
India’s regional cuisines offer a wide range of distinctive dishes, and one such specialty from coastal Karnataka is kori rotti. Known for its exciting mix of textures and bold flavors, this traditional dish is a celebration of crispy rice wafers paired with a rich chicken curry. At Saagar, we bring authentic regional recipes to our menu, allowing guests to experience the true taste of India’s diverse food heritage.
This dish is especially popular in the Udupi–Mangaluru region and is loved for its unique eating style.
What Is Kori Rotti?

Kori rotti is a traditional coastal dish made by serving spicy chicken curry alongside thin, crispy rice wafers known as rotti. The word kori means chicken, and rotti refers to the crisp rice sheets. Instead of being cooked together, the curry and rotti are served separately and combined just before eating.
This method ensures a delightful contrast between crunch and softness, making every bite interesting and flavorful.
The origins of this dish lie in the Tulu Nadu region of Karnataka. It has been a staple in traditional households and local eateries for generations. Restaurants like Shettys kori rotti helped popularize it beyond the region, introducing food lovers across India to its distinctive style.
Today, people often search for kori rotti near me or even kori rotti online to enjoy or recreate this iconic coastal dish at home.
Key Components of Kori Rotti

The dish consists of two main elements:
1. Crispy Rotti
These are paper-thin rice wafers made from rice flour. They are sun-dried and roasted or fried until crisp. Their light texture allows them to absorb curry without becoming soggy immediately.
2. Spicy Chicken Curry
The curry is rich, aromatic, and made with roasted spices, coconut, onions, and tomatoes. It has a thick consistency, allowing it to coat the rotti perfectly.
Together, these components create a dish that is both comforting and exciting.
Kori rotti stands out because of its contrasting textures. The rotti starts off crunchy and slowly softens as the curry is poured over it. The curry itself is spicy, slightly tangy, and deeply aromatic, with flavors typical of coastal Karnataka cuisine.
At Saagar, we ensure the curry is well-balanced—bold but not overpowering—so it complements the crisp rotti beautifully.
How Kori Rotti Is Made

Many guests ask how is kori rotti made or how to make kori rotti. The process involves preparing each component separately.
The rotti is made by mixing rice flour with water to form a batter, spreading it thin, drying it, and then roasting until crisp. The chicken curry is prepared by slow-cooking chicken with onions, coconut-based masala, and spices until rich and flavorful.
The dish is assembled only at the time of serving to maintain the texture of the rotti.
A common question is how to eat kori rotti. The correct way is to break the crispy rotti into pieces, place them in a bowl, and pour hot chicken curry over them. After waiting briefly for the rotti to absorb the curry, the dish is mixed gently and enjoyed.
This interactive eating style adds to the charm and authenticity of the dish.
Tips to Keep Kori Rotti Crispy

For those wondering how to make kori rotti crispy, the key lies in proper drying and storage. The rotti should be kept in airtight containers and only mixed with curry just before eating. This ensures maximum crunch and freshness.
Kori rotti is a hearty dish that provides protein from chicken and energy from rice-based rotti. While it is rich and flavorful, portion control helps maintain balance. The spices used also aid digestion and add depth to the dish.
Kori Rotti at Saagar

At Saagar, we prepare kori rotti using traditional coastal recipes passed down through generations. Our chefs carefully craft the curry with freshly ground spices and serve it alongside crisp, freshly prepared rotti.
Every plate reflects our dedication to authenticity, quality, and memorable flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is kori rotti?
It is a coastal Karnataka dish made with crispy rice wafers served with spicy chicken curry.
How to eat kori rotti?
Break the rotti into pieces, pour hot curry over them, allow it to soak slightly, and enjoy.
How to make kori rotti?
Prepare crispy rice rotti separately and serve with thick, spicy chicken curry.
How is kori rotti made?
Rotti is made from rice flour and dried until crisp, while the curry is slow-cooked with spices and coconut.
How to make kori rotti crispy?
Keep the rotti dry and mix with curry only at the time of eating.