Kerala is home to some of the most incredible culinary dishes in India. From spicy fish curries to unique desserts, the flavors of Kerala cuisine will tantalize your taste buds and keep you wanting more.
If you’re looking to try something new, then you won’t want to miss out on these 15 delicious Kerala dishes. From the classic Appam to the sweet Aval Payasam, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Read on to find out more about the must-try dishes in Kerala!
List of 15 Delicious Kerala Dishes
1) Appam
One of the most popular dishes in Kerala is Appam, a fermented pancake-like bread made from rice batter and coconut milk. Appam is best enjoyed with a variety of traditional curries, such as the potato stew known as erissery or a vegetable stew. It is believed that Appam has been served in Kerala for centuries, but there are several variations of the recipe.
Appam is usually round and soft in the center, with a slightly crisp outer edge. A variety of ingredients can be added to the batter to add flavor and texture, such as bananas, jaggery (a type of unrefined sugar), or even eggs. The batter is left to ferment overnight to enhance the flavor, and it is then poured into a hot skillet to cook.
Enjoying Appam is a true culinary experience, with its unique flavor and soft texture. This traditional dish is sure to make you appreciate the cuisine of Kerala even more!
2) Chicken Stew
Kerala’s Chicken Stew is a classic dish that should be at the top of your list when exploring the cuisine of this vibrant Indian state. This comforting stew is made with a flavorful blend of spices like cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, and garlic, combined with chunks of chicken, potatoes, and onions. It’s then simmered in coconut milk until it’s tender and flavorful.
The traditional Keralan version of this dish is prepared with freshly ground spices, but you can find pre-mixed versions of the spice blend in most grocery stores. The main ingredient for this stew is chicken, so make sure to use fresh chicken for the best flavor. If you want to add a bit of sweetness to the stew, you can also add a bit of jaggery or palm sugar to the mix.
Chicken Stew is a popular dish in Kerala and it’s one that should not be missed. Serve it over a bed of white rice or as a side dish to any meal. You’re sure to enjoy the flavors of this classic Keralan dish!
3) Banana Fritters
Banana Fritters are a popular and delicious snack in Kerala. The fritters are made from ripe bananas that are mashed, mixed with a light batter, and then deep-fried until golden brown. These little morsels are crisp on the outside, yet soft and sweet on the inside. They make for an excellent snack or even dessert when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you’re looking to try something different while in Kerala, don’t miss out on these tasty banana fritters!
4) Beef Curry
Kerala is a state in southern India that is known for its vibrant culture and delicious food. One of the most popular dishes in Kerala is beef curry, a mouth-watering dish made with beef, onions, tomatoes, and spices like chili, turmeric, and coriander. Beef curry is usually served with rice or roti, and can be enjoyed both as a meal or as an appetizer.
The beef used in beef curry is typically marinated overnight with ginger, garlic, and other spices. This marinade helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. After marinating, the beef is cooked in a thick sauce made with onions, tomatoes, and spices. The final dish is a flavorful, rich curry that is both savory and slightly spicy.
Whether you are looking for an easy dinner idea or just something to try on your next visit to Kerala, beef curry is sure to delight your taste buds. Serve this delicious curry with some freshly cooked rice or roti and you will have a meal that everyone will love. Enjoy!
5) Prawn Curry
Prawn curry is a classic dish of Kerala cuisine. This pungent and flavorful dish features a variety of spices and fresh ingredients. The key ingredient in this dish is the prawns, which are cooked in an aromatic blend of spices such as chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric, and fennel. Coconut milk is then added to the mix to create a creamy texture and rich flavor. The resulting dish is a deliciously spicy treat that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you enjoy it with some steamed rice or flatbreads, you will definitely enjoy this Kerala classic.
6) Fish Molee
Fish Molee is a traditional fish curry dish from the southern Indian state of Kerala. It is made with fish cooked in a spicy, coconut milk-based gravy and a blend of aromatic spices. This delicious dish is incredibly flavorful and one of the most popular dishes to come out of the region.
The main ingredients for Fish Molee are simple: fish, ginger, garlic, green chili, curry leaves, onion, tomato, turmeric, cumin powder, coriander powder, pepper, tamarind paste, and coconut milk. To make the dish, the fish is first marinated in spices and then cooked in a gravy made from coconut milk and tamarind paste. The flavors blend together to create a delicious dish with just the right balance of spices.
Fish Molee can be served with steamed rice or even served on its own as an appetizer. It’s a perfect dish to enjoy during a special occasion or any day of the week. Whether you are looking for a traditional dish to try or simply something new and delicious, Fish Molee is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
7) Avial
Avial is one of the most popular dishes from Kerala, and for good reason. This flavorful dish is made with a variety of fresh vegetables cooked in coconut oil and seasoned with ginger, chili, cumin, and other spices. It’s also typically served with a sweet-and-sour yogurt sauce, making it a delightfully balanced meal. Avial can be found in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions, so there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget to try this Kerala favorite when you’re visiting the region!
8) Thoran
Thoran is a popular dish in Kerala that can be served as either a side or a main dish. It typically consists of a combination of chopped vegetables, such as cabbage, beans, carrots, and green beans, cooked with grated coconut and spices. The combination of ingredients creates a flavorful and delicious dish that is sure to please. To make this dish even more special, you can add some freshly grated coconut on top for added flavor and texture. Thoran is typically served with rice and other accompaniments such as curry and chutney.
