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

Food History of Munnar, Kerala, India

Munnar, a serene hill station in Kerala, has a rich culinary tradition shaped by the diverse geography and the various communities that have settled in the region over centuries. Primarily a plantation town, Munnar's cuisine showcases influences from the indigenous tribes, as well as from British colonial influences, given its history as a British resort and tea plantation area.

The staple food ingredients like rice, spices, and coconut oil reflect the typical Keralite cuisine, while the cool climate contributes to a distinctive array of local produce like spices, homemade chocolates, and teas. The interaction of the local tribal cuisine, which includes fresh vegetables, meats, and forest produce, with mainstream Keralite cooking methods has given birth to unique flavors specific to Munnar.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Munnar, Kerala, India

1. Puttu and Kadala Curry (Veg): A popular breakfast dish made from rice flour and grated coconut, steam-cooked in cylindrical shapes and served with a spicy chickpea curry.
2. Appam with Vegetable Stew (Veg): A fermented rice pancake with a soft and fluffy center and crisp edges, traditionally paired with a rich coconut milk-based vegetable stew.
3. Idiyappam with Egg Curry (Non-Veg): String hoppers made from rice flour dough, served with a spicy egg curry.
4. Kerala Parotta with Paneer Curry (Veg): A layered flatbread made from maida (refined flour), eaten with a creamy paneer curry.
5. Vegetarian Thali (Veg): A platter served with an assortment of vegetarian dishes including rice, sambar, various vegetable preparations, pickles, and a sweet dish.
6. Vegetable Kurma (Veg): Mixed vegetables cooked in a rich, coconut-based gravy, which is an excellent accompaniment to parotta or rice.
7. Kappa with Meen Curry (Non-Veg): Boiled tapioca (cassava) served with a spicy fish curry, an authentic Kerala specialty.
8. Pazham Pori (Veg): A sweet snack of ripe plantain slices dipped in a wheat flour batter and deep-fried till golden brown.
9. Elaneer Payasam (Veg): A sweet and refreshing dessert made from tender coconut flesh and coconut milk.
10. Chicken Fry (Non-Veg): Marinated chicken pieces are deep-fried with traditional spices, making it a perfect accompaniment with Kerala Parotta or rice.

Top Famous Restaurants in Munnar, Kerala, India

Saravana Bhavan

Address: M.G. Road, Munnar, Kerala, India

Famous Food: Ghee Roast Dosa (Veg)

Rapsy Restaurant

Address: Main Bazaar, Munnar, Kerala, India

Famous Food: Idukki Beef Fry (Non-Veg)

Eastend Munnar Dining

Address: Temple Road, Munnar, Kerala, India

Famous Food: Fish Molly (Non-Veg)

Guru's Restaurant

Address: NH 49, Central Munnar, Kerala, India

Famous Food: Mushroom Masala (Veg)

Royal Retreat

Address: Kannan Devan Hills, Munnar, Kerala, India

Famous Food: Prawns Roast (Non-Veg)

Copper Castle - Restaurant

Address: Kannan Devan Hills, Munnar, Kerala, India

Famous Food: Chilli Gobi (Veg)

In summary, Munnar offers a tantalizing selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes that capture the essence of Keralite cuisine. The famous restaurants in Munnar are known for their use of fresh local ingredients, aromatic spices, and the unique way they bring traditional Kerala flavors to the table.