Bisi bele bath

Bisi bele bhath

Fresh bisi bele bhath

Bisi bele bhath (bisi bēle bhāt) (Kannada: ಬಿಸಿ ಬೇಳೆ ಭಾತ್) is a rice-based dish with origins in the state of Karnataka, India.Bisi bele bhaath translates to 'hot lentil rice' in the Kannada language.

The traditional preparation of this dish is quite elaborate and involves the use of spicy masala, toor dal (a type of lentil) and vegetables. Spices like nutmeg, asafoetida, curry leaves and tamarind pulp contribute to its unique flavour and taste. Some versions of the dish are prepared with up to thirty ingredients.

It is served hot and sometimes eaten with chatni, boondi, salad, papad, or potato chips. This dish is commonly found in restaurants that serve the Udupi cuisine. The masala used is available off the shelf.

The name bisi bēle bhāt is a Kannada phrase, which literally means "hot lentil rice". In Kannada, bisi means hot, bēle means lentil, and bhāt means a dish made of rice.