A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Dosa
A popular South Indian crepe made from fermented rice and lentil batter, often served with chutney and sambar.
dosa
DOH-suh
/ˈdoʊ.sə/ · DOH · suh
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's a common breakfast or snack item, often discussed in food blogs and travel guides about India.
Where the word comes from
From Tamil 'dōsai', possibly from Sanskrit 'dhvaṃsati' meaning 'to crumble'.
Common ways people get it wrong
- DOE-sah The 'a' at the end is a schwa sound, like the 'a' in 'sofa', not a distinct 'ah' sound.
- DOSE-uh The 's' sound is soft, like in 'rose', not a hard 's' like in 'dose'.
Frequently asked
What is a dosa made of?
Dosa is typically made from a fermented batter of rice and lentils. The batter is spread thinly and cooked on a griddle until crispy.
How do you eat dosa?
Dosa is usually eaten with your hands, torn into pieces. It's commonly served with sambar (a lentil stew) and various chutneys (condiments).
Is dosa healthy?
Dosa can be a relatively healthy option as it's made from fermented grains and legumes, providing protein and fiber. However, preparation methods and accompaniments can affect its overall healthiness.
