Kerala is known for its unique blend of flavors, rich coconut-based dishes, and the abundant use of local spices. If you’re looking for the top 7 Kerala special foods that you absolutely must try, here’s a list that captures the essence of the state’s culinary heritage:
Kerala cuisine, offering a blend of spicy, tangy, creamy, and aromatic flavors
Sadya
Sadya is a grand vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf, typically during festivals like Onam and Vishu.
It includes a variety of dishes such as sambar, avial, kalan, thoran, pickles, and papad, with rice as the central dish. It’s usually followed by a sweet dessert like palada payasam.
Kerala Parotta with Beef Curry
Parotta is a flaky, layered flatbread, and it’s best enjoyed with spicy beef curry made with tender pieces of meat simmered in a coconut-based gravy. The combination of the crispy parotta and the rich curry makes it a perfect street food or comfort food in Kerala.
It’s one of the most popular and iconic dishes in Kerala, loved for its rich flavors and satisfying texture.
Appam with Stew
Appam is a soft, bowl-shaped pancake made from fermented rice batter, often served with vegetable stew (a mild, coconut milk-based curry with vegetables) or chicken stew. It’s a popular breakfast or dinner option in Kerala.
Appam’s delicate, slightly tangy flavor pairs perfectly with the creamy, flavorful stew, offering a unique experience.
Karimeen Pollichathu
Karimeen (pearl spot fish) is marinated with a special blend of spices and wrapped in banana leaves, then grilled or cooked in a clay pot. It’s a famous fish dish in Kerala, particularly along the coastal regions.
The banana leaf infuses the fish with a smoky flavor, while the spices make this dish aromatic and full of flavor. A true delicacy of Kerala’s coastal cuisine.
Puttu and Kadala Curry
Puttu is a steamed rice cake, often served with Kadala Curry, a flavorful curry made with black chickpeas and coconut. It’s a traditional breakfast dish in Kerala, often paired with coconut chutney or banana.
Puttu is light yet filling, and its mild flavor complements the rich, spicy Kadala curry. Together, they create a satisfying and comforting meal.
Malabar Biriyani
A rich, aromatic rice dish from the Malabar region made with jeerakasala rice, marinated chicken or mutton, and a mix of spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. It’s usually accompanied by raita and boiled egg.
Malabar Biriyani stands out for its unique blend of spices and the fragrant rice, making it a must-try for biryani lovers.