Kerala Cuisine: Top Dishes, Snacks & Sweets You Must Try in 2026
Indian food is known for its diverse tastes and thousands of rich dishes. Kerala is one of India’s famous states, known for its flavourful taste. Its geographical location, rooted in Ayurveda, brings a rich experience in authentic Kerala cuisine. The flavour of coconut in many dishes, fresh spices, and rice-based dishes gives Kerala cuisine a variety of tastes.
If you are planning a Kerala trip, searching for “Kerala cuisine around me, or are curious about Kerala cuisine, then this guide covers all the famous dishes, sweets, and snacks that you should not miss on your list. Some of the most famous Kerala dishes include Kadala curry, Appam, Puttu, and many others that have influenced not only India but also the British and Arabs.
A Deep-Dive Into Kerala’s Culinary Heritage
The geography of God’s own country shapes its culinary heritage. The proximity to the Malabar Coast allows locals to access a variety of delicious seafood here. The flavour of Coconut in every Keralan dish also comes from here. Amidst the finest Kerala cuisine recipes, Kadala curry ranks at the top. Appam, Puttu and many other dishes represent the richness of the state’s cuisine.
Various cultures, namely the British and Arabs, have vastly influenced the Kerala cuisine. Interactions with traders add to the cooking techniques this state has to offer.
Why Every Traveller Should Experience Kerala Cuisine
Kerala cuisine not only offers taste but also a traditional cultural experience. The fragrance of spices, curries, and coconut gives a very traditional home-like experience. The variety of dishes, ranging from fish in a banana leaf to Puttu, whets the appetite. For travellers, every place in Kerala offers something new to explore in terms of taste.
The backwater houseboats offer authentic Kerala cuisine, such as pomfret and crab roasts. The beach shacks offer Kerala’s famous fish curry with prawn masala and coconut milk. Hill stations like Munnar, which is also famous for its homemade chocolate, pepper chicken fry, and spice tea.
In vegetarian food, there is Kerala cuisine, such as Tapioca with spicy coconut chutney and pumpkin curry at toddy shops. Paneer roast in Kerala-style, and their famous Biryani with coconut milk at Fort Kochi cafes. In fact, the best thing is that each of these dishes is available at affordable prices. This means travellers can now explore multiple dishes without worrying about cost.
Those who want to enjoy seafood, Karimeen Pollichathu is a favourite among everyone. Many creamy coconut-based curries and squid are also a daily food here. Tamarind and other local spices make the cuisine even more interesting.
What’s So Different About The Traditional Kerala Cuisine?
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Kerala’s Household Favourites
Coconut is Kerala’s household ingredient. In Kerala cuisine, it is used in the form of Milk and oil to enhance food flavours. Different spices like cardamom and pepper also help to bring the flavours of the food. Curry leaves are mainly used as fragrance enhancers.
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Geographic Influence
The geographical location of Kerala also plays an important role in Kerala cuisine to bring its distinctive flavours. Due to the coastal access, it is easier for fishermen to fetch Crabs, prawns, and fish. Soil quality is also an important factor; for example, fertile land supports spice plantations, coconut palms, and even rice paddies. These help supply fresh ingredients throughout the year in the state. Tropical foods like mango and jackfruit are used in the preparation of several curries and desserts, too. The famous Banana chips are a product of the same.
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Tradition & Diversity On Every Plate
Kerala cuisine is shaped by its many communities. For example, Hindus are known for the traditional sadya feast, while Muslims popularised the famous Malabar biryani. Over time, these dishes have blended flavours, spices, and cooking styles from different parts of the world, creating the rich, authentic Kerala cuisine we know today.
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Ayurvedic Principles In Daily Cooking
Ayurvedic principles, often known by this name, emphasise digestion and natural ingredients. You’ll also find it in Kerala cuisine. The use of aromatic spices is designed to harmonise the doshas in the body. Even their beverages and snacks support gut health, aligning with both wellness and taste.
