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Trivandrum, also known as Thiruvananthapuram, is the capital city of the Kerala district and is, therefore, a haven for foodies. From spicy seafood curries to veg delicacies, the best foods in Trivandrum capture its vivid culture and history. Steeped in cultural heritage with its beautiful beaches and historic temples, this city treats a food lover to some delightful experiences. It provides a lip-smacking blend of traditional Kerala cuisine.
10 Best Foods In Trivandrum
Embark on a gastronomic adventure through the best foods in Trivandrum with these must-try dishes displaying Kerala cuisine:
1. Sadya
Photo : Ganesh Mohan T / Wikimedia Commons
Sadya is a classic Trivandrum experience and the crowning gem of Kerala food. Traditionally presented on a banana leaf, this complex vegetarian feast comprises more than 20 items. Usually, the dinner includes rice, many vegetable dishes, pickles, pappadam and payasam. Sadya isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of Kerala’s food customs, tastes, and textures. Sadya first emerged in ancient times when it was offered during religious celebrations and marriages. It has changed over generations to incorporate elements from many Kerala communities, producing a harmonic mix of flavours and ingredients.
Best Restaurant: Mother’s Veg Plaza
Timings: 7 AM – 11 PM
Price: Rs. 200 – Rs. 400 per person
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Trivandrum
2. Meen Curry (Fish Curry)
Photo : Kalakki / Wikimedia Commons
Meen Curry is one of the most famous dishes in Trivandrum’s cuisine, reflecting the city’s coastal location. People make this spicy and tangy fish curry with locally caught fish, usually kingfish or pearl spot, cooked in a rich gravy of coconut milk, tamarind, and a blend of aromatic spices. The history of Meen Curry comes with Kerala’s fishing communities. The use of coconut milk and tamarind came from the influences of trade connections with Southeast Asian countries, while the spice blend reflects the region’s importance in the ancient spice trade.
Best Restaurant: Azad Restaurant
Timings: 11 AM – 11 PM
Price: Rs. 300 – Rs. 500 per person
3. Puttu and Kadala Curry
Photo : Deepak Kumaran / Wikimedia Commons
Puttu, a cylindrical steamed rice cake, paired with spicy Kadala (black chickpea) curry, is a beloved breakfast dish in Trivandrum. This is made from rice flour and grated coconut, while the Kadala curry is a flavorful blend of chickpeas, coconut, and aromatic spices. A traditional dish, with its roots in ancient Kerala cuisine, has references in historical texts dating back several centuries. The addition of Kadala curry as an accompaniment is believed to have gained popularity in the 20th century, creating a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Best Restaurant: Kaithari Restaurant
Timings: 7 AM – 10 PM
Price: Rs. 100 – Rs. 200 per person
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Trivandrum
4. Appam with Stew
Photo : Sudipto Rana / Wikimedia Commons
Appam, a lacy rice pancake with crispy edges and a soft centre, served with a fragrant vegetable or meat stew, is another iconic dish in Trivandrum. The appam is made from fermented rice batter and coconut milk, while the stew typically contains vegetables or meat cooked in coconut milk with mild spices. Appam’s history can be traced back to the early Christian communities in Kerala, with some historians suggesting Syrian Christian influences. The combination with stew evolved over time, becoming a popular breakfast and dinner option across the state.
Best Restaurant: Zam Zam Restaurant
Timings: 6 AM – 11 PM
Price: Rs. 150 – Rs. 300 per person
5. Karimeen Pollichathu
Photo : Anupama 1002 / Wikimedia Commons
Karimeen Pollichathu is a delicacy that showcases Trivandrum’s love for seafood. Pearl spot fish (Karimeen) is marinated in a spice paste, wrapped in banana leaves, and grilled to perfection. The result is a flavourful, moist fish dish that’s both aromatic and visually appealing. This dish originated in the backwaters of Kerala, where pearl spot fish are abundant. The technique of cooking fish in banana leaves is an ancient method that has been perfected over generations.
