Paavakai Vathal is made by slicing fresh bitter gourd (paavakai) and sun-drying it to preserve its bitter flavor and crunchy texture. It is commonly fried and served as a side dish or added to tamarind-based gravies and curries to enhance the dish with its tangy bitterness. Paavakai Vathal is a popular ingredient in South Indian cuisine, loved for its ability to balance rich and spicy flavors while also offering health benefits like aiding digestion and regulating blood sugar.