15 MUST TRY DELIGHTFUL DISHES OF KERALA – A GASTRONOMIC JOURNEY OF FLAVOURS AND SPICES
The cuisine of Kerala, a coastal state in southern India, is renowned for its rich flavors, aromatic spices, and diverse culinary influences. Kerala cuisine offers a tantalizing journey for the taste buds, reflecting the state’s cultural heritage, history, and geographical location. With its abundant coconut trees, lush backwaters, and proximity to the sea, Kerala’s cuisine showcases a delightful blend of spices, seafood, coconut, and locally grown ingredients. From traditional vegetarian dishes to delectable seafood delicacies and unique desserts, Kerala’s culinary offerings are a true reflection of its vibrant culture and the love for authentic flavors. Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure through the famous cuisine of Kerala, where every meal is a celebration of taste and gastronomic delight. Indulge in the flavors of Kerala’s most popular dishes that are sure to make your trip exciting. Whether you’re a vegetarian or a non-vegetarian, the culinary delights of Kerala will leave you craving for more. Make sure to try these dishes during your Kerala holiday:
1. Idiyappam With Curry
Idiyappam, a beloved dish in Kerala, is a must-try delicacy that captivates the taste buds of many. Known as Noolappam in Kerala cuisine, Idiyappam is made from a simple mixture of rice flour, salt, and water. The dough is then intricately pressed through a mold, forming thin strands or sevai that intertwine to create the delightful texture for which this dish is renowned. This unique texture lends versatility to Idiyappam, making it a perfect accompaniment to various curries. However, it reaches its pinnacle of flavors when served alongside Egg Curry, providing a delightful combination that is sure to satisfy your palate. Don’t miss the opportunity to relish this iconic Kerala dish during your culinary exploration of the region.
2. Erissery (Pumpkin And Lentil Stew)
Erissery, a beloved dish of Kerala, is cherished by both locals and travelers alike. This curry has gained popularity in every kitchen across the state. Typically prepared using either raw plantains or sliced yams, Erissery is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The dish involves boiling slightly sweet pumpkins with a medley of ingredients, including salt, chilies or pepper, dried lentils, grated coconut, turmeric powder, cumin seeds, and garlic. Once cooked to perfection, Erissery is served on a bed of rice, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal. This traditional Kerala food item is especially cherished during religious festivals like Onam, where it holds a prominent place on the menu. With its unique blend of flavors, Erissery promises to tantalize the taste buds of food enthusiasts who are always seeking new and exciting culinary experiences.
3. Puttu And Kadala Curry
Puttu and Kadala curry are highly cherished by the people of Kerala and are regarded as one of the most popular traditional dishes of the region. This renowned breakfast recipe showcases the culinary expertise of Kerala. Puttu is a cylindrical steamed rice cake that is prepared by layering rice flour and grated coconut in a specially designed mould. It is cooked until soft and fluffy, exuding a delightful aroma. Puttu is often served with ripe bananas, grated coconut, and Kadala curry. Kadala curry is a flavorful dish made with black chickpeas cooked in a blend of aromatic spices and coconut-based gravy. Despite its simple appearance, Puttu surprises with its rich and savory flavors. The combination of Puttu and Kadala curry creates a harmonious blend that will leave your taste buds craving for more. Don’t underestimate the allure of this seemingly modest dish; Puttu is an absolute delight that showcases the diverse and delectable flavors of Kerala.
4. Appam With Ishtu (Stew)
Appam with stew is an immensely popular traditional dish of Kerala that delights with its flavors and textures. A true gem of Kerala’s cuisine, Appam is made from a batter of fermented rice flour, coconut milk, coconut water, and a touch of sugar. The result is a thin pancake with a crisp edge and a soft center, resembling a delicate crepe. This beloved delicacy is best enjoyed alongside Ishtu, a flavorful stew that draws inspiration from European stews but incorporates Kerala’s unique culinary elements. Ishtu is prepared with coconut milk, cinnamon, cloves, shallots, and sometimes includes mango pieces and vegetables for added complexity. The aromatic blend of spices combined with the sweet fragrance of coconut milk creates an irresistible allure that entices food enthusiasts to the kitchen. Indulge in the delightful combination of Appam and stew, and allow your senses to be captivated by the symphony of flavors that Kerala’s cuisine has to offer.
5. Ela Sadya
Ela Sadya, a pinnacle of traditional Kerala cuisine, is a meal that will tantalize your taste buds with its enticing aroma. It is considered the crown jewel among Kerala’s food items. Ela Sadya is a grand feast consisting of a wide array of dishes, served during religious and ceremonial occasions such as festivals and weddings. This royal lunch experience is an opulent combination of flavors and textures, showcasing the richness of Kerala’s culinary heritage. The elaborate spread of dishes includes delicacies like pachadi, kichadi, pulissery, olan, sambar, varavu, thoran, aviyal, and payasam. Served on a banana leaf, the aromatic rice forms the foundation of this magnificent meal.
6. Parippu Curry (Dal Curry)
If you’re seeking a delightful culinary experience in Kerala, don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in the delectable delicacy known as Parippu curry. Surprisingly, it stands among the most delicious items in Kerala’s cuisine. This Dal Curry, unique to Kerala, is crafted using small gram lentils and ghee, infused with an array of spices and chilies. However, don’t mistake it for your ordinary “ghar ki dal” (home-cooked lentils). Underestimating Parippu curry would surely lead to disappointment. Trust us when we say that it offers a truly distinctive and flavorsome experience that will leave you craving for more.
