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Kerala, often referred to as “God’s Own Country,” is a paradise for food lovers. Known for its rich culinary heritage, the state offers a blend of spices, fresh ingredients and traditional cooking techniques that make every dish a masterpiece. If you’re planning a visit to Kerala or simply want to explore its flavors, here are five iconic dishes that you absolutely cannot miss.
1. Appam with Stew – The Ultimate Comfort Food
Soft and Lacy Appams: Kerala’s Breakfast Staple
Appam, a delicate, lacy rice pancake with a soft, spongy center, is a traditional favorite in Kerala. Made from fermented rice batter and coconut milk, it pairs perfectly with a variety of stews.
Flavorful Stews: A Perfect Companion to Appam
The most common accompaniment to appam is a fragrant stew, made with coconut milk, curry leaves and a choice of vegetables or meat. The most popular options include vegetable stew or Kerala-style chicken stew, both infused with mild yet aromatic spices.
2. Kerala Sadya – A Grand Vegetarian Feast
A Celebration on a Banana Leaf
Sadya, which means “banquet” in Malayalam, is a traditional vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf, typically during festivals and weddings. This elaborate meal consists of a variety of dishes, including rice, curries, pickles and desserts.
Must-Try Components of a Kerala Sadya
Some of the standout dishes in a Sadya include:
- Avial: A mix of vegetables cooked with coconut and yogurt.
- Erissery: A pumpkin and lentil curry with coconut and mustard seeds.
- Pachadi: A sweet-and-sour yogurt-based side dish.
- Payasam: A delicious dessert made with rice, jaggery and coconut milk.
3. Malabar Parotta – The Flaky, Buttery Delight
The South Indian Layered Flatbread
Malabar Parotta is a soft, multi-layered flatbread that originated from Kerala’s Malabar region. Made from refined flour and cooked with generous amounts of ghee or oil, it has a crispy exterior and a soft, flaky texture inside.
Best Dishes to Pair with Malabar Parotta
This parotta is best enjoyed with:
- Kerala-style beef fry – A spicy and succulent dish made with tender beef, curry leaves and roasted coconut.
- Egg curry – A mildly spiced coconut-based curry that enhances the parotta’s richness.
4. Puttu and Kadala Curry – The Quintessential Kerala Breakfast
Puttu: A Simple Yet Nutritious Dish
Puttu is a cylindrical steamed rice cake made from ground rice and grated coconut, often served for breakfast in Kerala homes. Despite its simplicity, puttu is highly nutritious and filling.
The Perfect Pairing: Kadala Curry
Puttu is traditionally eaten with kadala curry, a black chickpea curry cooked with coconut, onions and aromatic spices. The rich, spicy gravy complements the soft texture of puttu, making it a satisfying meal.
5. Karimeen Pollichathu – The Signature Seafood Dish
The King of Kerala’s Backwaters
Karimeen Pollichathu (Pearl Spot Fish) is one of the most famous seafood dishes of Kerala. This delicacy is prepared by marinating the fish in a blend of spices, wrapping it in banana leaves and grilling it to perfection.
A Burst of Flavors
The combination of smoky banana leaf aroma and the fiery spice mix makes Karimeen Pollichathu an unforgettable experience for seafood lovers. It is often served with appam or plain rice.
Final Thoughts
Kerala’s cuisine is a rich tapestry of flavors, textures and traditional cooking methods that have been passed down through generations. Whether you prefer vegetarian feasts or indulgent seafood delights, these five specialties offer an authentic taste of Kerala’s vibrant culinary landscape. If you ever find yourself in Kerala, make sure to try these dishes for a true gastronomic adventure!