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Dosa

A dosa is a thin, savoury South Indian batter bread or pancake made from a fermented batter of rice and black gram (urad dal).

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

A dosa is a thin, savoury South Indian batter bread or pancake made from a fermented batter of rice and black gram (urad dal). It is typically cooked on a hot griddle until crisp and served with chutney and sambar. Dosas are a common breakfast or snack food in South India and are widely eaten elsewhere in India and the Indian diaspora.

Overview

Dosa is a thin fermented pancake or batter bread from South India. It is valued for its crisp texture, tangy flavour, and versatility as a breakfast, snack, or meal.

Preparation and ingredients

Traditional dosa batter is made by soaking and grinding rice and black gram, then fermenting the mixture. The batter is spread thinly on a hot griddle and cooked with a small amount of oil or ghee.

Varieties and fillings

Dosa has many regional and modern variations, including masala dosa, which is filled with spiced potato. Other fillings and flavourings may include vegetables, paneer, spinach, or coconut-based mixtures.

Nutrition and dietary profile

Dosa is usually high in carbohydrates and contains protein from lentils. A plain dosa is often relatively low in fat, and its gluten-free status depends on ingredients and kitchen practices.

Key facts

  • Dosa is traditionally associated with South Indian cuisine and is usually made from fermented rice and black gram batter.
  • The batter is soaked, ground, and left to ferment before being spread thin on a hot tava or griddle.
  • Common accompaniments include chutney, sambar, and other vegetable-based side dishes.
  • A plain dosa made without oil is often described as low in fat and around 112 calories per serving.
  • Because it is usually made from rice and lentils rather than wheat, dosa is commonly considered gluten-free unless cross-contaminated or mixed with gluten-containing ingredients.
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Canadian context

Dosa is widely available in Canadian South Asian restaurants and is familiar to many Canadian readers as part of Indian cuisine and vegetarian dining.

Frequently asked questions

What is a dosa?
A dosa is a thin, savoury South Indian pancake or batter bread made from fermented rice and black gram batter, usually served hot with chutney and sambar.
How is dosa made?
Dosa batter is made by soaking and grinding rice and black gram, fermenting the mixture, then spreading it thin on a hot griddle and cooking it until crisp.
What is the difference between dosa and crepe?
Dosa and crepes can look similar, but dosa is traditionally made from fermented rice and lentils and is usually savoury, while crepes are commonly made with wheat flour and can be sweet or savoury.
Is dosa gluten-free?
Dosa is generally gluten-free when made from rice and lentils alone, but it can lose that status if wheat is added or if there is cross-contamination during preparation.
What are common dosa fillings?
The most common filling is spiced potato, as in masala dosa. Other fillings may include vegetables, paneer, spinach, and coconut-based mixtures.
How many calories in a dosa?
A typical homemade plain dosa without oil is cited at about 112 calories, though calories vary with size, oil, fillings, and accompaniments.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dosa_(food)
    Supports: Definition, ingredients, accompaniments, and approximate calories for a plain dosa.
  2. Dictionary.com — https://www.dictionary.com/browse/dosa
    Supports: Definition of dosa as a large, thin pancake from southern India, often rolled around a filling.
  3. BBC Good Food — https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/dosa
    Supports: Fermented batter preparation and cooking method.
  4. Indian Healthy Recipes — https://www.indianhealthyrecipes.com/dosa-recipe-dosa-batter/
    Supports: Traditional batter ingredients, fermentation, griddle cooking, and serving style.
  5. Saveur — https://www.saveur.com/indian-dosa-crepes-guide/
    Supports: Basic dosa composition and crepe-like appearance.
  6. Spoon University — https://www.spoonuniversity.com/school/u-mich/what-is-a-dosa/
    Supports: Comparison with crepes, common fillings, and serving accompaniments.
  7. IDC Cleveland — https://idcleveland.com/the-history-of-dosa-from-south-india-to-cleveland/
    Supports: Gluten-free claim, general ingredients, and common accompaniments.