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#didyouknow that Vadai (Vada) was popular among ancient Tamils during 100 BCE - 300 BCE?

Updated: Dec 12, 2022



For the past four decades, Sangeetha has been a big part of the way people start their day. A common sight at most of the restaurants would be that of people enjoying a delicious cup of filter coffee with steaming hot vadais. Though, did you know that Vadai (Vada) was popular among ancient Tamils during 100 BCE - 300 BCE?


Vadais also known as Vadas, are usually made from urad dal, green gram, chickpeas, or black gram. This delicacy can be described as a savoury doughnut, a staple amongst many restaurants serving South Indian breakfast. Vadais are usually paired with Idlis and dipped into chutney or sambar based on personal preferences. It is also enjoyed when submersed into sambar, rasam or curds. This humble delicacy has an origin that can be traced back to 100 BCE, where it is said to have been a staple among the Ancient Tamils.


According to KT Achaya, the author of Indian Food: A Historical Companion, The Food Industries of British India, and A Historical Dictionary of Indian Food, Vadai (Vada) was popular among ancient Tamils from 100 BCE all the way to 300 CE. A variety of Vada is mentioned as "vataka" in Manasollasa, a 12th-century Sanskrit encyclopedia compiled by Someshvara III, who ruled from present-day Karnataka. Here, the green beans are soaked, de-skinned, and ground to a paste. The paste is then shaped into balls and deep-fried.


These savoury doughnuts usually have black pepper, coconut pieces, ginger, chillies and jeera added to enhance their flavour. Vadais have a crunchy exterior and a soft fluffy texture on the inside. Though deep-fried, this breakfast staple is loaded with many health benefits. With black gram as the main ingredient of vadais, it is a rich source of protein, vitamin B, iron, folic acid, calcium, magnesium and potassium.


Kickstart your mornings with the perfect healthy and tasty breakfast. You deserve to start your right! Join us at your Sangeetha restaurant with your family and friends to savour the perfect vadais in the morning. Our vadais are made using a treasured, delicious recipe that is nearly 4 decades old. Whether you like chutney or sambar we’ve got the perfect dip for your vadais! Fried to perfection with the perfect crunch in every bite, we’re sure you’d love to start your mornings with vadais from Sangeetha restaurants, a multi-cuisine 100% vegetarian restaurant in Namma Chennai.


Can’t make a trip to your nearest Sangeetha? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Order online and savour the perfect breakfast from the comfort of your home. Order now at sangeethavegonline.com to get yourself the perfect breakfast of freshly made vadais in Namma Chennai!

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