7. Dosa Ghee Roast With Kerala Style Sambar
Food has a unique way of bringing people together, and if you’re in search of the best culinary experience in Kerala, make sure to indulge in the delectable combination of Dosa Ghee Roast with Kerala-style Sambar. This dynamic duo will ignite your taste buds with an explosion of incredible flavors. Recognized as one of the ‘World’s 50 Most Delicious Foods,’ the marriage of dosa and sambar in Kerala’s cuisine is simply extraordinary.
Dosa, made from fermented rice and lentils, takes on a whole new level of deliciousness when transformed into a ghee roast. Cooked to perfection using pure ghee, the dosa is then roasted to achieve a crispiness that is truly irresistible. To complement the dosa, the Kerala-style sambar adds a burst of flavor.
8. Idli Sambar
When you find yourself in Kerala, why not treat yourself to the delightful flavors of South Indian cuisine? Idli Sambar, one of the culinary gems of Kerala, stands as a delicious option for breakfast and is considered one of the healthiest dishes in the region. Widely renowned, Idli Sambar is not only beloved in Kerala but also cherished across households throughout India. This classic combination features fluffy, fermented rice cakes known as idli, served alongside a delectably tangy curry made with aromatic spices and an assortment of vegetables like lentils. Loved by food enthusiasts for its taste, Idli Sambar also garners universal acclaim for its numerous health benefits.
9. Nadan Kozhi Varuthathu (Spicy Chicken Fry)
Indulge in the aromatic and flavorful Nadan Kozhi Varuthathu, where chicken is marinated with onions, spices, garlic, and vinegar before being fried to perfection. Served on a banana leaf, this dish is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Pair it with chapattis, Kerala Porotta (a layered flatbread made from maida flour), appam, or rice to truly savor the flavors. It is also a popular street food option, often enjoyed alongside dosa. Once you experience the explosion of flavors in Nadan Kozhi Varuthathu, you may find yourself forgetting about fast-food chains like KFC.
10. Kerala Style Prawn Curry
If you find yourself in Kerala and have a penchant for non-vegetarian delights, then you’re in for a treat as you explore the rich food culture of the region. Make sure to savor the traditional delicacy of Karimeen Pollichathu, a must-try dish for all prawn enthusiasts. Karimeen Pollichathu consists of prawns cooked in a traditional style that highlights the unique flavors of Kerala. The prawns are marinated with essential ingredients like chili, pepper, salt, and turmeric. They are then cooked in a rich and luscious gravy made from whole coconut milk and jaggery.
11. Karimeen Pollichathu (Fish)
Karimeen Pollichathu, one of Kerala’s cherished traditional delicacies, features the Pearl Spot Fish, a speckled fish commonly found in the backwaters of Alleppey and Kumarakom. To prepare this dish, the fish is marinated in a tantalizing blend of lemon juice, red chilies, and an array of spices, giving it a burst of flavor. It is then wrapped in plantain leaves and baked to perfection. The unique and exotic style of preparation enhances its taste, offering a rich and distinctive flavor profile that will leave diners yearning for more.
12. Kerala Style Fish Molee
Prepare yourself for an extraordinary culinary experience with the Kerala Style Fish Molee, a true sensation in Kerala’s food culture. Loved by both locals and visitors, this dish elevates the concept of fine dining to new heights. The key elements that make this dish truly exceptional are the prominent flavors of coconut and kocoum, also known as Kudampuli, a souring agent used in Kerala cuisine. This dish is a must-try for all seafood lovers, as it showcases the mastery of Kerala’s culinary heritage.
13. Thalassery Biryani
Biryani in Kerala is a culinary delight that should not be missed. It is considered one of the most exotic dishes in Kerala’s cuisine. While there are numerous places in Kerala known for their biryanis, Calicut and Thalassery stand out as destinations that offer irresistible varieties of this aromatic rice dish. To enhance your biryani experience, consider pairing it with delectable side dishes like Chicken 65 or Chilly Chicken Stir Fry. The combination of these flavorful dishes with a sumptuous platter of Kozhikode or Thalassery Biryani creates a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
14. Ethakka Appam (Banana Fritters)
When it comes to traditional tea time snacks in Kerala, Pazham Pori and Ethakka Appam are two delightful options that should not be missed. These banana fritters are cherished in households across Kerala and are an integral part of Kerala cuisine.
Pazham Pori and Ethakka Appam are prepared using ripe bananas, which are coated with plain flour and then deep-fried to perfection. The result is a delectable combination of soft, sweet bananas and a crispy, golden exterior. The aroma and flavors of these fritters are truly enticing.
15. Ada Pradhaman
Indulge in the irresistible delight of Ada Pradhaman, one of the delectable variations of payasam found in Kerala. This beloved dessert features tender pieces of rice batter, known as ada, immersed in a luscious blend of sweetened coconut milk. Considered a favorite among the desserts in Kerala’s food repertoire, Ada Pradhaman is sure to captivate your taste buds with just one spoonful. Prepare to be enchanted by the flavors and textures of this heavenly dessert that is bound to leave you smitten.
