Kerala Food History
Kerala, often referred to as the "Land of Spices", has a culinary history that traces back to thousands of years of trade and cultural exchange. The diverse range of cuisines in Kerala is a reflection of the various communities and cultures that inhabit the state, including Hindu, Christian, Muslim, and Jewish influences. Kerala's food is characterized by the abundant use of spices such as black pepper, cardamom, clove, ginger, and cinnamon, which were and still are traded extensively from this region.
The geography of the region, with its long coastline, numerous rivers, and a backdrop of rice fields, also influences Kerala’s food habits. Seafood is a staple in the coastal areas, while vegetarian dishes are more common in the interior regions where Hinduism dominates. The use of coconut, rice, and tapioca is prevalent due to the easy availability in the region. Furthermore, the traditional Sadhya, with its array of vegetarian dishes, is a testimony to Kerala's rich gastronomic heritage and the strong influence of cultural and festive practices on its cuisine.
Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Kerala
- Sadhya - A traditional vegetarian banquet served on a banana leaf, featuring an array of dishes like rice, sambar, avial, thoran, and payasam. (Veg)
- Puttu and Kadala Curry - Steamed cylinders of ground rice layered with coconut, served with a curry made from black chickpeas. (Veg)
- Appam with Stew - A pancake made from fermented rice batter and coconut milk, served with a light stew made from coconut milk and vegetables or chicken. (Veg/Non-Veg)
- Idiyappam with Egg Curry - Rice noodle cakes served with a spicy egg curry. (Non-Veg)
- Erissery - A curry made from pumpkins and lentils, topped with roasted coconut. (Veg)
- Kerala Prawn Curry - Spicy and tangy prawn curry flavored with chilli, turmeric, and coriander. (Non-Veg)
- Palada Payasam - A sweet dessert made from rice ada, milk, sugar, and flavored with cardamom. (Veg)
- Karimeen Pollichathu - Pearl spot fish marinated in a blend of spices and wrapped in banana leaves and grilled. (Non-Veg)
- Thalassery Biriyani - Aromatic biryani made with a small-grained rice called kaima, layered with chicken or fish. (Non-Veg)
- Banana Fritters - Ripe bananas coated in sweetened flour and deep-fried till golden brown. (Veg)
Top Famous Restaurants in Kerala
- Paragon Restaurant
- Lulu Mall, 34/1000, NH 47, Edapally, Kochi, Kerala 682024
Famous Food: Thalassery Biriyani (Non-Veg)
- Kethel's Chicken
- Chalai Bazaar, Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695036
Famous Food: Fried Chicken (Non-Veg)
- Hotel Aryaas
- Multiple locations including M.G. Road, Thiruvananthapuram
Famous Food: Dosa and Vegetarian Thali (Veg)
- Karimpumkala Restaurant
- NH47, Amballur, Pudukkad, Thrissur, Kerala 680301
Famous Food: Fish Molly and Appam (Non-Veg)
- Mezban
- Calicut Trade Centre, Indira Gandhi Rd, Kozhikode, Kerala 673004
Famous Food: Mutton Biriyani (Non-Veg)
