Uttapam (also spelled uthappam or oothappam) is a thick, soft South Indian pancake made from a fermented batter of rice and lentils, usually with toppings like onion and chili cooked right into it. It's made from batter similar to dosa's, but where dosa is thin and crispy, uttapam is thick, fluffy and pancake-like.

If you like dosa's tangy flavor but want something softer and more filling, uttapam is the one to try. It's served with sambar and chutney, just like dosa.

What is uttapam made of?

Uttapam starts with the same family of batter as idli and dosa: rice and urad dal (split black lentils), soaked, ground and fermented. The fermentation gives it a gentle sourness and a light, airy texture.

The batter is poured onto a hot griddle and left thick rather than spread thin. Toppings go on while the top is still wet, so they press into the pancake and cook with it. Popular toppings include onion, green chili, tomato, cilantro and spice mixes.

What's the difference between uttapam and dosa?

  • Thickness: dosa is spread paper-thin; uttapam is thick, closer to a pancake.
  • Texture: dosa is crisp; uttapam is soft and fluffy inside with a lightly browned bottom.
  • Toppings vs. filling: a masala dosa is folded around a spiced potato filling. Uttapam has its toppings cooked into the top.
  • Eating it: dosa is great for tearing and dipping. Uttapam is easier to cut into wedges and eat with sambar spooned over or on the side.

Uttapam sits somewhere between idli and dosa. It has idli's softness and dosa's griddled, toasty flavor. For a deeper comparison, see our posts on idli vs. dosa and what a dosa is.

What uttapam can I get at Ananda Kitchen?

We make three versions, and each one is served with sambar and chutney:

  • Uttapam (Plain) ($11.99): the simple version, soft and mild. A good choice for kids or anyone who wants to taste the batter itself.
  • Uttapam (Onion and Chilli) ($12.99): the classic, with onion and chili cooked in. The onion gets sweet and slightly caramelized on the griddle, and the chili adds a little heat.
  • Uttapam (Chilli Masala) ($13.99): the spicy, savory one, made with chilli masala. Pick this if you like bold flavor.

Prices are from our current menu and can change, so check the dosa and uttapam menu for the latest.

What does uttapam taste like?

Soft, slightly tangy and savory, with crisp edges and a toasty bottom. The toppings make each bite a little different: sweet from cooked onion, sharp from chili. It's comforting rather than flashy, the kind of thing people in South India often eat for breakfast or a light dinner.

How do you eat uttapam?

Break or cut off a piece, dip it into coconut chutney or sambar, and eat. Some people pour sambar right over the top so the soft pancake soaks it up. If a bite is too spicy, follow it with coconut chutney to cool things down.

Tip: sharing with a friend? Order one uttapam and one crispy dosa. You'll get both textures, soft and crunchy, from the same kind of batter.

When do people eat uttapam?

In South India, uttapam is a common breakfast or evening tiffin (light meal), but it works any time of day. For more on the morning classics, see our South Indian breakfast guide.

Is uttapam healthy?

Uttapam is made from a fermented rice and lentil batter and cooked on a griddle, not deep-fried, and it's often topped with vegetables. Many people see it as a lighter, filling option. How it fits your diet depends on your needs, so if you're tracking something specific, ask us at the counter.

Is uttapam vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, it's vegetarian, like everything at Ananda Kitchen, and it's cooked in our dedicated vegetarian kitchen. Uttapam can be a good vegan option, but preparation matters, so tell the counter you're ordering vegan and we'll guide you. There's also a Swaminarayan-friendly plain uttapam on our menu.

Where to get uttapam near College Park and Takoma Park

Ananda Kitchen is inside BITES Food Court + Bar at 8046 New Hampshire Ave, Hyattsville, MD 20783, in the Langley Park Shopping Center. Parking is free.

We're open daily 11am to 9pm, and until 10pm on Friday and Saturday. Order uttapam online for pickup. Most orders are ready in about 30 minutes.