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

Kumarakom, Kerala Food History

Kumarakom, a blissful village nestled on the shores of the Vembanad Lake in Kerala, is a renowned destination for its backwater tourism. Kerala's cuisine has a rich and intricate history, deeply influenced by its long coastline, cultural diversity, rich spice trade, and the local staple crop - rice. Kumarakom, being a part of Kerala, takes pride in adhering to this culinary tradition, which blends local spices and coconut with fresh catches of fish from its waterways, producing a gastronomy that's vibrant and full of flavors. The Syrian Christian community and the local Kuttanadu recipes greatly enrich Kumarakom's culinary landscape.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Kumarakom for Tourists

1. Karimeen Pollichathu - A local favorite, Karimeen or Pearl spot fish is marinated with a rich blend of spices and wrapped in banana leaves and grilled to perfection (Non-Veg).
2. Meen Moilee - This delectable fish curry is made in a fragrant, creamy sauce infused with coconut milk and kokum (Non-Veg).
3. Appam with Stew - Soft and fluffy appams are rice pancakes served with a delicate, coconut-based vegetable or chicken stew (Veg option available).
4. Puttu and Kadala Curry - Puttu is a cylindrical steamed rice cake cooked with coconut shavings and served with richly spiced kadala (black chickpeas) curry (Veg).
5. Tapioca and Fish Curry - Local kappa or tapioca served with spicy fish curry is a heartwarming Keralan dish (Non-Veg).
6. Duck Roast - Slow-roasted duck with a bounty of local spices creates a mouthwatering delicacy especially during festival times (Non-Veg).
7. Sadya - The grand feast of Kerala, served traditionally on banana leaves, with rice, and a spread of vegetarian dishes including sambar, avial, thoran, pachadi (Veg).
8. Prawn Theeyal - Prawns cooked in a tangy and spicy gravy made from roasted coconut and tamarind (Non-Veg).
9. Kallappam - A type of pancake made from a ferment of rice and toddy, this is often served with meat or vegetable stews (Veg option available).
10. Payasam - A sweet pudding made with rice, milk, sugar, and spices like cardamom; garnished with cashews and raisins (Veg).

Top Famous Restaurants in Kumarakom, Kerala

• Lake Palace Family Restaurant
  Address: Near Nazareth Church, Kumarakom South
  Famous Food: Fish Molly (Non-Veg)
• Coconut Lagoon
  Address: Kumarakom, Kottayam District
  Famous Food: Grilled Karimeen (Non-Veg)
• Tharavadu Family Restaurant
  Address: Government Boat Jetty, Kumarakom
  Famous Food: Duck Curry (Non-Veg)
• Ettukettu - Kumarakom Lake Resort
  Address: Kumarakom North Post
  Famous Food: Mixed Seafood Platter (Non-Veg)
• Lime Tree - The Zuri Kumarakom
  Address: V 235 A1 to A54, Karottukayal
  Famous Food: Kerala Sadya (Veg)

Do ensure to verify the restaurants' operating hours and whether they serve alcohol or not, according to preferences, as Kerala has strict regulations regarding alcohol consumption.