Must-Try Foods In Kovalam (Kerala) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Kovalam, Kerala, India

Kovalam, once a calm fishing village, has transformed into one of the most exotic tourist destinations in India. Its culinary scene reflects a rich tapestry of influences from its history. Kovalam's cuisine, like the rest of Kerala, is deeply connected to its coastal roots, with seafood and coconut being quintessential components. Influences from various foreign traders such as the Arabs, Portuguese, Dutch and British have left an indelible mark on Keralite cuisine. Spices, which have been traded through its ports for centuries, play a crucial role in the flavors that define Kovalam's food culture.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Kovalam

• Appam with Stew (Vegetarian): A beloved breakfast dish, appam is a type of pancake made with fermented rice batter and coconut milk, often paired with vegetable stew.
• Idiyappam with Egg Curry (Non-Vegetarian): These are string hoppers made from rice flour, served with a spicy egg curry.
• Dosa with Sambar and Chutney (Vegetarian): A crispy, savory crepe made from a fermented batter of rice and lentils, served with lentil-based vegetable stew and coconut chutney.
• Kerala Sadya (Vegetarian): A traditional feast of rice served with an array of vegetarian dishes such as sambar, avial, and payasam, usually on banana leaves.
• Puttu with Kadala Curry (Vegetarian): A cylindrical steamed rice cake cooked with coconut and served with a black chickpea curry.
• Pathiri with Chicken Curry (Non-Vegetarian): A type of soft rice flour flatbread paired with a rich and flavorful chicken curry.
• Fish Moilee (Non-Vegetarian): A mild curry made with coconut milk and kingfish or any other local fish, flavored with green chilies and curry leaves.
• Erissery (Vegetarian): Made from a pumpkin and black-eyed peas, this dish is mildly spiced and tempered with mustard seeds and dried red chilies.
• Karimeen Pollichathu (Non-Vegetarian): Pearl spot fish marinated with spices and then wrapped in banana leaves to grill.
• Payasam (Vegetarian): A sweet pudding usually made from rice, milk, ghee, sugar, and spices such as cardamom and nuts, served as a dessert.

Top Famous Restaurants in Kovalam and Their Offerings

The Waters Edge

Address: Light House Beach Road, Kovalam

Famous Dish: Seafood Platter (Non-Vegetarian)

Bait, Taj Kovalam

Address: GV Raja Vattapara Road, Kovalam

Famous Dish: Grilled Lobster (Non-Vegetarian)

Malabar Cafe

Address: Light House Beach, Kovalam

Famous Dish: Kerela Thali (Vegetarian/Non-Vegetarian options)

Sanjeevini Restaurant

Address: Hawah Beach, Kovalam

Famous Dish: Veg Sadya (Vegetarian)

Curry Leaf

Address: Searock Beach Resort, Kovalam

Famous Dish: Kingfish Grill (Non-Vegetarian)

3rd Rock

Address: Samudra Beach Garden Road, Kovalam

Famous Dish: Tandoori Prawns (Non-Vegetarian)

Fusion

Address: The Leela Kovalam, Kovalam

Famous Dish: Global Fusion Cuisine (Vegetarian/Non-Vegetarian options)

Regency Restaurant

Address: Hotel Seaface, NUP Beach Road, Kovalam

Famous Dish: Chicken Tikka (Non-Vegetarian)

Lonely Planet Restaurant

Address: Avaduthura, Kovalam

Famous Dish: Prawn Mango Curry (Non-Vegetarian)

German Bakery

Address: Lighthouse Beach, Vizhinjam, Kovalam

Famous Dish: Continental Breakfast (Vegetarian/Non-Vegetarian options)