Food In Trivandrum Thiruvananthapuram

Food History of Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram), Kerala, India

The cuisine of Trivandrum has evolved over centuries influenced by various cultures and historical events. Trivandrum's food is primarily characterized by the abundant use of spices, coconut, and seafood owing to its coastal geography. The city's culinary tradition is reflective of Kerala's history, where the trade with Arabs, Portuguese, Dutch, and British brought distinct flavors and cooking techniques into the local cuisine.

Rice is a staple in Trivandrum, along with cassava (tapioca), which is often served with fish curry—reflecting the influence of the fishing community. The cuisine includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, with a range of flavors from the sweet to the intensely spicy. Traditional vegetarian meals, known as Sadya, are served on banana leaves and are a confluence of different textures and flavors, including pickles, chips, and a variety of gravies.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Trivandrum

1. Puttu and Kadala Curry (Vegetarian) - Steamed cylinders of ground rice layered with coconut, served with a chickpea curry.
2. Appam with Stew (Vegetarian/Non-Vegetarian) - A fermented rice pancake with a soft and fluffy center, usually eaten with coconut milk stew that can be either vegetarian or made with chicken or mutton.
3. Dosa with Sambar and Chutney (Vegetarian) - Crispy rice pancakes served with a lentil-based vegetable stew and coconut chutney.
4. Idiyappam with Egg Curry (Non-Vegetarian) - String hoppers made from rice flour, eaten with a spicy egg curry.
5. Kerala Prawn Curry (Non-Vegetarian) - Prawns cooked in a coconut milk-based gravy infused with spices.
6. Karimeen Pollichathu (Non-Vegetarian) - Pearl spot fish marinated in a rich blend of spices and then wrapped in banana leaves and grilled.
7. Palada Payasam (Vegetarian) - A sweet rice kheer made with milk, sugar, and rice ada.
8. Banana Chips (Vegetarian) - Thinly sliced bananas deep-fried to a crispy texture, often seasoned with turmeric and salt.
9. Thalassery Biryani (Non-Vegetarian) - Aromatic rice cooked with spices and layered with chicken or mutton, though Trivandrum has its own style of Biryani which does not use beef.
10. Kerala Vegetarian Thali (Vegetarian) - An assortment of different vegetarian dishes served with rice, typically includes sambar, thorans (vegetable stir-fry), and pachadi (yogurt-based curry).

Top Famous Restaurants in Trivandrum with Famous Food

1. Zam Zam Restaurant
   Address: MM Ali Rd, Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram
   Notable Dish: Chicken Shawarma Roll (Non-Vegetarian)
2. Villa Maya
   Address: Enjakkal Jn., Vallakadavu P.O, Trivandrum
   Notable Dish: Fish Moilee (Non-Vegetarian)
3. Ariya Nivaas
   Address: Arya Nivas, Manorama Road, Thampanoor, Trivandrum
   Notable Dish: South Indian Vegetarian Thali (Vegetarian)
4. Kethel's Chicken
   Address: Saphallyam Complex, Housing Board Junction, Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram
   Notable Dish: Spicy Fried Chicken (Non-Vegetarian)
5. Mothers Veg Plaza
   Address: SS Kovil Road, Housing Board Junction, Trivandrum
   Notable Dish: Masala Dosa (Vegetarian)
6. Azhimukham
   Address: Over Bridge, Thampanoor, Trivandrum
   Notable Dish: Karimeen Pollichathu (Non-Vegetarian)
7. Indian Coffee House
   Address: Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram
   Notable Dish: Masala Dosa (Vegetarian)
8. Hotel Regency
   Address: Manjalikulam Road, Thampanoor, Trivandrum
   Notable Dish: Chilli Chicken (Non-Vegetarian)
9. Supreme Bakers
   Address: Vazhuthacaud, Trivandrum
   Notable Dish: Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Pastries (Vegetarian/Non-Vegetarian)
10. Buhari Hotel
    Address: Attakulangara-Killippalam Bypass, Karamana, Trivandrum
    Notable Dish: Chicken Biriyani (Non-Vegetarian)