What I ate after climbing down from the Murudeshwar viewpoint

7 Views

The view from the Murudeshwar viewpoint had kept me distracted from the heat for quite some time. From the top, I could see the Arabian Sea, the temple complex and the enormous Shiva statue. However, by the time I climbed down and returned to the busy area near the temple, I was thirsty, hungry, and ready to find something local to eat.

I had chosen to book a hotel near the temple and beach area, which made the plan quite easy. I did not need to arrange transport or search far from the main attraction. I simply followed the road near the temple, where restaurants and small stalls cater to pilgrims and travellers throughout the day.

Coconut water immediately after the climb

My first stop was not a restaurant. I bought a fresh coconut from a roadside stall and drank the water while standing in the shade.

It was cool, mildly sweet and much more suitable at that moment than ordering a heavy drink. After walking around in Murudeshwar’s coastal weather, coconut water felt like a quick refreshment rather than part of the meal itself.

Once I had finished it, I was ready to sit down and order proper food. This also made the sequence feel more sensible. I had something refreshing after the climb and saved my appetite for lunch.

Goli baje to begin the meal

To kick off my lunch, I was served goli baje, which is also referred to as Mangalore bajji. These delicious circular-shaped fritters are one of the most sought-after snacks from coastal Karnataka, and they were served hot along with coconut chutney.

My plate arrived, and I was served four pieces of really soft fritters, which were slightly crispy on the outside. They were light and not very spicy, while coconut chutney brought in the fresh taste of coconut.

I was happy to know that goli baje is a native dish, but it is also not too heavy, making it an easy starter to eat before the main meal. Plus, the serving size is perfect as it is enough to eat without feeling too full.

Neer dosa with vegetable saagu for the main course

I ordered neer dosa with vegetable saagu as part of my main course. Neer dosa is a type of thin rice pancake and a dish from coastal Karnataka. Though it is made from a lighter rice batter, it is softer than crisp dosas served with potato stuffing.

The dosas came in different, soft folds. With its mild taste, the saar had a much stronger and more prominent flavour. Prepared from a variety of vegetables, the curry had the right amount of spice. I also added some coconut chutney for a completely fulfilling meal.

If one is staying in a hotel close to Murudeshwar Temple, one will find several South Indian dining venues nearby. It is important to keep in mind that any particular regional dish may not be available in a restaurant at any time, so it’s a good idea to find out what was freshly made that day.

Gadbad ice cream for a colourful finish

After savouring the soft neer dosa and saagu, I felt the urge to end my meal on a sweet note. Thus, I opted for the Gadbad ice cream.

The dish settled in a tall glass and consisted of layers of ice cream, nuts, fruits and jelly. Each spoonful of the Gadbad was different, keeping it exciting and adventurous. Also, it was quite a large serving, which made sharing it appropriate.

A chilled dessert was the right choice for ending the meal after a hot afternoon at the viewpoint.

A meal that matched the afternoon

Looking back, I was glad I did not try to fit coconut water, buttermilk, kokum juice, and coffee into the same meal. Coconut water after the climb was enough. It refreshed me without interrupting the food that followed.

My actual meal consisted of goli baje as the starter, neer dosa with vegetable saagu as the main course and Gadbad ice cream for dessert. Each item offered a different taste and texture, yet the combination still felt practical.

Booking hotels online close to the viewpoint also gave me time to enjoy lunch without watching the clock. After the climb, sea views and the temple visit, this simple vegetarian meal became a satisfying final part of my Murudeshwar afternoon.