The Kerala cuisine, inspired by the influence of Malabari, French and Arabian influences is one hell of a crazy ride to take.
Every dish in Kerala is unique and is an experience altogether in itself. From the platters of Sadya to so many non-vegetarian dishes made from chicken, lamb, and beef, Kerala can take you on a culinary ride to experience the real world of food culture.
Rice, coconut, and fish are the staple ingredients found on almost every plate. Coconut enhances the flavors and makes it taste heavenly. Other spices include cardamom, clove, black pepper, turmeric, etc.
Some of the 10 Famous Dishes Every Traveller Should Try in Kerala:
1. Erissery
A must-have in every kitchen, Erissery is made from raw plantains or by using sliced yams. It is prepared by boiling the sweet pumpkins first. The pumpkins are cooked in an array of spices like garlic, grated coconut, cumin seeds, turmeric, red chilies, and use of lentils.
The dish is served along with rice. Erissery is the perfect tryout for those foodies who are in search of new flavors and punch-in food.
- Pronounced as: eh-ri-suh-ree
- Best places to eat: Traditional Kerala restaurants and homes
- Average price: INR 300- 400
- Benefits for health: Rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, aids in digestion
The cost of Erissery is around Rs. 400.
2. Appam with Ishtu
Made from the fermentation of rice flour, coconut water, coconut milk, and a little bit of sugar, Appam is a pancake with crispy sides to it. These crepe bowls are best with Ishtu which is a kind of stew made using coconut milk, shallots, cloves, and cinnamon. Ishtu originates from Europe with which sometimes mango pieces are also given.
The sweet aroma of the coconut milk is enough to lure visitors to try out this delicious dish. Appam is a vegetarian dish but Ishtu can be made using chicken or lamb.
- Pronounced as: ah-pum with ish-too
- Best places to eat: Local eateries and South Indian restaurants
- Average price: INR 80-150
- Benefits for health: Low in fat, rich in carbohydrates and vitamins, easy to digest
The average cost of the dish is Rs. 175.
3. Idiyappam With Curry
Idiyappam, the staple food of Kerala is made using water, flour, and salt along with Sevai cut into thin strands to present the lovely texture of the dish.
The texture of Idiyappam makes it unique and flavorful. You can taste it with all kinds of curries but egg curry goes best with Idiyappam.
- Pronounced as: id-ee-yuh-pum with kuh-ree
- Best places to eat: Street food stalls and traditional Kerala restaurants
- Average price: INR 80-150
- Benefits for health: Gluten-free, low in calories, good source of carbohydrates
Idiyappam is not such a costly dish, costing only Rs. 80.
4. Kerala Style Prawn Curry
This Kerala Prawn Curry is a perfect dish for all prawn lovers. This traditional dish is made by sprinkling generous amounts of chilies and pepper on top of the curry along with turmeric and cooking takes place with whole coconut milk and jaggery.
Finally, the garnishing is done with curry leaves. Kinds of seafood are exotic in Kerala with this Style of Prawn Curry making its way into every foodie’s heart. It tastes best with steamed rice or chapatis.
- Pronounced as: kuh-ruh-luh style prawn kuh-ree
- Best places to eat: Coastal restaurants and seafood joints
- Average price: INR 400- 800
- Benefits for health: High in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants
The average cost per plate is around Rs. 725.
5. Dosa Ghee Roast with Kerala Style Sambar
Dosa and Sambar in Kerala are seriously a dangerous combination and rank as the 50th Food Delicious foods in the World.
The ghee roast Dosa has a recognition of its own made with a generous amount of ghee. The Dosas are made with fermented rice and lentils. The cooking of dosa in ghee is done till the time the Dosas become crispy.
- Pronounced as: doh-suh gee roast with kuh-ruh-luh style sum-buhr
- Best places to eat: South Indian eateries and breakfast joints
- Average price: INR 50-100
- Benefits for health: Good source of carbohydrates and protein, low in fat
The sambar is also a rich gravy dish that is amazing. These crispy dosas are found in every corner of Kerala costing an average of Rs. 100.
6. Thalaserry Biryani
Ever heard of Biryani in Kerala? Well, Thalaserry Biryani is one of the exotic dishes you will taste in Kerala. Made using caramelized onions, turmeric, curd, cream, chili powder, cardamom, etc. this is an irresistible variety of Biryani found in Kerala. Chicken 65 or Chili Chicken goes well with this Biryani.
- Pronounced as: thuh-luh-suh-ree buh-ree-yuh-nee
- Best places to eat: Malabar restaurants and biryani joints
- Average price: INR 200-400
- Benefits for health: Balanced meal with rice, meat, and spices, provides energy
A fusion dish costing an average of Rs. 245, this Biryani is loved by everyone.
7. Pattu and Kadala Curry
Considered to be one of the famous breakfast recipes in Kerala, Pattu is made from steamed rice which is cooked in a mold along with grated coconut.
Pattu tastes best with ripe bananas, Kadala curry, and grated coconut. The dish does look very simple but it has flavorful spices mixed with it.
- Pronounced as: pa-too and kuh-duh-luh kuh-ree
- Best places to eat: Local tea shops and breakfast joints
- Average price: INR 50-100
- Benefits for health: Pattu (rice cake) is a good source of carbohydrates, kadala curry (black chickpea curry) is high in protein and fiber
The average price is around Rs. 70.
Know some popular dishes by Indian states:
- Kerala Foods: 7 Best Traditional Dishes of Kerala
- Famous Traditional Foods & Dishes of Haryana
- The Best 15 Famous Food Places in Kolkata
- 15 Best Food Places in Mumbai
8. Idli Sambar
Idli Sambar is turning out to be a favorite not just in Kerala but in many different parts of India. The combination of fermented rice with the cooking of tangy curry in aromatic spices is simply out of the world.
It includes vegetables and lentils to add to the thickness of the gravy. Idli Sambar also has many health benefits. Idli Sambar is best when served with coconut chutney for a flavorful experience in total.
- Pronounced as: id-lee sum-buhr
- Best places to eat: South Indian restaurants and street food stalls
- Average price: INR 30-80
- Benefits for health: Low in calories, good source of carbohydrates and protein, aids in digestion
The cost per plate is about Rs. 65.
9. Palada Payasam
A sweet delicacy in Kerala, Palada Payasam has been able to win the hearts of people with its sweetness and aroma. It is a sweet Kheer being served with Palada.
It is usually prepared during festivals like Onam or any special occasion. Payasam is made of basic ingredients like rice ada, milk, sugar, and ghee.
- Pronounced as: puh-luh-duh pie-uh-sum
- Best places to eat: Traditional Kerala homes and sweet shops
- Average price: INR 50-100
- Benefits for health: Rich in calcium and vitamins, provides energy
The average cost is around Rs. 100.
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10. Karimeen Pollichathu
KarimeenPollichathu is made using Pearl Spot Fish found in the backwaters of Kerala. The preparation includes marinating the fish in a mixture of lemon juice, red chilies, and varieties of other ingredients.
The fish is then baked by wrapping it in banana leaves. The fish has a rich and unique flavor asking the diners to want more.
- Pronounced as: kuh-ri-meen poh-lee-chuh-thoo
- Best places to eat: Coastal restaurants and seafood joints
- Average price: INR 500- 600
- Benefits for health: High in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants
It costs about Rs. 645 per plate.
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These are some of the dishes famous in Kerala. Give yourself one of the best culinary experiences by diving into the food wonders of Kerala.
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