Best Restaurant: Villa Maya
Timings: 12 PM – 3 PM, 7 PM – 10:30 PM
Price: Rs. 1000 – Rs. 1500 per person
Suggested Read: Water Parks In Trivandrum
6. Beef Fry
Photo : Judgefloro / Wikimedia Commons
Fry, locally known as “Erachi Ularthiyathu,” is a popular dish in Trivandrum, especially among the Christian community. Slow cooking of tender pieces of beef with a blend of spices, curry leaves, and coconut slices until they’re crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside and the dish is ready. The dish’s popularity in Kerala traces back to the influence of Syrian Christian cuisine. Over time, people serve this as a side dish with rice or as an appetiser.
Best Restaurant: Trivandrum Hotel
Timings: 11 AM – 11 PM
Price: Rs. 200 – Rs. 400 per person
7. Parippu Vada
Photo : Daniel Zemans / Wikimedia Commons
Parippu Vada is a popular snack in Trivandrum, often enjoyed with evening tea. You can make these crispy, golden fritters from a batter of soaked and ground lentils (usually chana dal), mixed with onions, ginger, green chillies, and curry leaves. Deep fry them to perfection, and it results in a crunchy exterior and soft interior. Parippu Vada has been a staple snack in Kerala for centuries, one of the best foods in Trivandrum. Its popularity grew during the British colonial era when it became a favoured accompaniment to the evening cup of chai.
Best Restaurant: Indian Coffee House
Timings: 8 AM – 9 PM
Price: Rs. 50 – Rs. 100 per plate
Suggested Read: Beaches Near Trivandrum
8. Avial
APhoto : Sam Photography / Wikimedia Commons
Avial is a mixed vegetable dish that’s an essential part of Kerala cuisine. You can make it with a variety of vegetables like drumsticks, carrots, beans, and raw bananas, cooked in coconut oil and flavoured with coconut, curry leaves, and yoghurt. The dish has its subtle flavours and creamy texture. Legend has it that Avial was invented by Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata, during their exile. However, food historians suggest that the dish evolved over time, incorporating various vegetables based on seasonal availability.
Best Restaurant: Ariya Nivas
Timings: 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM, 7 PM – 10:30 PM
Price: Rs. 200 – Rs. 300 per person
9. Pazham Pori
Photo : Vis M / Wikimedia Commons
Pazham Pori, or banana fritters, is a beloved snack in Trivandrum. Ripe plantains gets dipped in a batter made from flour, rice flour, sugar, and cardamom, then deep-fried until golden and crispy. This sweet and crispy snack seems perfect to enjoy with tea in the evening. Pazham Pori’s origins traces to Kerala’s abundant banana plantations. The dish evolved as a way to use overripe bananas, combining the sweetness of the fruit with the crispy texture of the batter.
Best Restaurant: Maveli Cafe
Timings: 3 PM – 8 PM
Price: Rs. 30 – Rs. 50 per piece
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10. Palada Payasam
Photo : Ross Thres / Wikimedia Commons
Palada Payasam is a traditional Kerala dessert, often the crowning glory of a Sadya. This rich and creamy pudding gets ready with rice ada (flat rice noodles) cooked in milk and sugar, flavoured with cardamom, and garnished with cashews and raisins. The origins of Palada Payasam traces back to the royal kitchens of Kerala. It was traditionallyduring served special occasions and festivals, and over time, it has become an integral part of Kerala’s festive cuisine.
Best Restaurant: Ananda Bhavan
Timings: 11 AM – 10 PM
Price: Rs. 100 – Rs. 150 per serving
Trivandrum’s culinary landscape is a testament to Kerala’s rich cultural heritage and diverse influences. From traditional vegetarian feasts to spicy seafood delicacies, the city offers a wide array of flavours that cater to every palate. Many restaurants in the city also offer cooking classes. So, come and savour the best foods in Trivandrum with Trip XL, where every meal is a celebration of Kerala’s rich culinary heritage.
Cover Photo: Ganesh Mohan T / Wikimedia Commons
