Shivalli Tulu Brahmins of Kerala
Shivalli Brahmins living all over the Indian state of Kerala are part of the larger Tulu Brahmin subsect primarily found in the Indian state of Karnataka and the Kasaragod district of Northern Kerala. Their mother tongue is Tulu language. Since the ancient times they have been spread through the northern Kasaragod, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts of Karnataka. Today, there is a sizeable Tulu Brahmin population in Thiruvananthapuram and elsewhere in the state, where they have migrated.
Smartas and Madhvas
Shivalli brahmins who follow Dwaita philosophy founded by Vaishnava saint Sri Madhvacharya ( Poornaprajna or Anandathirta) of Udupi are known as Shivalli Madhwa Brahmins. But, another group of Shivalli Brahmins follow Advaita philosophy and are known as Shivalli Smarta Brahmins. The name helps to distinguish them from other brahmins. Both the brahmin sub-sects use Tulu as their mother tongue in Kerala.
Udupi Cuisine
Shivalli brahmins are pioneers of world famous Udupi hotels (Vegetarian restaurants) known for serving typical south Indian dishes and foods like idli, vada, dosa, shira and upma etc. This concept of restaurants is now copied by others all over the world. Shivalli brahmins have unique style of serving and eating meals. The meal is served on plantain (banana) leaf usually squatting on clean floor. All dishes are served in a particular place, fashion, and sequence and eaten by hand. The meal is wholesome and very elaborate in preparation, serving and eating.