Kerala is a paradise for food lovers, offering a rich and diverse culinary experience. Here are 10 must-try dishes from Kerala, each with its unique flavors and cultural significance:
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1. Appam with Stew
Appam with Stew is a beloved South Indian and Sri Lankan dish, known for its delicate flavors and comforting appeal. Appam, a lacy, soft rice pancake with crispy edges, is made from fermented rice and coconut milk, giving it a subtle sweetness. Paired with aromatic vegetable or meat stew, the dish becomes a wholesome meal. The stew, simmered with coconut milk, onions, green chilies, and fragrant spices like cardamom and cinnamon, offers a rich, creamy texture. Chicken or vegetables like carrots and potatoes are slow-cooked to perfection, absorbing the mellow spices and coconut essence. This dish, often enjoyed for breakfast or dinner, embodies the warmth of Kerala cuisine. Its balance of light appam and flavorful stew makes it an irresistible combination, savored across generations.
2. Puttu and Kadala Curry
Puttu and Kadala Curry is a classic Kerala breakfast, loved for its simplicity and rich flavors. Puttu, a steamed cylindrical rice cake, is made by layering ground rice and grated coconut in a special puttu maker, resulting in a soft, crumbly texture. It’s traditionally served with Kadala Curry, a spicy black chickpea curry cooked in a fragrant blend of coconut, onions, ginger, and Kerala-style spices like fennel and cinnamon. The thick, aromatic gravy perfectly complements the mild, fluffy puttu, creating a satisfying and nutritious meal. Some enjoy it with a banana or a drizzle of ghee for added richness. Packed with fiber and protein, this dish reflects Kerala’s culinary heritage, combining humble ingredients into an irresistible delight.
3. Malabar Biryani
Malabar Biryani is a fragrant and flavorful rice dish from Kerala’s Malabar region, celebrated for its rich spices and unique cooking style. Unlike other biryanis, it uses short-grain Kaima rice, which absorbs the aromatic masala beautifully. The meat, often chicken, mutton, or fish, is marinated in yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, and warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. The slow-cooked layers of rice and meat are sealed, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly. Fried onions, ghee, cashews, and raisins add depth, while the absence of tomatoes gives it a distinct taste compared to other South Indian biryanis. Traditionally served with raita, pickle, and papad, Malabar Biryani is a festive delicacy enjoyed during weddings and special occasions. Its balance of rich spices and mild sweetness makes it an unforgettable culinary experience.
4. Karimeen Pollichathu
Karimeen Pollichathu is a famous Kerala-style fish delicacy, known for its bold flavors and unique cooking technique. It features pearl spot fish (Karimeen) marinated with a fiery blend of red chili, turmeric, lime juice, and fresh spices, then wrapped in banana leaves and pan-seared or grilled. This traditional preparation locks in the natural juices, resulting in an incredibly moist and flavorful dish. The smoky aroma of banana leaves combined with the rich masala makes every bite an experience. Often served with Kerala parotta or steaming rice, Karimeen Pollichathu is a true testament to Kerala’s culinary heritage. Its combination of freshness, spice, and coastal essence makes it a favorite among seafood lovers.
5. Erissery
Erissery is a traditional Kerala dish, particularly popular during the festive Onam Sadya. This mildly spiced, comforting curry combines pumpkin or raw plantain with soaked cowpeas (red gram) for a nutritious, hearty meal. The vegetables and lentils are simmered with coconut, cumin, and green chilies, creating a creamy, subtly sweet, and earthy flavor profile. What sets Erissery apart is the final seasoning—freshly grated coconut, mustard seeds, and curry leaves are roasted until golden and mixed in, enhancing its richness. Served with steamed rice and other Sadya dishes, it offers a perfect balance of texture and taste. Packed with fiber, vitamins, and traditional Kerala spices, Erissery embodies the essence of coastal cooking—simple yet full of depth.
6. Thalassery Chicken Curry
Thalassery Chicken Curry is a vibrant and flavorful dish from Kerala’s Malabar region, known for its rich aromas and unique spice blend. Influenced by Mughlai and local coastal flavors, this curry features succulent chicken cooked in a fragrant gravy made with coconut paste, roasted spices, and fresh herbs. The use of fennel seeds, poppy seeds, and whole garam masala gives it a deep, warm complexity, distinct from other South Indian curries. Slow-cooked with tomatoes, onions, and curry leaves, the result is a thick, velvety gravy bursting with bold flavors. Often paired with ghee rice, Malabar parotta, or soft neer dosa, Thalassery Chicken Curry is a feast for the senses. Its balance of heat, richness, and mild sweetness makes it an unforgettable part of Kerala cuisine, passed down through generations.
7. Palada Payasam
Palada Payasam is a rich and creamy South Indian dessert, especially popular in Kerala during festivals like Onam. Made with ada (rice flakes), milk, sugar, and ghee, this payasam is slow-cooked to achieve a luscious texture and a naturally caramelized flavor. The ADA is first soaked and softened, then simmered with full-fat milk, allowing it to thicken while absorbing the delicate essence of cardamom. Traditional preparation involves continuous stirring, enhancing its smooth consistency and deepening the flavors. Often garnished with roasted cashews and raisins, Palada Payasam is a luxurious treat that embodies Kerala’s culinary heritage. The subtle sweetness and creamy richness make it a favorite festive indulgence, served warm or chilled.
8. Kappa and Meen Curry
Kappa and Meen Curry is a beloved Kerala dish, showcasing the perfect harmony between humble tapioca and bold-flavored fish curry. Kappa (boiled tapioca) is mashed with coconut, turmeric, and a hint of garlic, giving it a soft, earthy texture. The Meen Curry is prepared using fresh fish, typically sardines or seer fish, simmered in a tangy, spicy gravy made from tamarind, red chilies, shallots, and Kerala-style spices like fenugreek and mustard seeds. The contrast between the mild tapioca and the fiery fish curry creates an unforgettable culinary experience. Often enjoyed in homes and toddy shops across Kerala, this dish represents the essence of coastal flavors and traditional cooking. Served piping hot, Kappa and Meen Curry are both comforting and full of character, making them a staple for seafood lovers.
9. Nadan Kozhi Varuthathu
Nadan Kozhi Varuthathu is a traditional Kerala-style chicken fry, known for its bold flavors and crispy texture. This dish is prepared by marinating chicken pieces with a blend of spices, including red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, black pepper, and turmeric, along with crushed garlic and ginger. The marinated chicken is then shallow-fried in coconut oil, which enhances its authentic taste. Curry leaves and green chilies are added during frying to infuse additional aroma and spice. The result is a perfectly crisp, golden-brown chicken with a juicy interior. This dish pairs well with Kerala parotta, rice, or chapati, making it a favorite among spice lovers.
10. Sadya
Sadya is a traditional Kerala feast, typically served on a banana leaf during festivals like Onam and Vishu. It consists of a variety of vegetarian dishes, each carefully placed on the leaf in a specific order. The meal includes rice, sambar, rasam, avial, thoran, olan, pachadi, kichadi, and emissary, along with accompaniments like papadam, banana chips, and pickles1. A highlight of Sadya is the assortment of payasam, a sweet dessert made with ingredients like rice, lentils, or fruits. The meal is eaten with the right hand, without cutlery, following traditional customs1. Coconut, a staple in Kerala cuisine, is widely used in the dishes, either as coconut milk or coconut oil. Sadya is not just a meal but a cultural experience, symbolizing prosperity and togetherness.
Each of these dishes showcases the rich culinary heritage of Kerala. If you want a more detailed description of each dish, you can check out sources like BBC Good Food, NDTV Food, and Holidify.