Must-Try Traditional Dishes in Kerala
For Non-Vegetarian Lovers
| Dish | Local Name | Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Cultural Significance |
| Kerala Fish Curry | Meen Curry | Shallots, Fish, Tamarind, Green Chillies, Garlic | Spicy, tangy and creamy | A generational recipe from the coastal state of Kerala |
| Meen Pollichathu | Karimeen Pollichathu / Meen Pollichathu | Banana leaf wrapping, garlic, shallots, fish, green chillies, turmeric | Fragrant, smoky and spicy | A state speciality |
| Traditional Chicken Curry | Nadan Kozhi Curry | Chicken, Coconut milk, Onions, Green chillies, Coconut oil | Aromatic and peppery | It’s a festive staple served with rice, pathiri and appam |
| Malabar Biryani | Malabar Biryani / Thalassery Biryani | Mutton, Fish or chicken with fried onions, ghee, and other Malabar spice blends | Mildly spicy, layered and fragrant | An Onam Sadya staple |
For Vegetarians
| Dish | Local Name | Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Cultural Significance |
| Avial | Aviyal | Curry leaves, Cumin, Mixed vegetables, Coconut and Curd | Tangy and rich in Coconut | The most important dish of Onam Sadya |
| Thoran | Thoran | Curry leaves, some vegetables, grated Coconut and mustard | Nutty and lightly spicy | A household special |
| Olan | Olan | Coconut oil, ash gourd, coconut milk, green chilli | Soothing and creamy | A Sadya must-have |
| Kalan | Kaalan | Turmeric, coconut, raw banana, green chilli | Coconut-yoghurt-based, tangy and thick | Mostly served as a temple feast |
Kerala Breakfast Dishes
| Dish | Local Name | Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Cultural Significance |
| Puttu and Kadala Curry | Puttu and Kadala Curry | Kadala curry, spices, rice flour, coconut, chickpeas | Nutty, spicy, coconut-rich | A breakfast staple |
| Appam with Stew | Appam & Ishtu | Coconut milk, rice, spices and veg stew | Creamy, mild and fragrant | A staple in every Christian household |
| Idiyappam | Idiyappam / Noolputtu | Served with coconut, water, rice, salt and a form of stew | Slightly sweet and light | A traditional breakfast |
| Dosa and Sambar (with Kerala twist) | Dosa & Sambar | Toor Dal, Rice, Kerala Sambar, roasted coconut paste and tamarind | Dosa is crisp, sambar is tangy | A south indian staple |
Kerala Sadya– The Heart of Traditional Kerala Cuisine
What Is Sadya?
Sadya is a traditional and special vegetarian feast from Kerala, usually served on a banana leaf. A typical sadya includes a variety of dishes. The meal shows Kerala’s rich food culture, balance of flavours, and use of local ingredients.
such as rice, vegetable curries, pickles, chutneys, and desserts like payasam
When And Where Is It Served?
Sadya is mainly prepared in festivals like Onam and Vishu. However, people also enjoy this feast on other special occasions, such as weddings, temple festivals, and private gatherings. It is a way of bringing people together to celebrate joy and warmth.
Dishes Included in a Typical Sadya
Typically, a Sadya is served on Banana leaves. It includes 20-28 traditional dishes, such as rice, vegetable curries, pickles, chutneys, thoran, sambar, and desserts like payasam.
Cultural Importance and Dining Traditions
Sadya is traditionally eaten using the right hand, as it is considered a sign of respect. People usually sit cross-legged on the floor while enjoying the meal. Each dish is served generously, and the feast ends with a sweet dish called payasam.
Kerala Snacks & Street Food
| Specials | Best Place To Find Them | Average Price |
| Pazham Pori (banana fritters) | Kochi’s popular tea stalls or local shops | INR10–20 per piece |
| Parippu Vada | Thrissur’s street stalls near Swaraj Round & temple festivals | INR10–15 each |
| Unniyappam | Famous across temples of Alappuzha & Pathanamthitta | INR5–10 each |
| Kozhikode Halwa | Kozhikode – SM Street | INR150–250 per kg |
Beverages of Kerala
| Specials | Best Place To Find Them | Average Price |
| Sulaimani (spiced black tea) | Kozhikode | INR10–20 per glass |
| Filter Coffee (South Indian style) | Brahmin’s Coffee Bar in Kochi | INR30–50 per cup |
| Tender Coconut Water | Roadside stalls across the state and the Alappuzha backwaters | INR30–50 per coconut |
| Kattan Chaya | Thrissur | INR5-15 per glass |
Where To Find Authentic Kerala Cuisine
Local Restaurants & Eateries to Try
- Paragon Restaurant (Kozhikode & Kochi): Famous for Malabar biryani, seafood, and classic Kerala meals. A must-visit for lovers of authentic Kerala cuisine. ₹800–₹1,200 for two
- Hotel Malabar (Kozhikode): Kozhikode is its most famous outlet. This is the most affordable eatery for full-plate Kerala meals. Ideal if you want to explore Kerala cuisine without spending much. ₹200–₹300 per meal
- Dhe Puttu (Kochi): Popular for creative puttu combinations with traditional flavours. Great for families and those exploring grand Kerala cuisine in a modern style. ₹600–₹1,000 for two
- Rahmath Hotel (Kozhikode): This is famous for beef biryani and local Malabar dishes. Loved by locals searching for Kerala cuisine around me. ₹300–₹600 for two
- Sree Krishna Café (Thiruvananthapuram): This restaurant is known for its traditional vegetarian sadya meals. A go-to spot for Kerala’s authentic cuisine. ₹200–₹350 per meal
Homestays & Backwater Houseboats
- Homemade Kerala meals:
For travellers craving tasty food, try authentic Kerala cuisine served fresh on houseboats. From soft puttu and steamed rice to crispy pomfret, flavourful thoran, and aromatic sambar, every meal feels like home. Dishes are often prepared to the guest’s taste, making it a truly Kerala-authentic culinary experience you won’t find in regular restaurants.
