Food In Thrissur

Food History of Thrissur, Kerala, India

Thrissur, a cultural capital within the state of Kerala, has a rich culinary tradition that weaves through its history. The local cuisine is characterized by the use of coconut, rice, tapioca, and spices like black pepper, cardamom, cloves, ginger, and cinnamon. The food in Thrissur has been influenced by several cultures due to historical trade links, including Arab, Portuguese, Dutch, and British, as well as by its diverse religious communities. With agriculture being a dominant part of its economy, Thrissur's meals often feature locally grown vegetables and fruits. The region is famous for its unique preparation of traditional vegetarian dishes, especially during the festival of Onam, where a grand feast called 'Onam Sadya' is served. However, coastal proximity also means that seafood holds a special place in the diet of Thrissur's people.

Top 10 Must-Try Dishes in Thrissur

1. Puttu and Kadala Curry (Veg) - A classic Keralite breakfast comprising cylindrical steamed rice cakes served with a spicy chickpea curry.
2. Appam with Stew (Veg/Non-Veg) - Appam is a thin pancake with crispy edges made from fermented rice batter and coconut milk, traditionally served with vegetable or chicken stew.
3. Kerala Fish Curry (Non-Veg) - A hot and tangy dish made with fish, kokum, and coconut milk, best enjoyed with boiled rice.
4. Avial (Veg) - A mixed vegetable curry with a base of coconut paste, cumin, green chillies, and curd, seasoned with coconut oil and curry leaves.
5. Pazham Pori (Veg) - A beloved snack made of ripe plantains coated in sweetened wheat flour batter and deep-fried until golden brown.
6. Palada Payasam (Veg) - A sweet dessert cooked with rice ada, milk, sugar, and cardamom, often served during festivals.
7. Kozhukatta (Veg) - A sweet dumpling made of rice flour with a filling of grated coconut and jaggery, steamed to perfection.
8. Erissery (Veg) - A hearty dish made from pumpkins, beans, and coconut, topped with a generous amount of fried coconut.
9. Meen Vattichathu (Non-Veg) - A fiery fish curry that's sour and spicy, cooked without coconut milk, contrasting the usual Keralite curry flavors.
10. Chemmeen Theeyal (Non-Veg) - A prawn preparation that includes roasted coconut, tamarind juice, and a range of traditional spices.

Top Famous Restaurants in Thrissur

Bharat Hotel (BTH)

Address: Near North Bus Stand, Thrissur, Kerala
Famous for: Traditional Kerala Vegetarian Meals (Veg)

Hotel Elite International

Address: Chembottil Ln, Thrissur, Kerala
Famous for: Seafood platter, Karimeen Pollichathu (Non-Veg)

Pathans

Address: Round West, Thrissur, Kerala
Famous for: Pathiri and Kozhi Curry (Chicken Curry) (Non-Veg)

Hotel Sapphire

Address: Palace Road, Thrissur, Kerala
Famous for: Buffet Breakfast (Veg/Non-Veg)

Indi Grill

Address: Selex Mall, East Fort, Thrissur, Kerala
Famous for: Fusion Cuisine (Veg/Non-Veg)