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Kerala is not only famous for its breathtaking landscapes, tea gardens, and waterfalls, but also for the variety of food it offers. The best food in Kerala is inspired by a blend of Malabari, French, and Arabian influences, all infused with a unique touch of Kerala’s culture. Tourists love to taste the food here as each dish is an experience. The best foods in Kerala offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. The flavour of each dish is enhanced with curry leaves, chilies, tamarind, mustard seeds, cardamom, black pepper, ginger, clove, cinnamon, turmeric, etc. So, dive into this culinary world of Kerala food.
10 Best Food In Kerala
Kerala’s food variety will satisfy your tastebuds and offer a great experience. Some of the best foods you must try in Kerala are
1. Idiyappam With Curry
Photo: Viewfinder18 / Wikimedia Commons
Idiyappam Curry is one of the most relished cuisines of Kerala and is also known as Noolappam. It is made of rice flour, salt, and water with many thin strands or sevai. They entwine with each other and make a lovely texture that melts in the mouth. You can relish it with all kinds of curries, especially Egg Curry. With each bite of Idiyappam soaked in curry, you will get a mix of wonderful flavours in your mouth.
Where To Eat: : Sarvana Bhavan, Jasmine Bay
2. Appam With Ishtu
Photo: Devika / Wikimedia Commons
Appam with Ishtu is one of the traditional Kerala dishes which is yummy. Appam is a thin pancake with crispy edges. This is made from fermented rice flour, coconut milk, coconut water, and a little bit of sugar. These crepe-like bowls are relished with Ishtu, a kind of stew made of coconut milk, cloves, cinnamon, shallots, and vegetables. Its aroma is mesmerising and offers a great taste. It is a vegetarian dish but can also be savoured with chicken or lamb.
Where To Eat: : Villa Maya, Varsha, Ariya Nivas
3. Puttu And Kadala Curry
Photo: Jackson John 10 / Wikimedia Commons
Puttu and Kadala Curry is a popular traditional dish of Kerala and is also a famous breakfast option. Puttu is a cylindrical steamed rice cake, cooked in a mould with grated coconut. This rice cake can be served with grated coconut, ripe bananas, and Kadala curry. This is the Kerala version of kala chana and is a flavoursome dish. Tourists visiting Kerala must try this dish at breakfast-time and savour its flavours.
Where To Eat: Sarvana Bhavan, Mezban
4. Ela Sadya
Photo: Anila Sudish / Wikimedia Commons
Ela Sadya is one of the finest Kerala meals and is also known as the King of all Kerala food items. It offers a plethora of food items on your plate. This is usually served during ceremonial and religious occasions like weddings and festivals. The dishes offered on this platter are kichadi, pachadi, olan, sambar, varavu, thoran, payasam, pulissery, and aviyal, served with steaming hot rice on a banana leaf. You must experience this royal food platter when in Kerala.
Where To Eat: Hotel Bharath, Chakara
5. Ghee Roast Dosa With Kerala-Style Sambar
Photo: Zoshua Colah / Unsplash
Ghee roast dosa with Kerala-style sambar is one of the most liked foods in Kerala. The tasty flavours blast in the mouth and offer a divine experience. This dish is listed among the ‘World’s 50 Most Delicious Foods’. Dosa and sambar is a perfect South Indian food combination that is loved by all. This dish is made of fermented rice and lentils and is cooked in desi ghee until crisp. Ghee dosa is not only prepared in homes but is also available at restaurants and food stalls in Kerala.
Where To Eat: Aditi Restaurant, Ginger Bay, and Food Stalls
6. Idli Sambar
Photo: Deepal Tamang / Unsplash
Idli Sambar is one of the best foods in Kerala and is fondly eaten in almost all households in the state and all over India. This is an ideal combination of fermented rice cakes and a delicious tangy curry of aromatic spices, lentils, and vegetables. You must have coconut chutney with it for more flavour. This dish is easily available in the whole state and people usually make their versions of the dish. You must try this delicious Kerala food during your trip. It is a universally accepted fact that this dish has several health benefits too.
Where To Eat: Ginger House, Aditi Restaurant
7. Kerala-Style Prawn Curry
Photo: Advocator SY / Unsplash
The Kerala-style prawn curry is a treat for all non-vegetarians. All the prawn lovers must try this dish. This curry is sprinkled with chilli and pepper, and cooked in salt, turmeric, jaggery, and whole coconut milk. This exotic seafood dish is one of the best foods to try in Kerala. The tender and succulent prawns are immersed in creamy curry infused with a mix of aromatic species. Enjoy this dish and savour the coast charm of Kerala.
Where To Eat: Fort House Restaurant, Adam’s Teashop
8. Kerala-Style Fish Molee
Photo: Lampos Aritonang / Unsplash
Kerala-style fish molee is a great dish for non-vegetarian fish lovers as it will simply blow your mind with its taste. The lightly fried fish is made into a stew in an earthen pot so that it tastes great. It is made with coconut milk and kokum and spices like cinnamon, cloves, pepper, turmeric, and green chilies. They usually use a seer fish or a kingfisher to prepare this dish. This dish is sure to salivate your taste glands and offer a tasty experience.
Where To Eat: Fusion Bay, Harbor Restaurant
9. Karimeen Pollichathu
Photo: Nishant Kumar / Wikimedia Commons
Karimeen Pollichathu is another fish delicacy of Kerala made out of Pearl Spot Fish. This fish is commonly found in the backwaters of Alleppey and Kumarakom. This dish is originally a Syrian Christian delicacy and is prepared by marinating the fish in a mixture of red chiles, a variety of spices, and lemon juice. It is then wrapped and baked in plantain leaves. Its preparation method gives it a very exotic taste, leaving the diners craving for more.
Where To Eat: Oceanos, Adam’s Teashop
10. Thalassery Biryani
Photo: Rashpal Singh / Unsplash
Thalassery Biryani is one of the most exotic cuisines of Kerala. The tastiest biryanis in Kerala are found in Calicut and Thalassery. This dish is prepared with fragrant Basmati rice, pieces of meat (chicken, mutton, or fish), and a lot of spices like cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, etc. This culinary masterpiece is cooked in layers with mint leaves, onions, and saffron-induced milk. The taste of this biryani is enticing. Biryani is one of the most sought-after delicacies in Kerala.
Where To Eat: Fusion Bay, Suprabhataham
Kerala’s culinary scene is a delightful fusion of flavours, showcasing the state’s rich cultural heritage. With a diverse range of dishes, from aromatic vegetarian options to exquisite seafood, each meal tells a story of tradition and passion. The use of fresh ingredients and unique spices elevates every dish, making dining in Kerala an unforgettable experience. To savour the finest culinary delights in Kerala, book your trip with TripXL and go on a journey that allows the foodie in you to discover authentic and unforgettable dishes.
Cover Photo: Deepal Tamang / Unsplash
