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

Thekkady, Kerala, India: A Culinary Journey

Food History of Thekkady, Kerala

The cuisine of Thekkady is intrinsically linked to the broader culinary traditions of Kerala, known for its flavor-packed dishes that heavily utilize local spices like cardamom, black pepper, and cloves, which are abundant in the region due to its rich spice plantations. The geography of the land, with access to a variety of fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs, along with a long coastline providing an abundance of seafood, has shaped its cuisine. While the area is home to many communities with vegetarian traditions, meat and seafood also play a pivotal role in the local diet, though we focus here on non-cow non-vegetarian and vegetarian options.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Thekkady

1. Appam with Vegetable Stew (Vegetarian) - A spongy, rice pancake eaten with a subtly flavored coconut milk-based vegetable stew.
2. Puttu with Kadala Curry (Vegetarian) - Steamed rice cake logs served with a spicy chickpea curry.
3. Idiyappam with Egg Curry (Non-Vegetarian) - String hoppers made from rice flour batter, complemented with a spicy egg curry.
4. Kerala Sadya (Vegetarian) - A traditional feast consisting of a variety of pure vegetarian dishes served on a banana leaf.
5. Kappa with Meen Curry (Non-Vegetarian) - Boiled tapioca served with spicy fish curry.
6. Pazham Pori (Vegetarian) - Ripe plantain fritters, a beloved snack paired with tea.
7. Erissery (Vegetarian) - A pumpkin and lentil curry flavored with grated coconut.
8. Fish Moilee (Non-Vegetarian) - A mild-flavored fish curry made with coconut milk and typical Kerala spices.
9. Vegetable Biryani (Vegetarian) - Basmati rice cooked with a variety of vegetables and traditional spices.
10. Payasam (Vegetarian) - A sweet dessert made from rice and milk, often flavored with cardamom and nuts.

Top Famous Restaurants in Thekkady and Their Specialties

• Spice Garden Restaurant
  Address: Kumily Thekkady Road, Thekkady
  Famous Food: Idiyappam with Egg Curry (Non-Vegetarian)
• Grandma's Café
  Address: Lake Road, Thekkady
  Famous Food: Vegetable Biryani (Vegetarian)
• Bar-B-Que
  Address: Ambadi Junction, Thekkady
  Famous Food: Grilled Fish (Non-Vegetarian)
• Ambadi Restaurant
  Address: Ambadi Junction, Kumily
  Famous Food: Kerala Sadya (Vegetarian)
• Chris Garden
  Address: Lake Road, Idukki District, Thekkady
  Famous Food: Pazham Pori (Vegetarian)

When visiting Thekkady, these restaurants offer a slice of the rich culinary heritage of Kerala. The combination of local spices and fresh ingredients creates mouthwatering dishes that reflect the flavors and traditions of this beautiful region.