World Tourism Day special: 10 food items you should not miss while visiting Kerala

Are you planning a visit to Kerala? While the state is renowned for its serene beaches, misty hill stations, and tranquil backwaters, the God’s Own Country offers more than just breathtaking landscapes. Kerala is also a haven for food lovers, with a rich culinary heritage shaped by centuries of trade, tradition, and cultural influences. From the fragrant spices of the Malabar coast to the coconut-rich dishes of the south, Kerala’s cuisine is as diverse and vibrant as its scenery.

The culinary offerings of the state reflect its coastal bounty, agricultural diversity, and multicultural history. Whether you're strolling through bustling sweet streets in Kozhikode, enjoying freshly caught seafood by the backwaters of Alappuzha and Kottayam, or savouring spicy delicacies at a toddy shop, Kerala’s food will immerse you in the local culture in a truly delicious way.

To guide you through this mouthwatering journey, here are 10 must-try dishes that showcase the best of Kerala's food scene. Each one highlights the region’s unique flavours, ingredients, and cooking traditions, giving you a true taste of what makes Kerala a food lover’s paradise.

1. Kozhikode halwa & a stroll down Mittayi Theruvu
Kozhikode Halwa is a must-try sweet treat, known for its glossy, chewy texture and vibrant colours. Mittayi Theruvu (Sweet Meat Street) in Kozhikode is famous for selling various flavours of halwa and other traditional sweets.

2. Kerala sadya
A grand vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf, typically enjoyed during festivals like Onam. It consists of rice, sambar, avial, thoran, pickles, and various payasams. Each dish balances a unique flavour, creating a delightful culinary experience.

3. Appam with stew
A quintessential Kerala breakfast, especially in middle-Kerala, appam is a soft, lacy rice hopper paired with a flavourful stew made with either vegetables, chicken, or mutton in a coconut milk base.

4. Puttu and kadala curry
Puttu is a steamed rice cake served with spicy black chickpea curry (Kadala). This wholesome and nutritious breakfast dish is a staple across Kerala.

5. Porotta with beef fry
Kerala's flaky, layered flatbread (porotta) pairs perfectly with spicy, crispy beef fry. The beef is cooked with coconut slices, curry leaves, and a mix of fragrant spices, making it a beloved dish in Kerala.

6. Thalassery biryani
This biryani from the Malabar region is known for its unique preparation using small-grained rice (Jeerakasala) and aromatic spices. Whether made with chicken, mutton, or fish, Thalassery biryani has a distinct taste.

7. Toddy shop (Shaap) food
A trip to a traditional toddy shop is an adventure in itself! Enjoy the fiery curries served in toddy shops with local fermented coconut sap. Must-try dishes include spicy fish curry, tapioca with fish, and rabbit fry.

8. Tea time snacks from old Kerala teashops
Kerala’s old teashops serve an array of delicious snacks, perfect for an afternoon break. Some popular options include:

Ethakka appam (banana fritters): Sliced ripe bananas dipped in batter and deep-fried.

Sukhiyan: A deep-fried snack stuffed with sweetened green gram and coconut.

Uzhunnuvada (medu vada): Crispy fritters made from black gram, often paired with chutney or sambar.

Parippuvada: Spicy lentil fritters that are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.

9. Karimeen pollichathu
Kerala's famous Pearl Spot fish (karimeen) is marinated with spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and grilled to perfection. This dish is popular in both homes and restaurants across the state.

10. Freshly made banana chips
No trip to Kerala is complete without tasting banana chips, a snack made from raw bananas, thinly sliced and fried in coconut oil for that extra crunch. Perfect as a takeaway snack or souvenir from your journey.