Semiya Upma, also called Vermicelli Upma, is a tasty and simple South Indian breakfast. It’s made using vermicelli, which is a type of thin pasta, and is cooked with lots of colorful vegetables. This dish is healthy, flavorful, and perfect for starting your day right. To give it an extra kick, a little squeeze of fresh lemon juice is added, giving it a tangy and refreshing taste. The bright yellow color of the dish comes from turmeric, making it look as cheerful as it tastes. Best of all, it is quick and easy to prepare, making it a great choice for busy mornings when you want something filling and satisfying without much effort.
Upma is a popular South Indian dish that many people love to make at home. It is easy to cook and very tasty! Vermicelli Upma is one of the most common types, but you can make it in different ways. The basic ingredients, like spices and curry leaves, are the same in most recipes. However, you can use different main ingredients. Some people use semiya (vermicelli), others use rava (semolina), poha (flattened rice), or even sabudana (tapioca pearls). Each version has its own unique taste and texture. My favorite is semiya upma and rava upma. It’s such a simple and delicious dish to try!
This semiya upma is one of my all-time favorite dishes, and it’s a recipe I learned from my mom. She has a way of making it that always turns out perfect. The flavors are spot-on, and the texture is just right every single time. What I love most is that her semiya upma is never soggy. Instead, it’s light, stringy, and slightly chewy, with each strand of vermicelli standing out beautifully. Just looking at it makes you want to grab a fork and dig in right away!
If you’ve ever struggled to make vermicelli that isn’t mushy, you’re not alone—this is a common challenge. But my mom shared a quick and simple tip with me that makes all the difference. I’m so excited to pass it on because it really helps create that perfect, non-soggy texture we all love.
To make this recipe turn out great, getting your roasted vermicelli just right is very important—but don’t worry, it’s easy to do! The first step is roasting. Don’t skip this part because it makes a big difference. Roasting gives the vermicelli a yummy nutty flavor and also keeps it from getting mushy when you cook it.
When you start cooking, make sure to keep an eye on the vermicelli. Don’t let it overboil! Cooking times can be different depending on the type of vermicelli you’re using, but usually, about 1 minute is a good guide. However, it’s always smart to check while it’s cooking. You want the vermicelli to be firm but not hard—this texture is called "al dente."
After it's cooked, rinse the vermicelli under cold water right away. This step is super important because it stops it from cooking further and keeps it firm and perfect.
These small steps might sound simple, but it’s easy to forget them when you’re in the kitchen. Following these tips can make a big difference and help you get the best texture and flavor every time—especially for recipes like semiya upma!
Walk into any grocery store, and you’ll find shelves full of different types of vermicelli (also called semiya). There’s something for everyone! One popular option is thin rice noodles, which are called "bee hoon" in Southeast Asia. These noodles are very similar to the semiya you might already know and love.
If you’re making semiya upma, you can easily use bee hoon instead. Want it to cook faster? Just crush the noodles a little before cooking. Prefer them long and chewy? Leave them as they are—both ways work great!
Plus, there are so many other varieties to choose from. You’ll find vermicelli made from brown rice, whole wheat, regular rice, maida (refined flour), semolina, and even ragi (millet). Choose the one that fits your diet and enjoy it your way!
I absolutely love semiya upma! It’s such a simple and tasty dish that’s also super flexible. The best part? You can make it with whatever vegetables you have at home. Got some cabbage, baby corn, capsicum, carrots, peas, or anything else sitting in your fridge? Just chop them into small pieces and add them in. It’s really that easy! This way, you can create a delicious dish while making sure no veggies go to waste.
What I love most about semiya upma is how quick and versatile it is. If you’re short on time or just want to keep things simple, you can even skip the vegetables. A plain semiya upma cooked with just onions and tomatoes tastes just as amazing! It’s the perfect choice for a fast, satisfying meal that doesn’t take much effort to prepare.
This dish is so tasty and comforting that you can enjoy it just as it is! It’s so good, you don’t really need anything else. But if you want to add some sides, there are some great options. You can pair semiya upma with peanut podi, coconut chutney, lime pickle, or even a bowl of raita or sambar. These sides are easy to make and will add even more flavor to your meal, making it even more delicious!
Semiya upma is a simple and delicious option for breakfast or even as a light snack during the day. It’s quick to make, which is a huge help on busy mornings when time feels short. This dish is also a great choice for your kids’ lunch boxes because it’s both healthy and tasty. The best part? Your kids will actually enjoy eating it at school, thanks to its yummy flavors! It’s made with ingredients that are easy to find, and the recipe is so simple that you can prepare it in no time. Whether you’re starting your day or packing a meal on the go, semiya upma is a wholesome option that everyone in the family can enjoy.
If you're always on the hunt for quick and simple breakfast ideas, check out some of the options below!
This delightful vermicelli recipe mixes together a wonderful blend of sautéed veggies and tasty spices, making for a cozy and savory meal. The roasted vermicelli gets a burst of flavor from aromatic mustard seeds, curry leaves, and zesty lemon juice, which perfectly balance the sweet carrots and earthy potatoes and French beans. Topped with fresh coriander, each bite brings a vibrant taste of traditional cuisine. Great for any meal, it’s a nutritious and satisfying choice for the whole family to enjoy!
In addition to sharing recipes, my mission with this blog is to create a supportive community where home cooks can come together to share their experiences, ask questions, and learn from each other. I believe that cooking brings people together in a unique and special way.
