Discover Kerala Cuisine: Top Dishes You Can’t Miss

Kerala, often referred to as “God’s Own Country,” is not only known for its picturesque landscapes and serene backwaters but also for its unique culinary heritage. Kerala cuisine is a testament to the state’s vibrant culture and history, characterized by the generous use of spices, coconut, and rice. The cuisine reflects the region’s historical interactions with traders and travelers from across the world, resulting in an extraordinary blend of flavors that is both complex and delicious.

Kerala dishes are known for their bold flavors, aromatic spices, and diverse ingredients. The coastal state’s cuisine is heavily influenced by its abundant coastline, resulting in a plethora of seafood dishes that are both fresh and healthy 

Kerala cuisine is an integral part of the state’s cultural identity, with food playing a central role in festivals, rituals, and daily life. From the elaborate feasts of Onam and Vishu to the simple yet satisfying everyday meals, the food of Kerala is a reflection of its people’s love for good food and their skill in preparing it. In this blog, we will explore some must-try authentic Kerala cuisine dishes that you can’t miss, and how you can conveniently enjoy these delights through Swiggy’s online food delivery service.

Must-Try Authentic Kerala Cuisine Dishes

1. Idiyappam with Curry

Idiyappam, also known as string hoppers, is a popular breakfast from traditional cuisine of Kerala. It is made from rice flour dough, pressed into thin noodles, and then steamed. Idiyappam is typically served with a variety of curries, the most popular being coconut milk-based vegetable or chicken curry. 

2. Puttu & Kadala Curry

Puttu is a traditional Kerala breakfast item made from steamed cylinders of ground rice layered with coconut. It is often served with Kadala Curry, a spicy and flavorful black chickpea curry. The combination of Puttu and Kadala Curry is not only mouthwatering but also highly nutritious, providing a great start to the day. 

3. Ela Sadya

Ela Sadya is a grand vegetarian feast traditionally served on a banana leaf during festivals and special occasions like Onam. It includes a variety of dishes such as rice, sambar, rasam, avial, thoran, olan, and several types of pickles and chutneys. The feast ends with a serving of payasam, a sweet dish made with milk, sugar, and rice or lentils. 

4. Nadan Kozhi Varuthathu

Nadan Kozhi Varuthathu, or Kerala-style fried chicken, is a popular dish known for its spicy taste. The chicken is marinated with a blend of local spices, including turmeric, chili powder, and garam masala, and then deep-fried until crispy. This dish is often served with rice, parotta, or chapati and makes for a perfect accompaniment to a Kerala meal. 

5. Kerala Style Fish Molee

Kerala Style Fish Molee is a mild and creamy fish curry made with coconut milk, green chilies, and spices. The dish typically uses fresh, local fish such as seer fish or kingfish, which is cooked in a rich coconut milk gravy that is both flavorful and comforting. Fish Molee is often served with appam, idiyappam, or rice, making it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. 

6. Avial

Avial is a traditional Kerala dish made from a mixture of vegetables cooked with coconut, yogurt, and seasoned with curry leaves. It is a staple in Kerala households and is known for its simplicity and nutritional value. The dish is often part of the Sadya feast and is enjoyed with rice. 

7. Kappa and Meen Curry

Kappa, or tapioca, is a popular staple in Kerala, often enjoyed with Meen Curry, a spicy fish curry. The combination of the soft, starchy kappa and the tangy, spicy fish curry creates a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. This dish is particularly popular in the coastal regions of Kerala, where fresh fish is readily available. 

8. Parippu Curry

Parippu Curry is a simple yet flavorful lentil curry made with moong dal, coconut, and spices. It is often the first course of the traditional Kerala Sadya and is enjoyed with rice and ghee. The creamy texture of the lentils, combined with the rich flavor of coconut, makes Parippu Curry a comforting and nutritious dish. 

9. Appam with Stew

Appam is a type of pancake made from fermented rice batter, known for its soft and fluffy center with a crispy edge. It is often served with a variety of stews, including vegetable stew, chicken stew, or mutton stew. The combination of the light and airy appam with the rich and flavorful stew is a match made in culinary heaven. 

10. Thalassery Biryani

Thalassery Biryani is a special type of biryani from the Malabar region of Kerala. It is made with a unique type of rice called Khyma or Jeerakasala rice, which is smaller and more aromatic than the regular Basmati rice. The biryani is cooked with a blend of spices, meat (usually chicken or mutton), and garnished with fried onions, raisins, and cashew nuts. 

Order Delicious Kerala Dishes – Delivered with Swiggy

Craving authentic Kerala cuisine? You can search on internet – Kerala restaurants near me, or restaurants near me! But if you don’t want to step out, Swiggy has got you covered. Swiggy offers an array of choices to satisfy your cravings. Simply browse the menu, place your order, and have your favorite Kerala dishes delivered right to your doorstep.

Conclusion

Kerala cuisine is a vibrant and integral part of India’s culinary heritage, offering a diverse range of dishes that are both flavorful and nutritious. From the intricate flavors of Ela Sadya to the comforting simplicity of Idiyappam with Curry, each dish reflects the magnificient cultural traditions and culinary expertise of the region. Whether you’re a seasoned lover of Kerala cuisine or a curious newcomer, the diverse range of dishes available on Swiggy is sure to leave you impressed and craving for more.

FAQ

1. Which is the food capital of where you can find most popular Kerala dishes?

Kozhikode, also known as Calicut, is often considered the food capital of Kerala. It is renowned for its rich culinary heritage and diverse food culture, offering a wide range of traditional Kerala dishes as well as modern culinary innovations.

2. What is the national one from all Kerala dishes?

While Kerala does not have an official national dish, the traditional Kerala Sadya, a grand vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf, is often regarded as a representative dish of the state’s culinary heritage. Sadya includes a variety of dishes such as rice, sambar, avial, thoran, and payasam, showcasing the diversity and richness of Kerala cuisine.

3. What is the food festival of popular Kerala dishes?

Onam, the harvest festival of Kerala, is celebrated with great fervor and features the famous Onam Sadya, a grand feast comprising of over 20 different dishes. This festival highlights the cultural and culinary traditions of Kerala, with food playing a central role in the celebrations.