubli’s vibrant food culture, the spotlight often shines on its iconic dishes like Dharwad pedha, Jolada Rotti, and Girmit. But tucked away in the city’s lesser-known corners lies a humble yet soul-satisfying delight that deserves your attention: Avalakki (Poha).

Avalakki, known as Poha in Maharashtra, is a simple yet flavorful dish made from flattened rice, tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, turmeric, and garnished with fresh coriander, grated coconut, and a squeeze of lemon. While it may not be as commercially popular in Hubli as it is in Maharashtra, this dish holds a special place in the hearts of those who have discovered it in the city’s hidden culinary pockets.

Where to Find Avalakki in Hubli

Unlike the bustling, well-known eateries of Hubli, Avalakki is best enjoyed in the city’s quaint, old-school restaurants and street-side stalls. Venture into the narrow lanes of Maratha Galli, the bustling Durgad Bail, or the serene bylanes behind Convent School in Keshwapur and Ganesh Peth, and you’ll find small, unassuming eateries serving this underrated delicacy. These places, often frequented by locals, offer a taste of tradition that’s hard to find in the city’s more commercialized restaurants.

Why Avalakki Deserves a Spot on Your Food Bucket List

1. A Comfort Food with a Twist: Avalakki is the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. The soft texture of the flattened rice, combined with the crunch of peanuts and the zing of lemon, creates a harmony of tastes that’s both comforting and exciting.
2. A Healthy Choice: Light on the stomach yet packed with nutrients, Avalakki is often enjoyed as a breakfast dish. It’s a great option for those looking for a wholesome, low-calorie meal.
3. A Glimpse into Hubli’s Cultural Diversity: The presence of Avalakki in Hubli reflects the city’s cultural ties with Maharashtra. It’s a dish that bridges culinary traditions and tells a story of shared heritage.

A Dish Worth Seeking Out

While Avalakki may not be as widely available as other Hubli street foods, its rarity only adds to its charm. It’s a dish that rewards the curious foodie, the one willing to explore beyond the obvious and dive into the city’s culinary underbelly. So, the next time you’re in Hubli, skip the popular restaurants and head to the old lanes where Avalakki awaits. It’s not just a dish; it’s an experience—a taste of Hubli’s hidden culinary soul.

Add Avalakki to your must-try list and discover why this understated dish is a treasure worth savoring. After all, the best food stories are often found where you least expect them.

Oh, by the way, the picture you see is from my home. Undoubtedly, Avalakki is one of my most favorite breakfast foods. There’s definitely a huge difference between what we eat in restaurants and what we make at home.

Our homemade Avalakki recipe is quite special—we add more onions, pre-fry the peanuts for an extra crunch, and sprinkle them as a topping before serving. This small tweak makes a world of difference!

And let’s not forget the generous handful of fresh coriander that takes this dish to a whole new level of flavor. Trust me, once you try it this way, there’s no going back!

Final Words

In conclusion, Hubli offers a vast array of scrumptious delicacies that are bound to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. From the famous Girmit and Dharwad Pedha to the thrilling Lamb Blood Fry, there’s a dish for every food lover in this vibrant city.

When visiting Hubli, don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore its rich culinary landscape by indulging in these delightful local foods, be it from street food vendors, traditional Khanavalis, or famous sweet shops.

So, embark on a gastronomic journey through Hubli and discover the authentic flavors of this incredible city!

You may also want to check out the best places to hang out in Hubli.

Do let me know your experience of the food in Hubli, and if I have missed any food on this list.