Kerala Cuisine: Famous Kerala Food and Dishes to Try in 2023

Kerala, situated on India's southwestern coast, is captivating and is known for its lush landscape, tranquil backwaters, and pristine beaches. Often referred to as ‘God's Own Country,’ Kerala boasts a rich cultural heritage, colourful festivals, and vibrant arts like Kathakali and Mohiniyattam. The region's diverse cuisine, featuring coconut-infused dishes, is famous worldwide. With abundant wildlife sanctuaries, hill stations, and tea gardens, Kerala is a nature lover's paradise.

Food in Kerala

Kerala is not simply a traveller’s haven but also a food paradise for all. Traditionally, Kerala food is served on a banana leaf. The local cuisine includes a combination of spices such as mustard seeds, curry leaves, chillies, and asafoetida. There is nothing that is made without the use of coconut and tamarind. 

While on your trip to Kerala, you can enjoy a variety of mouth-watering dishes. Here are some of the most famous dishes in Kerala that you cannot afford to miss -

• Sadya
• Kerala Meen Cury
• Pachadi
• Aviyal
• Malabar Biryani
• Erissery
• Thoran
• Achappam

Kerala Famous Food

Sadya

Kerala Sadya is a traditional feast from Kerala and is made during festivals and special occasions. This vegetarian spread is a grand culinary affair served on a banana leaf and features an array of delectable dishes. From aromatic rice to a variety of flavourful curries, pickles, and desserts like Payasam, the Sadya offers a delightful combination of tastes and textures. 

Olan, Thoran, Avial, Sambar, Kichadi, Papaddam, Mooru are some dishes that are put together in a typical Sadya. The meal's diversity and presentation reflect the rich cultural heritage and hospitality of Kerala, making it a cherished culinary experience.

Kerala Meen Curry

A much-loved dish from the cuisine of Kerala, Meen curry is the name for fish curry in Kerala. What makes it unique and delicious is the coconut milk and the kokum added to it. This dish is a staple food of Kerala. The fish curry can be enjoyed with Puttu, Appam, and Kappa.

Pachadi

It is served as an accompaniment with rice, dosa, idli, and pesarattu. Pachadi is made of fresh vegetables and other ingredients such as yoghurt, coconut, red chillies, vandyke. The vegetables are garnished or sautéed in peanut oil. Pachadi is cooked in many other varieties as well.

Aviyal

It is another delicious Kerala famous food cooked with a combination of vegetables, coconut, and curd. The vegetables include carrots, brinjal, beans, pumpkin, avaai, and gourd. It can also be prepared with a single vegetable like brinjal. The dish is seasoned with curry leaves and coconut oil.

Malabar Biryani

Malabar Biryani is a flavourful and aromatic rice dish hailing from the Malabar region in Kerala. 

Prepared with fragrant Basmati rice, succulent pieces of meat (often chicken, mutton, or fish), and an array of spices like cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom, it's a culinary masterpiece. The biryani is cooked in layers with fried onions, mint leaves, and saffron-infused milk, giving it a rich and enticing taste. The unique blend of spices and slow-cooking technique distinguishes Malabar Biryani, making it a beloved and sought-after delicacy.

Erissery

Erissery is a Kerala special food that tantalizes taste buds with its unique blend of flavours. Made with pumpkin or yam, cooked in a creamy coconut and lentil paste, it offers a delightful medley of textures and tastes. The dish is seasoned with coconut oil, curry leaves, and mustard seeds, adding a distinct touch. Often served during festivals and special occasions, Erissery showcases Kerala's culinary prowess and its art of combining simple ingredients to create a truly satisfying and delicious dish.

Thoran

Thoran is a popular vegetable stir-fry from Kerala. Made with grated coconut, a variety of vegetables like green beans, cabbage, carrots, or raw banana, and seasoned with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and spices, it is a delightful side dish. 

The vegetables are finely chopped and sautéed with grated coconut, allowing the flavours to combine beautifully. With its vibrant colours, wholesome ingredients, and unique taste, Thoran exemplifies the essence the traditional food of Kerala and adds a delightful touch to any meal.

Achappam

Achappam, also known as Kerala Rosette Cookies, is a beloved traditional sweet snack from Kerala. These intricately shaped treats are made during festive occasions and celebrations. The batter, consisting of rice flour, coconut milk, sugar, and sometimes eggs, is carefully deep-fried to achieve a crispy, golden texture. 

Achappam's unique design is achieved using a special mold, resulting in delicate, lacy patterns. With its delightful crunch and subtle sweetness, Achappam is a cherished and nostalgic treat enjoyed by people of all ages.

Enjoy the Traditional Kerala Food at Club Mahindra Resorts

Indulge in the delectable cuisine of Kerala during your stay at Club Mahindra Resorts. Immerse yourself in the rich flavours of traditional Kerala dishes like Sadya, Thoran, and Malabar Fish Curry. Savour the goodness of Payasam, Neyyappam, and Unniyappam for a sweet ending. 

Club Mahindra resorts offer a delightful culinary journey that highlight the authentic tastes of Kerala. With warm hospitality and serene surroundings, your vacation at Club Mahindra will be an unforgettable experience, perfect for food enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. If you’re planning a family holiday to Kerala in 2023, you can book your stay at:

1. Club Mahindra Thekkady 

2. Club Mahindra Ashtamudi 

3. Club Mahindra Munnar 

4. Club Mahindra Mount Serene Munnar 

5. Club Mahindra Poovar 

6. Club Mahindra Cherai 

7. Club Mahindra Arookutty