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For years, we've enjoyed eating out at South Indian restaurants-- they often have exceptionally interesting food. They are almost invariably vegetarian, so it is generally safe-- even for non-carnivores --to order anything off of the menu.

But here's the rub: the menus tend to be terse

clear descriptions of the menu items are the exception, not the rule

Moreover, the waiters aren't always trained to give explanations to non-Indians.

That little bit of trivia may stick in your mind for a short while, but will you remember it the next time you are at the restaurant? (Will we?) And what if you can't remember what uthappam is? Some restaurants include more information on their website than they do on their printed menu (Saravanaa Bhavan [pdf] and Udupi Palace are good examples) but it would be a hassle and require planning to print out their online menu to take with you.

we've put together a South Indian Restaurant Menu Decoder Wallet Card