- Interacting with a local chef:
Kerala’s houseboats offer a unique experience of interacting with a local chef. This means you can learn Kerala’s unique cooking techniques directly from them.
Food Festivals And Culinary Experiences in Kerala
1. Onam Sadya
Onam, Kerala’s biggest harvest festival, marks the legendary homecoming of King Mahabali and is celebrated with a lavish feast known as Sadya, Kerala’s authentic cuisine. Served traditionally on a banana leaf, this authentic Kerala cuisine experience includes an array of dishes, such as tangy sambar, comforting rasam, and flavour-packed thoran.
2. Thrissur Pooram Food Stalls
The food stalls at Thrissur Pooram showcase the true spirit of grand Kerala cuisine. With over 180 stalls and nearly 70 pavilions, this offers some of the most irresistible local flavours. Popular picks like potato with beef curry, soft pazham pori, and rich Kozhikode halwa keep visitors coming back for more.
3. Local Food Tours & Cooking Classes
For travellers interested in exploring Kerala cuisine, local food tours and cooking classes are a perfect choice. The Kochi Food Tasting Trail offers a two-hour guided walk sampling regional favourites, while the Malabar Coast Food Tour is a 12-day immersive journey featuring cooking sessions. Pimenta Homestay is another excellent spot to learn traditional recipes of Kerala cuisine.
Kerala Cuisine For Different Dietary Needs
1. Gluten-free options
Travellers with dietary preferences will find many gluten-free dishes in authentic Kerala cuisine. Popular gluten-free choices include soft appams paired with vegetable curries, as well as classic dishes like thoran and olan. These meals are vegetarian, wholesome, and rich in plant-based goodness, making them perfect additions to a traditional Sadya.
2. Vegan-friendly dishes
Fresh tender coconut water, comforting olan, and refreshing pachadi are some favourites in Kerala cuisine that are vegan-friendly. Most dishes can be easily made vegan, just ask the chef to avoid adding ghee, milk, or curd. You’ll find these options almost everywhere
3. Halal/Kosher queries
Dishes like chicken curry, flavourful meat preparations, and the famous Malabar biryani are widely available, especially in northern regions such as Malappuram and Kozhikode. When searching for authentic Kerala cuisine near me, look for restaurants with clear “Halal” signage to ensure dietary needs are met.
Tips For Travellers Exploring Cuisine in Kerala
Spice Level Awareness: Kerala cuisine ranges from mildly spiced coconut-based curries to fiery Malabar flavours. Don’t hesitate to share your spice preference with the local chef or restaurant staff. Asking for mild-to-medium spice is a good way to enjoy authentic Kerala cuisine without overpowering your palate.
Hygiene and street food safety: When enjoying street food or local eateries, always opt for freshly cooked dishes and busy stalls with high turnover. This ensures better hygiene and authentic flavours. It’s advisable to avoid cut fruits or raw salads, especially when exploring Kerala cuisine in local markets.
Veg vs. Non-Veg regions: Kerala’s food culture varies by region. The Malabar coast is well known for its rich non-vegetarian dishes, including biryanis and seafood, while southern Kerala is ideal for vegetarian meals and traditional Sadya spreads. Choose your food trail based on your taste and dietary preferences to fully enjoy Kerala’s authentic cuisine.
Conclusion
Kerala attracts travellers year-round, not just for its scenic beauty but also for its rich food culture. From authentic vegetarian meals to flavour-packed seafood, Kerala cuisine offers a delightful mix of tastes and traditions that reflect the state’s vibrant culture. However, not knowing where to eat or what to try can sometimes make a trip unnecessarily expensive. To enjoy authentic Kerala cuisine without the stress of planning, it’s best to book a curated Kerala Tour package with TravelTriangle and experience the best flavours, stays, and local experiences, all in one.
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FAQs About Kerala Cuisine
What is the most famous food in Kerala?
Appam, Prawn curry, rice pancakes and Kadala curry are some of Kerala’s famous foods. Puttu and Idiyappam also top the list.
Is Kerala food spicy?
The spice level varies everywhere. While some foods are mildly spicy, others may be way too spicy for your taste buds. Hence, speaking to the local chef helps in this regard.
Can vegetarians eat in Kerala?
Of course. Sadya is the most popular vegetarian feast here. Vegetarians can enjoy 20 to 28 dishes in each spread.
Where can I try traditional Kerala food?
Kochi and Kozhikode are the best cities to try traditional Kerala food. Their Appam with stew and curries are a must-have.
What is a Kerala Sadya, and when is it served?
Kerala Sadya is a traditional vegetarian meal served during weddings and festivals alike.
Is food on houseboats in Kerala authentic?
Yes. They are absolutely authentic, with local chefs cooking right in front of you.
Can vegans find food in Kerala?
Yes. Kerala also offers a variety of vegan-friendly options.
Are there cooking classes for tourists in Kerala?
Yes. There are several cooking classes for tourists here. Jasmin Villa Homestay's Cookery class and Aryavilla Heritage's cooking class in Varkala are just a few examples.
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