When you hear the word Udupi, dosas, idlis, mangaluru bun and bhajji, comes to your mind as the restaurants run by the people from Udupi are very popular. But, when you actually visit Udupi, you hear temple bells, and see people in the traditional attire with various forms of religious marks on the forehead marching towards the Sri Krishna Temple to catch a glimpse of the god and to partake in the delicious meal served at the temple.
So, apart from this what more can you do in Udupi? Well, you can go shopping at the various bustling stalls lining the temple street or try eating out in Udupi.
The shops sell Lord Krishna statues, Wooden Kadagolu (butter churners), Mangalore Jasmine garland, Jaji hoovu garland, Surali flower garland (Butterfly Ginger flower), Peacock feather, Rosaries, Agarbathi stands, traditional indoor games, wicker baskets, acupressure items, and Pooja items.
Vegetables like Udupi Gulla (Brinjal), Mangaluru Sauthekayi (Cucumber), Basale (Malnad Spinach), tubers are also a favorite among shoppers.
Utensils to prepare Udupi cuisine like Shavige, Guliyappa (phaddu) are available for sale. Leaf kadabu molds and Coconut scrapers are also sold in the shops here.
Condiments like Sarina Pudi, Huli Pudi, Appi Midi Uppinakayi can be bought and stored for many months. Coconut oil, which is extensively used in the regional cuisine, can be bought here.
Snacks like Jackfruit Chips, Wheat Halwa, Mandagi, Banana Halwa, and Banana Chips are some of the other favorite among the visitors. You must try the Churmure Upkari (Churmuri) churned out at a car near the Krishna temple.
Traditional gold jewelry is something that women would want to buy.
Restaurants around the Krishna temple are worth a visit for hot Golibaje (Mangaluru bhajji), Dosas, Vada, and Idlis. Diana restaurant serves the best Gadbad (Ice-cream) in town along with other fast foods. Fruit juice, Cold Badam Milk, or Ginger Soda is a must-have in one of the stalls to quench the thirst.
People also head out to buy Ayurvedic medicines and Oils. I found the shop keepers a tad rude, maybe the hot and humid weather makes them like that or “they are like that only!”. Anyways, it is fun to be shopping and eating out in Udupi.
