What is the Indian Breakfast culture like?

India's breakfast culture is quite diverse and may differ in different regions. Since India is a large country, breakfast preferences vary depending on the region. In some parts of India, breakfast is often served with light and healthy foods. For example, idli and dosa, a popular breakfast dish from southern India, are light pastries made from fermented rice and lentil flour. These pastries are served with a vegetable gravy called sambhar. Also preferred are grain dishes such as upma and pongal, which are made in different varieties in south India and are usually served with coconut milk or yoghurt. In northern India, breakfast can generally be heavier and more filling. For example, paratha, a popular north Indian breakfast dish, is a deep-fried bread and is often served with butter or yogurt. Additionally, rice cereal called poha, potato bread called aloo parantha, and a chickpea dish called chole bhature are also preferred breakfast options. Various breakfast options are also available in other parts of India. For example, a crispy snowball-shaped bread called vada pav, popular in western India, is served with a pastry made from fermented rice and lentil flour, like southern India's idli and dosa. In Eastern India, fried pastries called luchi, spicy potatoes called aloo dum, and desserts called pitha are among the foods preferred for breakfast. In India, breakfast is usually made at home and family members gather together to start the day together. Additionally, street vendors and restaurants offer a variety of options for those who want to have breakfast. Beverages such as tea, coffee or fruit juice are generally preferred for breakfast. India's breakfast culture is steeped in a rich and diverse culinary heritage. Each region has its own unique breakfast dishes and recipes, reflecting the cultural diversity of the country.