Food & Shopping
Nellore is a paradise for food lovers, offering a perfect blend of spicy Andhra flavors, fresh seafood, and unique local delicacies. From mouth-watering biryanis to authentic Andhra pickles and sweets, the city has something for everyone.
1. Must-Try Dishes in Nellore
Nellore Chepala Pulusu (Spicy Fish Curry)
- The signature dish of Nellore, made with fresh fish, tamarind, red chilies, and aromatic spices.
- Best enjoyed with steamed rice.
Best Places: Komala Vilas, Haritha Restaurant, Murali Krishna Restaurant
Nellore Biryani
- A unique, spicy, and flavorful biryani, different from Hyderabadi biryani.
- Cooked with small-grain rice, juicy chicken/mutton, and special Nellore masalas.
Best Places: Mayuri Multicuisine, Ananda Bhavan, Sri Kanya
Royyala Iguru (Prawn Curry)
- Fresh prawns cooked with Andhra spices, coconut, and tamarind.
- Has a thick, spicy gravy, best eaten with rice.
Best Places: Biryani Mahal, Devi Multicuisine, Southern Spice
Gongura Pachadi (Sour Leaf Chutney)
- A famous Andhra chutney made from Gongura (sorrel leaves), garlic, and chilies.
- Served with hot rice and ghee.
Best Places: Andhra Mess, Brindavanam Restaurant
Pesarattu (Green Gram Dosa)
- A high-protein dosa made from green gram, served with ginger chutney.
- A perfect breakfast dish!
Best Places: Udupi Hotel, Komala Vilas, Minerva Grand
Ragi Sangati & Natu Kodi Pulusu
- A nutritious combination of ragi (finger millet) rice balls served with spicy country chicken curry.
- A favorite among locals for its health benefits.
Best Places: Haritha Andhra Bhojanam, Rayalaseema Ruchulu
Bobbatlu (Sweet Flatbread)
- A traditional Andhra dessert made from chana dal, jaggery, and wheat flour.
- Usually served during festivals and special occasions.
Best Places: Babai Hotel, Nellore Grand
2. Best Restaurants in Nellore
Murali Krishna Restaurant (Best Andhra Thali)
- Famous for unlimited Andhra meals, served with various curries, chutneys, and pickles.
- Must-Try: Nellore Chepala Pulusu, Pesarattu, Gongura Pachadi.
Location: Trunk Road, Nellore
Ananda Bhavan (Best for Biryani)
- One of Nellore’s top-rated biryani spots, serving flavorful chicken and mutton biryanis.
- Must-Try: Nellore Chicken Biryani, Royyala Iguru.
Location: Pogathota, Nellore
Mayuri Multicuisine Restaurant (Fine Dining)
- Offers a mix of Andhra, North Indian, and Chinese cuisines.
- Must-Try: Andhra Veg Thali, Natu Kodi Pulusu.
Location: Vedayapalem, Nellore
Komala Vilas (Best for South Indian Tiffins)
- Famous for crispy dosas, soft idlis, and Nellore-style filter coffee.
- Must-Try: Pesarattu, Rava Dosa, Filter Coffee.
Location: GT Road, Nellore
Devi Multicuisine Restaurant (Best Seafood)
- Serves freshly caught seafood with traditional Andhra flavors.
- Must-Try: Royyala Iguru, Vanjaram Fry (King Fish Fry).
Location: Near Haranathapuram, Nellore
3. Best Street Food in Nellore
Mirchi Bajji (Spicy Chili Fritters)
- Deep-fried green chilies stuffed with masala, served with chutney.
Best Place: Near Nellore Clock Tower
Punugulu (Crispy Lentil Dumplings)
- Deep-fried batter dumplings, served with coconut chutney.
Best Place: Evening Markets near Nellore Bus Stand
Egg Kothu Parotta (Street-Style Parotta)
- Shredded parotta mixed with egg, spices, and onions.
Best Place: Night food stalls near Vedayapalem
Ulava Charu (Horse Gram Soup)
- A thick, spicy horse gram soup, served with hot rice.
Best Place: Andhra Mess, Brindavanam
4. Unique Culinary Experiences
Beachside Dining at Mypadu Beach
- Enjoy fresh seafood by the shore while watching the sunset.
Best Place: Mypadu Beach Seafood Stalls
Banana Leaf Andhra Thali Experience
- Traditional Andhra meals served on a banana leaf, featuring spicy curries, pickles, and sweets.
Best Place: Haritha Andhra Bhojanam
Tasting Local Palm Wine (Kallu)
- A traditional Andhra drink, made from fermented palm tree sap.
Best Place: Local toddy shops in nearby villages
5. Best Places to Buy Sweets & Pickles
Nellore Sweet Shops (For Bobbatlu & Traditional Sweets)
- Famous for handmade Pootharekulu (Rice Paper Sweets) and Bobbatlu.
Best Places: Babai Sweets, Venkateswara Sweets
Andhra Pickle Stores (For Gongura & Avakaya Pickles)
- Best place to buy authentic Andhra pickles made using traditional methods.
Best Places: Rythu Bazaar, Local Grocery Shops
6. Food Festivals & Culinary Events
Nellore Food Festival
- Showcases traditional Andhra cuisine, street food, and seafood specialties.
- Held annually in Nellore, featuring live cooking demonstrations.
Sankranti Food Festival
- Features special festive dishes like Ariselu, Bobbatlu, and Payasam.
- Celebrated during January every year.
Nellore offers an incredible culinary experience, blending authentic Andhra flavors, seafood delicacies, and traditional sweets. Whether you’re a spicy food lover, a street food explorer, or a fan of rich Andhra meals, Nellore has something delicious waiting for you!
✅ Don’t leave without tasting the famous Nellore Chepala Pulusu, Biryani, and an Andhra Thali on a banana leaf!