Kerala Cuisine: A Culinary Journey Through God’s Own Country
Steamed rice and Malabar Parotta served with pleasing Prawn curry. Tempting, right? You’ll be surprised to know that this is only the beginning of the delicious Kerala cuisine. There’s a reason food vloggers come to experience the state’s rich culinary heritage. From sambar to rasam, the traditional Kerala cuisine is a symphony of flavours.
Among the most used spices, Cloves, pepper, and cardamom stand out. Cinnamon and Turmeric are also household names in the country. The state also features an elaborate feast for vegetarians (Sadya). In case you are planning a trip to Kerala anytime soon, this blog will help you. Let us dive into the culinary journey of Kerala so you know what not to miss.
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 is deeply rooted in the state’s history and culture. But more than anything, it is a multi-sensory journey in its own. The fragrance of spices, curries, and coconut gives travellers that warm feeling of home away from home. The diversity of dishes, ranging from fish in a banana leaf to Puttu, leaves them wanting more.
Every place in this country promises travellers a new taste to explore. The backwater houseboats offer a lip-smacking range of pomfret and crab roasts. The beach shacks offer Kerala-style fish curry with prawn masala and coconut milk. Hill stations like Munnar are famous for their homemade chocolate, pepper chicken fry and spice tea.
For vegetarian food lovers, there’s Tapioca with spicy coconut chutney and pumpkin curry at toddy shops. Paneer roast Kerala-style, and their famous Biryani with coconut milk at Fort Kochi cafes. In fact, each of these dishes is available at pocket-friendly prices. This means travellers can now explore their heart out here without the cost in mind.
Seafood lovers are obsessed with the cuisine Kerala offers. 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 appetising.
Experience the colonial legacy of the state via its many European-style bakeries and cafés. These serve a variety of seafood platters and pastries. Prawn moilee and Beef ulavarthiyathu are other must-trys when travelling here.
What’s So Different About The Traditional Kerala Cuisine?
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Kerala’s Household Favourites
Coconut is a household ingredient in Kerala. Milk and oil are some of the ways it is used to enhance food flavours. Different spices like cardamom and pepper also help amplify the flavours of the food served. Curry leaves are mainly used as fragrance enhancers.
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Geographic Influence
The location of Kerala also plays a vital role in its distinctive flavours. Due to the coastal access, it is easier for fishermen to fetch Crabs, prawns, and fish.
The 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 infamous Banana chips are a product of the same.
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Tradition & Diversity On Every Plate
The diverse communities of India largely contribute to Kerala’s culinary fusion. Hindus bring sadya feasts, while Malabar biryani is a Muslim favourite. These spreads are influenced by textures, flavours and combinations from all across the world.
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Ayurvedic Principles In Daily Cooking
Ayurvedic principles that emphasise digestion and balance are often integrated into Kerala’s cuisine. The use of aromatic spices is designed to harmonise the body’s doshas. 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 |
Iconic 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?
The vegetarian feast of Kerala, Sadya, features a lavish spread on a Banana leaf. It comprises rice, a variety of side dishes and seasonal produce. A careful balance of flavours makes this spread even more delectable.
When And Where Is It Served?
Onam is the most auspicious festival, where Sadya spreads are a common sight. 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.
Components of a Typical Sadya
Typically, a Sadya is served on Banana leaves. These feature 20-28 different types of traditional dishes. Pickles, thoran, sambar, rice, and banana chips are some of them. Payasam is also a part of this feast.
Cultural Significance And Eating Etiquette
Sadya is consumed using the right hand as it symbolises respect. People are usually seated cross-legged on the floor to feast on it. Guests are served generous amounts of each dish and finish their meals with 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 Spot Authentic Kerala Cuisine
Hands-On Local Restaurants & Eateries
- Paragon Restaurant:
Nestled in Kozhikode and also in Kochi, travellers will love Malabar meals and seafood. It costs ₹ 800- ₹ 1,200 for two.
- Hotel Malabar:
Kozhikode is the most famous outlet they have. This is the most affordable eatery for those seeking a budget-friendly dining experience. The restaurant offers an array of authentic Kerala cuisine, served with full plate meals in the range of ₹200-₹300.
- Dhe Puttu:
A Kochi eatery famous for its thematic twist and interesting combos. Best for family dining, Dhe Puttu costs between ₹600 and ₹1,000 for two.
Homestays & Backwater Houseboats
- Homemade Kerala meals:
When travellers miss home-cooked meals, these houseboats come to the aid. Puttu, Pomfret, Rice, Thoran, Sambar, there is no end to the delicious dishes one finds here. Each dish is prepared as per the guest’s preference.
- Interacting with a local chef:
Kerala’s houseboats provide the unique experience of interacting with the local chef. This means learning Kerala’s unique cooking techniques directly from them.
Food Festivals And Culinary Experiences in Kerala
1. Onam Sadya
The harvest festival here celebrates the homecoming of King Mahabali. Sadya is laid on a Banana leaf with dishes ranging from Sambar to Thoran and Rasam. Each dish is authentic and flavourful.
2. Thrissur Pooram Food Stalls
These feature the most grand feasts in Kerala. With 180 stalls and 70 pavilions, the street food here will leave you craving more. Potato with beef curry, Kozhikode Halwa and Pazham Pori are some of the must-trys here. Sree Radhakrishna Prasada, Fashion Street and Thevar market are some of the best places to find them.
3. Local Food Tours & Cooking Classes
Kochi Food Tasting Trail offers a 2-hour exploration of Kerala’s finest food samples. The Malabar Coast Food Tour is another 12-day food tour that offers cooking classes, cultural performances, and market visits. The Pimenta Homestay is another great place to enjoy the best group cooking classes.
Kerala Cuisine For Different Dietary Needs
1. Gluten-free options
Appam with your choice of vegetables, Thoran and Olan are the best gluten-free options here. These are all vegetarian, healthy and rich in plant-based dishes. Perfect for Sadya, these gluten-free options are widely famous in Kerala. You can find them in almost any homestay or restaurant of your choice. However, make sure you ask the chef about any meat or fish added to the curries.
2. Vegan-friendly dishes
Tender coconut water, Olan and Pachadi are some of our favourites. Make sure to ask the chef to avoid adding any extra ghee or milk. These are also easily available in Kerala.
3. Halal/Kosher queries
Chicken curry, meat and Malabar Biryani are the best Halal options here. These are most commonly found in the northern Kerala regions, such as Malappuram and Kozhikode. When searching for Halal restaurants, look for signage marked ‘Halal’.
Tips For Travellers Exploring Cuisine in Kerala
Spice Level Awareness: Kerala cuisines range from fiery to mildly spicy. So, you always have the option to clear your preferences to either the local chef or the waiters there. It is ideal to ask for mild to spicy level foods for a slight balance in your meals.
Hygiene and street food safety: Make sure you ask for freshly cooked items. Always go to busy food stalls and eateries. It’s best to avoid any type of cut fruits or raw salads in these restaurants.
Veg vs. Non-Veg regions: The Malabar region is famous for non-veg foods. Southern Kerala offers a variety of Sadya-friendly foods to enjoy. You can choose according to your preference.
Conclusion
Kerala is thronged with tourists every travel season. That’s because the state offers a diverse range of dishes, flavours, and cultural nuances that add to its spectacularity. But sometimes when travellers don’t know where to go, the trip can become expensive. That’s why travellers must book a Kerala Tour package with TravelTriangle right away.
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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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