Kerala, often referred to as “God’s Own Country,” is not just famous for its scenic landscapes and rich cultural heritage but also for its distinctive culinary traditions. The state’s cuisine is marked by the liberal use of coconut, rice, and spices, offering a palate of flavours that range from subtly flavoured dishes to fiery treats. Here’s a gastronomic journey through some of the most famous foods in Kerala that you should try.
1. Sadya – The Festive Feast
Sadya is a traditional vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf. It is synonymous with festivals like Onam and Vishu. It’s a multi-course meal with rice, various side dishes, pickles, papadam, and sweet payasam. Each item is placed on the leaf in a specific order and has a designated spot, making it a visual and culinary delight.
2. Appam with Stew
Appam, a type of pancake made from fermented rice batter and coconut milk, is light and fluffy with a crispy edge. It pairs beautifully with stew, typically made from chicken, mutton, or vegetables stewed in a rich, coconut milk-based gravy with whole spices like cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom.
3. Karimeen Pollichathu
This dish showcases Kerala’s most famous fish, the Pearl Spot. The fish is marinated in a mixture of lemon juice, red chilli powder, and other spices before it’s wrapped in a banana leaf and grilled. The result is flavorful, moist fish with a smoky undertone.
4. Puttu and Kadala Curry
A breakfast staple, puttu is a cylindrical steamed cake made from rice flour and grated coconut. It’s often paired with kadala curry, a hearty dish made from black chickpeas simmered in a spicy, coconutty sauce.
5. Kerala Prawn Curry
A true delight for seafood lovers, this curry uses prawns cooked in a concoction of mustard seeds, fenugreek, curry leaves, and loads of coconut milk. It’s tangy and mildly spicy, with a depth of flavour that goes well with a plate of hot rice.
6. Beef Fry
Kerala’s beef fry is legendary, especially in the Christian communities of the state. Beef cubes are slow-roasted with curry leaves, mustard seeds, black peppercorns, cloves, and coconut slices, making it incredibly delicious.
7. Palada Payasam
A sweet ending to any meal, this is a type of pudding made from rice, tea, milk, and sugar. It’s slow-cooked to a rich thickness and often flavoured with cardamom and garnished with cashews and raisins fried in ghee.
8. Banana Chips
These are not your ordinary banana chips. Kerala banana chips are cut from raw bananas and deep-fried in coconut oil with a sprinkle of salt, making them a crunchy, irresistible snack.
9. Kozhikode Biryani
Distinct from other biryani styles, Kozhikode biryani is made with Khyma rice and a mixture of chicken, spices, and fried onions. It’s lighter and aromatic, with a unique taste from the Malabar region’s influence.
10. Thalassery Chicken Curry
Originating from the Thalassery region, this curry is known for its rich blend of spices and tamarind tanginess. It goes well with Nei Choru (ghee rice) and captures the essence of Malabar’s culinary aesthetics.
Best Time to Visit Kerala for Food Lovers
The best time to visit Kerala is during the cooler, dry months from September to March. This period is perfect for exploring outdoor spice markets and enjoying the freshest seafood. However, visiting during a festival like Onam (August/September) can offer a unique culinary experience with the traditional Sadya meal.
Shopping for Kerala Spices
No trip to Kerala is complete without visiting its aromatic spice markets. Places like Fort Kochi, Munnar, and Thekkady are famous for their spice markets, where you can buy authentic Kerala spices like black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Conclusion
Kerala’s culinary offerings are as diverse and vibrant as its landscapes. From the vegetarian delights of a Sadya to the complex flavours of Malabari seafood, Kerala’s cuisine is a compelling reason to visit. And when you’re ready to explore these flavours in person, make your journey smooth and hassle-free by booking your bus ticket on redBus. Experience the ease of online bus booking and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with over 3 crore customers trusting redBus for their travel needs. Plan your gastronomic tour of Kerala, a true paradise of India, renowned not only for its picturesque landscapes but also for its rich culinary heritage, marked by an array of flavours that cater to vegetarians and meat lovers alike. This blog takes you on a delectable journey through the top dishes you must try in Kerala.