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 features an exciting blend of vegetables, meats, and seafood, flavored with various spices and typically cooked with coconut milk. The juice of the tender coconut is a favorite drink throughout Kerala, leaving 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, 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 diverse population of Kerala lends a unique character to the cuisine in different parts of the state. The Hindus in Kerala specialise 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), biryani (chicken), and fish recipes. Some popular vegetarian items in Kerala cuisine include `rasam’, `olan’, ‘ kalan’, `pachadi’, `kichadi’, `avial’, and `thoran’.
Famous Kerala cuisine
Kerala cuisine is also renowned for its traditional sadhyas—a vegetarian meal consisting of 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 a perennial favorite in Kerala’s seafood cuisine. Other sea animals consumed include sardines, mackerel, tuna, rays, sharks, crabs, and oysters.
The northern parts of Kerala specialise 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.M
Syrian Christian cuisine, which is popular in Kerala, where large numbers of people reside in districts like Kottayam and Pala, is characterized by 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
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)
With its roots in Sri Lanka, Appam is another exceptional Kerala food, fondly relished as a mouthwatering breakfast and dinner by 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 when visiting Kerala. Isthu is served with appam, which is another classic dish of Kerala.
Ghee Roasted Dosa With Kerala Style Sambar
It is a 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, such as oil, fenugreek, rice, and lentils, are considered. It would be best to savour the Ghee Roast Dosa with Kerala-style sambar and coconut chutney, perfect for a toothsome dinner or lunch.
Idli Sambar
Undoubtedly, Idli sambar is a soul-satisfying food to savour 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.
