6 Must Try Traditional Food of Kerala: Explore Rich & Diverse Flavours

Kerala, often called “God’s Own Country,” is a paradise not only for its lush landscapes and peaceful backwaters but also for its rich and diverse culinary heritage. This southwestern Indian state offers a tempting array of traditional dishes deeply rooted in its cultural history and geographical bounty. Kerala’s cuisine is a harmonious blend of spices, herbs, and fresh local ingredients, reflecting the region’s historical trade links with Arabs, Europeans, and Chinese.

A journey through Kerala traditional food is a sensory delight, where the fragrant aroma of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves mingles with the earthy flavours of coconut, tamarind, and curry leaves. From the iconic Sadhya, a lavish vegetarian feast served on banana leaves, to the delectable seafood dishes like Meen Curry and Prawn Moilee, Kerala’s culinary landscape is as varied as its topography.

The traditional cooking methods, often passed down through generations, emphasize the use of natural, unprocessed ingredients, and slow-cooking techniques that enhance the depth of flavours. Unveiling Kerala’s traditional cuisine is not just about tasting the food but experiencing a rich cultural narrative that celebrates the land’s abundant natural resources and the ingenuity of its people.

Unveiling Kerala’s Traditional Cuisine: A Flavorful Expedition

Experience the rich flavours of Kerala’s traditional cuisine with ease by ordering on Swiggy. The Swiggy app and website offer a user-friendly interface that makes browsing and selecting your favourite dishes simple and convenient. With just a few clicks, you can have a classic breakfast of Puttu and Kadala Curry or the soft appam paired with aromatic stew, delivered straight to your doorstep. Check out Puttu near me and enjoy the authentic cuisine of Kerala.
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1. Puttu and Kadala curry

Puttu and Kadala Curry is a quintessential Kerala traditional food, celebrated for its wholesome ingredients and satisfying flavours. Puttu, a steamed cylindrical rice cake, is made from ground rice and layered with grated coconut. Kadala Curry, a spicy and aromatic black chickpea curry, pairs perfectly with puttu, creating a hearty and nutritious meal. This dish is cherished for its simplicity, ease of preparation, and the energy it provides, making it an ideal start to the day for many Keralites.

2. Appam and Stew

Appam and Stew is a classic Kerala traditional dish often enjoyed for breakfast or dinner. Appam, a pancake with a soft, fluffy centre and crispy edges, is made from fermented rice batter and coconut milk. The accompanying stew, a mild and aromatic curry, can be prepared with vegetables, chicken, or mutton, cooked in a rich coconut milk base with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. This dish is traditionally served during festive occasions and family gatherings, reflecting Kerala’s warm hospitality and culinary richness.

3. Karimeen Pollichathu

Karimeen Pollichathu is a signature seafood dish from Kerala, featuring pearl spot fish (karimeen) marinated in a mix of spices and covered in banana leaves before being grilled or pan-fried. The banana leaf imparts a unique aroma and flavour to the fish, making it tender and succulent. This dish is a true testament to Kerala’s coastal culinary heritage, offering a burst of flavours with every bite. It is often enjoyed with steamed rice or appam, making it a must-try for seafood lovers visiting Kerala.

4. Kerala Prawn Curry

Kerala Prawn Curry is a delectable seafood dish that showcases the region’s love for bold flavours and fresh ingredients. Prawns are cooked in a tangy and spicy coconut milk gravy infused with a blend of spices like turmeric, red chilli, fenugreek, and curry leaves. The curry is often prepared in a traditional clay pot, enhancing its flavours. This dish is best served with steamed rice or traditional bread like appam, making it a favourite among locals and visitors alike. Its vibrant flavours and rich aroma make it a quintessential part of Kerala’s culinary repertoire.

5. Palada Payasam

Palada Payasam is a traditional Kerala dessert made from rice ada (rice flakes), milk, and sugar, often flavored with cardamom and garnished with cashews and raisins. This creamy and luscious pudding is a staple during festivals, weddings, and special occasions, symbolizing prosperity and celebration. The slow-cooking process allows the milk to thicken and the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich and satisfying dessert. Palada Payasam is a beloved sweet treat that reflects the festive spirit and culinary traditions of Kerala.

6. Ethakka Appam

Ethakka Appam, also known as Pazham Pori, is a popular snack in Kerala made from ripe bananas dipped in a sweetened flour batter and deep-fried to golden perfection. This crispy and delicious treat is often enjoyed with a cup of tea, making it a favourite evening snack for many Keralites. The natural taste of the bananas, combined with the crunchy exterior, creates a delightful contrast in textures and flavors. Ethakka Appam is a beloved snack that showcases the simple yet irresistible culinary delights of Kerala.

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Conclusion

Exploring Kerala traditional food is an immersive journey into the heart of its rich cultural and culinary heritage. Each dish’s unique blend of spices and ingredients tells a story of the region’s history, traditions, and natural abundance. Whether savoring a sumptuous Sadhya or relishing the bold flavors of seafood delicacies, one experiences a symphony of tastes that reflect Kerala’s diverse influences and culinary ingenuity. This flavorful expedition not only delights the palate but also offers a profound appreciation for the region’s culinary artistry and the deep-rooted traditions that continue to thrive in its kitchens.

FAQ

1. What is Appam and Stew and when is it traditionally served?

Appam and stew is a classic Kerala traditional dish, often enjoyed for breakfast or dinner. Appam is a type of pancake made from fermented rice batter and coconut milk, characterized by its soft, fluffy center and crispy, lace-like edges. The stew, typically a mild, aromatic curry, can be made with vegetables, chicken, or mutton, cooked in a rich coconut milk base with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. This dish is traditionally served during festive occasions, family gatherings, and as a special weekend meal, reflecting the warm hospitality and culinary richness of Kerala.

2. Can you recommend a seafood dish that is a must-try in Kerala?

A must-try seafood dish in Kerala is the Kerala Fish Curry, also known as Meen Curry. This vibrant and spicy dish features fresh fish cooked in a tangy tamarind and coconut milk gravy, filled with a medley of spices such as turmeric, red chili, fenugreek, and curry leaves. Often prepared in a traditional clay pot, which enhances its flavors, Kerala Fish Curry is best enjoyed with steamed rice or traditional bread like appam or puttu. Its bold flavors and aromatic spices make it a quintessential part of Kerala’s coastal culinary heritage.

3. What makes Puttu and Kadala Curry a popular breakfast in Kerala?

Puttu and Kadala Curry is a beloved breakfast in Kerala, known for its simplicity and nutritional value. Puttu is a steamed cylindrical rice cake made from coarsely ground rice and grated coconut, often prepared using a special puttu maker. Kadala Curry, a spicy and flavorful black chickpea curry, complements puttu perfectly. The combination of soft, fluffy puttu and the rich, savory kadala curry creates a balanced and satisfying meal. This dish is cherished for its wholesome ingredients, ease of preparation, and the energy it provides, making it an ideal way to start the day in Kerala.