If you’re looking for a unique, flavorful, and healthy meal option, then look no further than Thoran. This dish is packed full of nutrients and vitamins, and it’s an easy way to get your daily vegetable intake. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also quick and simple to make. So if you’re looking to try something new and exciting while in Kerala, make sure you give Thoran a try!
9) Parippu Curry
Parippu Curry is a classic Kerala dish that will tantalize your taste buds! It is a lentil-based curry cooked in coconut milk and spiced with a blend of flavorful spices. The combination of creamy coconut milk, lentils, and spices creates a delicious and savory dish. Parippu Curry is typically served with steamed rice and can also be enjoyed with appam (rice pancakes) or bread. If you’re looking for a vegan-friendly meal, this is a great option! Try Parippu Curry today to experience the rich flavors of Kerala cuisine.
10) Sambar
Sambar is a popular dish from the state of Kerala in India. It’s a stew made with vegetables, tamarind, and spices, and is typically served with rice or steamed Idli. It’s one of the most popular dishes in Kerala, and it’s easy to see why! Sambar has an incredibly rich flavor that is both tangy and slightly spicy. The combination of tamarind, spices, and vegetables give the dish a unique and flavorful taste. Sambar can be enjoyed as a light meal on its own, or as an accompaniment to a larger meal. No matter how you serve it, you’re sure to love it!
11) Rasam
Kerala cuisine is known for its distinct flavors, rich spices, and unique cooking techniques. One of the most popular dishes in Kerala is Rasam, a lentil-based soup flavored with tamarind, tomato, and other spices. It’s often served as an accompaniment to curries and rice dishes.
Rasam is typically made from a mixture of split pigeon peas (toor dal) and tamarind pulp. This is then boiled with pepper, coriander, garlic, and cumin, along with other spices like turmeric, chili, and curry leaves. The mixture is simmered for a few minutes before being served.
Rasam is known for its comforting taste and aroma, as well as its health benefits. It helps to improve digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also believed to boost immunity and help fight colds and flus.
If you’re visiting Kerala, make sure to try this traditional dish. You won’t regret it!
12) Kadala Curry
Kadala Curry is a traditional dish from the Indian state of Kerala. It’s made with black chickpeas (kala chana), spices, and coconut milk, giving it a rich and flavorful taste. Kadala curry is one of the most popular dishes in Kerala, and is served with rice, idli, dosa, appam, or even chapati. It can also be enjoyed as a side dish with any kind of meal.
Kadala curry is typically prepared with oil, mustard seeds, onion, garlic, ginger, green chilies, curry leaves, and various spices like coriander powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala. The black chickpeas are cooked until they are soft and creamy. Coconut milk is then added to give the curry a smooth texture and creamy taste.
For a delicious twist on this classic Kerala dish, try adding boiled eggs or paneer cubes to it. This will give your kadala curry a unique flavor and texture. You can also add vegetables like carrots or potatoes to make them even more nutritious.
Kadala curry is a delicious and healthy dish that can be enjoyed any time of the day. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or an indulgent dinner, kadala curry is sure to satisfy your taste buds!
13) Puttu
Puttu is a traditional and popular dish from the South Indian state of Kerala. It is made by steaming a mixture of finely ground rice and grated coconut, layered with one another in a cylindrical shape. The steamed puttu is served with a variety of accompaniments such as ghee, sugar, banana, jaggery, or payasam (milk-based sweet).
Puttu can be enjoyed as breakfast or as an evening snack. It is usually eaten with either Kerala’s traditional stew called Kadala Curry or with a chutney prepared from onion and red chilies.
Puttu has many health benefits. It is low in fat and contains no preservatives or artificial flavors. Puttu also has essential minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc. As it is steamed, it retains its nutrients and is easily digestible.
Puttu is a simple yet delicious dish that can be enjoyed at any time of day. Try this traditional Kerala dish today and you won’t regret it!
14) Idli
Idli is one of the most popular dishes in Kerala, and it’s no wonder why. These delicious steamed rice cakes are a staple in many Kerala households, enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Idlis are usually made with a combination of rice and lentils and then steamed in circular molds. The result is a fluffy, soft cake that pairs perfectly with sambar or chutney. In Kerala, you can find all kinds of variations on the traditional idli, from rava idli to kaima idli and many more. If you’re looking for a delicious and light meal, idlis are a must-try!
15) Dosa
If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying dish to try when visiting Kerala, look no further than the dosa. The dosa is a traditional South Indian dish made from rice and lentils. It can be served in a variety of ways, depending on the region and the type of dosa.
The most popular types of dosas are masala dosa, which is filled with a spicy potato mixture and served with chutney and sambar; rava dosa, which is made with semolina, spices, and ghee; paper dosa, which is thin and crisp; and set dosa, which is thicker and served with a variety of accompaniments.
No matter which type you choose, a dosa is sure to tantalize your taste buds. It’s best eaten with your hands, so get ready to roll up your sleeves and dig in! Whether you’re looking for something savory or sweet, the dosa is sure to hit the spot.
Final Words
Kerala is known for its mouth-watering cuisine, which is sure to please the most discerning palate. From scrumptious seafood dishes to delicious vegetarian options, there’s something for everyone in Kerala. Whether you’re an adventurous foodie looking for something new or simply a fan of Indian cuisine, you’ll find plenty of amazing flavors to enjoy in this beautiful region.
If you’re planning a trip to Kerala, make sure you take the time to try some of these delicious dishes. The flavor combinations are unique and will leave you wanting more. So get ready to explore the culinary delights of Kerala and savor the incredible flavors of this amazing place. Bon Appétit!
