Assamese cuisine The 'poitabhat' preparation is sometimes made alcoholic according to preference. Side dishes called "pitika - পিটিকা" (mashes) is a signature characteristic of this cuisine. The most popular is "aloo pitika - আলু পিটিকা" (mashed potatoes) garnished with raw onions, mustard oil, green chillies and sometimes boiled eggs. "Khorisa tenga" is mashed fermented bamboo shoot, sometimes pickled in mustard oil and spices. "Kharoli" is fermented mashed mustard ("Brassica campestris" var. toria) seed to which a "khar" has been added, and "kahudi" to which an acidic agent (lemon juice, dried mangosteen) has been added. "Pitika"s are also made from roasted or steamed
South Indian cuisine with a lower per capita consumption of meat. The cuisine of coastal Karnataka is marked by widespread use of seafood, coconut and coconut oil. Rice is the staple grain and is the centerpiece of every meal. Gravies called "gassi" in Tulu language made from chicken, fish, meats are served with rice. Lentils and vegetables cooked with coconut, spices and tempered with mustard, curry leaves, and generous asafoetida, in a dish called huli, is also served with rice. A rasam-like preparation called "saaru" is also served with rice. The meal will also contain vegetable side dishes called palya. Other accompaniments include