From coconut-infused curries, and spicy delicacies to some of the sweetest desserts, Kerala cuisine is sure to enchant your taste buds. A cuisine that has been heavily influenced by the region’s history and culture, Kerala food is an infusion of spices, aromas and flavours that are bound to leave you craving more. A food lover’s paradise, Kerala food owes its influences from Portuguese, French and British cultures. Showcasing a rich and varied culinary scene, Kerala food perfectly fits any role, from vegetarian to seafood as well as dishes featuring meat, Kerala style food has something to suit everyone’s palate. A cuisine that is bound to make a special place in your heart, discover some of the popular dishes in God’s Own Country for a gastronomic treat like none other.
Here are some of the best dishes in Kerala cuisine that you surely cannot miss out on
Puttu and kadala curry
A famous Kerala food, Puttu is a cylindrical steamed rice that is prepared alongside coconuts, which gives it the quintessential soft and crumbly texture. A Kerala food that is traditionally had as a breakfast item, Puttu is generally served alongside Kadala curry. A thick curry, prepared from black chickpeas, Puttu and Kadala curry is the gluttony match made in heaven. A dish that is available throughout the state of Kerala, this Kerala traditional food is a must try.
Appam
We cannot talk about famous Kerala dishes, and not talk about Appams. Among the Kerala traditional food items, Appam serves as the equivalent of bread that is often served alongside stew or curries. Prepared from a thick batter of rice flour, the appam is cooked in such a way that it is extremely thin on the sides while being crispy in the centre. The favourite accompaniment for the people of Kerala, Appam is a Kerala-style food that one can never go wrong with.
Malabar parotta with Kerala beef curry
A Kerala food that is going to stay ingrained within your taste buds is Malabar parotta alongside Kerala-style beef curry. A layered flat bread that is prepared out of all-purpose flour or maida, egg, oil and water, Malabar parotta is then given its traditional layered by kneading the dough into spirals with thin layers. A spicy and flavorful beef curry that goes perfectly with the Malabar parotta is prepared by slowly cooking the meat with a number of spices that give this Kerala-style food its classic taste. A dish that is crispy, flaky and truly delicious, you are sure to experience a mix of vibrant flavours as you have this famous Kerala food.
Thalassery biryani
Indians are known to love a good biryani, and Thalassery biryani is a Kerala version of a good biryani. A famous Kerala food which is a unique style of biryani, prepared from a small-grained, thin variety of rice known as Kaima along with a number of spices and condiments. A fragrant Kerala food, the biryani masala along with the meat and rice is cooked in layers on low heat, while the lid of the container is often sealed with dough as the dish slowly cooks. Native to the region of Thalassery port, which was the major region in Kerala for the export of spices, this biryani owes its influences to the European, Arab and Malabar cultures.
Idiyappam
A Kerala style version of idli, Idiyappams are prepared from strands of vermicelli and are a popular snack in Kerala. A Kerala food that is quite popular in the region, Idiyappams can be had as breakfast, snacks and for lunch or dinner. A beloved dish of the locals, you can get Idiyappam across the eateries of the state. Generally served alongside egg curry or chana curry, this dish is a major food item in Kerala.
Kumbilappam
A popular street food snack in Kerala, Kumbilappam is a dumpling prepared out of jackfruits. Among the famous Kerala foods, Kumbilapppam is largely prepared during the time of Onam, but can also be found throughout the year in the various street stalls of Kerala. A Kerala traditional food, this Kerala style dumpling is served wrapped in the leaves of Elamangalam, which is an aromatic plant with an aroma like cinnamon.
Palada payasam
An authentic Kerala style dessert, Palada payasam is not only popular in Kerala but also throughout the country. Prepared from rice ada, milk, ghee and sugar, this Kerala food is usually served during special occasions like Onam. A dessert that is going to leave you wanting for more, Palada payasam is a must try Kerala traditional food.
Banana fritters
Juicy banana fritters which is a popular snack in Kerala that is served as a dessert item, banana fritters are referred to as pazham pori or ethakka appam in Kerala. Popularly served during tea time, these banana fritters are prepared from ripe bananas which are coated with flour and then deep-fried.
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