Tamil menu is specially known for its traditional vegetarian dishes and the abundant use of lentils, legumes and rice in all its preparations. Foods from Tamil Nadu are prepared with a special blend of spices such as mustard seeds, chili, cinnamon, green cardamom, rosewater and ginger. If you are planning to arrange a meal based on the Tamil cuisine, then here are a few ideas to help you in this task...

Breakfast menu ideas:

• Parota  – A common breakfast item prepared with maida which is quite similar to the north Indian wheat flour paratha. This is served mainly with mixed vegetable curry.
• Upma  – A breakfast menu item prepared with wheat, onions and green chilies which is often substituted with flattened rice cakes

Lunch/Dinner Menu ideas:

• Kushka - It is basically a very spicy rice which is prepared in coconut milk. The dish is prepared and tastes quite similar to the more famous biryani. 
• Spinach kootu - Every family in Tamil Nadu prepares this dish at least once in a week. It is a side dish made from spinach leaves and served with roti, puri or rice.
• Lemon rasam - This is one of those dishes which can be prepared without tamarind. This is cooked with toor daal, green chillies, hing and tomatoes as the main ingredients.
• Mullangi poriyal - This is a vegetarian curry prepared with radish, onions, moong dal and spices. It is served with curd rice.

Coffee is an integral part of Tamil menu and the most popular beverage. Chennai Filter coffee is popular worldwide.

Image credits: flickr.com