Kerala is famous for its distinctive cuisine, which is uniquely different from other parts of Indian cuisine. The cuisine is mildly flavored, gently cooked, and characterized by the use of coconut. Kerala cuisine encompasses an exciting combination of vegetables, meats, and seafood flavored with various spices and cooked primarily with coconut milk. The juice of the tender coconut is a favorite drink in every part of Kerala, and it leaves you thoroughly refreshed.
The local cuisine of Kerala is widely favored for being hot and spicy and provides a gastronomical delight for tourists willing to experiment. Hence, do make it a point to savor the delectable cuisine of Kerala while on tour to "God's Own Country."
Main Ingredients of Kerala cuisine
Kerala being a coastal state, the land is extensively covered with green paddy fields and grows an abundance of spices. Bananas and coconuts are available throughout the year and form an integral part of the cuisine of Kerala. The main ingredients used in these Kerala dishes include
- Cinnamon
- Cardamom
- Ginger
- Green and red peppers
- Cloves
- Garlic
- Cumin seeds
- Coriander
- Turmeric
Unique Kerala cuisine
The mixed population of Kerala lends a unique character to the cuisines in the different parts of the state. The Hindus in Kerala specialize in the preparation of vegetarian cuisine. At the same time, Muslims and Christians excel in an eclectic array of non-vegetarian food preparations like `pathiri' and `kozhi curry' (chicken), biriyani' (chicken), and fish recipes. Some popular vegetarian items in the cuisine of Kerala are `rasam', `olan', kalan, `pachadi', `kichadi', `avial', `thoran', etc.
Breakfast in Kerala
Rice is the staple diet of the people of Kerala. A typical Kerala breakfast may comprise specialties made from ground rice and pulses that have been steamed or fried in various ways. A popular breakfast item is "Puttu"—a dish of steamed rice powder garnished with coconut and eaten generally with stew, curry, or bananas. Some popular South Indian specialties like dosas, 'idlis,' "sambhar," and "uttapam" also form part of the breakfast cuisine of Kerala.
Lunch and Dinner in Kerala
The main courses for lunch and dinner in Kerala may consist of rice, dal—a gravy made of pulses, various seasonal vegetables cooked with coconut and flavored with spices, a seafood curry, and a sweet dessert such as "payasam", to end the meal. `Payasam' is cooked with milk, coconut extract, sugar, cashews, dry grapes, etc.
Famous Kerala cuisine
Kerala cuisine is also famous for its traditional sadhyas—a vegetarian meal comprising boiled rice and several side dishes. The cuisine also boasts a variety of pickles and chutneys, crunchy `pappadums,' banana chips, jackfruit chips, etc.
Seafood is prevalent in Kerala and is served with almost every meal. Mussels are an all-time favorite in the seafood cuisine of Kerala. Other sea animals consumed include sardines, mackerel, tuna, rays, sharks, crabs, and oysters.
The northern parts of Kerala specialize in Malabar cuisine. The region's most famous dish is the "Malabar Biryani"—a rich rice preparation cooked with meat, onions, chilies, and other spices.
The Syrian Christians, who live in large numbers in districts like Kottayam and Pala, excel in a unique cooking style.
Hera the list of Top 5 Kerala Famous Food that you must try at least once
- Idiyappam with curry.
- Erissery (Pumpkin and Lentil Stew)
- Appam With Ishtu (Stew)
- Dosa Ghee Roast With Kerala Style Sambar
- Idli Sambar
Idiyappam With Curry
This famous Kerala cuisine nourishes you with rich carbohydrates and fats. Idiyappam is a famous cuisine of Kerala amongst the locals, and its main ingredients are rice flour, salt, and water. The rice flour is pressed into the noodles to give texture to the Idiyappam. Locals in Kerala eat it with full zest as their morning meal. Idiyappam is traditionally served alongside egg curry, coconut chutney, vegetable kurma, etc. This healthy vegetable recipe bills itself as one of Kerala's exceptional foods.
Erissery (Pumpkin and Lentil Stew)
Call this cuisine of Kerala the showstopper when it comes to the traditional dishes of Kerala, which are famous amongst the locals and international tourists. Erissery is made from a wholesome combination of pumpkin, gram, ground spices, and guess what? Its antioxidant-rich properties, enriched minerals, and vitamins make it the staple food for Poojas and weddings in Kerala. The other ingredients used in making erissery include cumin, turmeric, coconut, and spices.
Appam With Ishtu (Stew)
Having its roots engraved from Sri Lanka, Appam is another special Kerala food fondly relished as a mouthwatering breakfast and dinner by the locals and tourists alike. Appam looks like a pancake where the main ingredients are fermented rice batter and coconut milk. This pancake, native to Kerala cuisine, is a must-try street food on a trip to Kerala. Isthu is served with appam, which is another classic dish of Kerala.
Ghee Roasted Dosa With Kerala Style Sambar
It is no brainer to know that we all think of dosa as the national food of Kerala, but in reality, it isn't. However, locals and tourists alike prefer to eat the various sorts of dosa varieties. One such distinct type is the Ghee Roast Dosa. Ghee and other dosa ingredients like oil, fenugreek, rice, and lentils are considered. It would be best if you savored the Ghee Roast Dosa with Kerala-style sambar and coconut chutney, searching for a toothsome dinner or lunch.
Idli Sambar
Undoubtedly, Idli sambar is a soul-satisfying food to savor for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This traditional food of Kerala has its roots in Tamil Nadu but is now widely served all over India. But there is a distinct taste and feel when you relish Idli Sambar in God's Own Country, Kerala. So have it with a slightly tangy sambar followed by coconut chutney and various other variations on your Kerala trip. You will find Idli Sambar at almost every restaurant and street food point.
If you are a foodie, then you must try Kerala cuisine. Book your Kerala tour packages with us.
