Hoysala Karnataka Brahmins are a community of Smarta Brahmins originating in the Hoysala Empire. The empire ruled most of what is now Karnataka between the 10th and the 14th centuries. Diet The community has traditionally followed a strict vegetarian sattvic diet consisting of seasonal fruits and vegetables (except onions and garlic), whole grains, dairy, nuts, seeds, and oil. A typical breakfast item is uppittu (a thick semolina porridge with seasonings and vegetables). A typical dinner may include saaru (a thin soup made with lentils, tamarind, tomatoes, and spices) with rice, vegetable palya, and curd rice. Other Hoysala Karnataka dishes include: Badanekayi-aloogedde gojju, a curry made with eggplant and potatoes Gulpavate, a sweet made with dried fruit, ghee, jaggery, and toasted wheat flour Mysuru kootu, a Karnataka-style lentil and vegetable stew Nucchina unde, quenelle-shaped lentil dumplings Titles and surnames Common titles of community members include Bhat and Jois, which are also used as surnames. Rao is another common surname. Associations The Hoysala Karnataka Sangha formed in 1908 but eventually disbanded. See also Forward Castes References Kannada Brahmins Indian surnames