Last updated on October 4th, 2024 at 01:17 pm
Are you looking for Kerala Food Facts? Look no further! In this post, we have created a list of Kerala traditional food facts for you. At the end, we have provided a table of 25 famous food in Kerala with health benefits.
Like any other state in the country, Kerala cuisine is known for its richness and diversity. It offers a multitude of flavors and unique dishes.
You should know about Kerala food culture and famous foods in Kerala before visiting this beautiful land.
Kerala Food Facts
Now, let’s explore some food facts about Kerala.
1. Introduction of Biryani to Kerala During the Mughal Era
It is believed that the Biryani was introduced to Kerala by Arabs or Persians (during the Mughal era) through trade and cultural exchanges.
2. Sadhya: Elaborate Vegetarian Meal on Banana Leaf
If you are a vegetarian and looking for the best food in Kerala, Sadhya is the best food in Kerala you can enjoy!
Sadhya is a traditional and elaborate vegetarian meal served on a banana leaf. It is a must-have during festivals like Onam, Vishu and Hindu marriage functions. The meal consists of boiled rice and a variety of vegetarian dishes (23-30 items or more), collectively known as “Kootan”.
3. “The Tester of your Tastebuds”
Sadhya is usually known as the complete tester of your tastebuds, because, it has all kinds of tastes a human can understand with their tongue including sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami.
4. The tradition of serving the Sadhya on a banana leaf
This elaborate vegetarian meal is served on a fresh banana leaf, with a specific order and placement of dishes. Each item, from rice to curries, pickles, and desserts, is meticulously arranged on the leaf based on five basic tastes.
5. The tradition of Enjoying the Sadhya
Enjoying a sadhya is an experience that follows a unique method. Diners typically sit cross-legged on the floor, using their right hand to mix various dishes with rice, savoring the different flavors and textures that the sadhya offers.
Begin your meal with ghee, parippu curry (dal), and rice. After that, explore the other dishes, but make sure to sample “Puliyinchi”—made with ginger, jaggery, and green chili—before switching to a new dish. This tangy accompaniment refreshes your palate and enhances the overall experience.
Conclude your meal with the most delightful and often considered the highlight: payasam. Whether it’s Palada payasam or other varieties like parippu pradhaman or ada pradhaman, the traditional way to enjoy it is by pouring it directly onto a banana leaf.
Once you’ve savored the last sip of your payasam, finish with at least 100 ml of buttermilk. This not only aids digestion but also balances the sweetness of the payasam, leaving you feeling refreshed.
Read Also: 44 Lesser Known Facts about Kerala People : Also called Malayalis or Malabaris)
6. Idli Sambar: Vegetarian’s Breakfast
Idli Sambar is a popular South Indian dish that is widely eaten in Kerala; basically as breakfast. It is a combination of fermented rice cakes (idli) and a tangy curry made with aromatic spices and vegetables (sambar).
7. Nadan Kozhi Varuthathu (Spicy Native Chicken Fry):
This is a spicy and flavorful native chicken fry dish that is a favorite among non-vegetarians in Kerala; especially in Muslims.
8. Palada Payasam: The Essentials in Festivals and Marriages
Palada Payasam is a traditional dessert made during festivals like Onam, Vishu and Hindu marriages as well. It is a simple rice pudding or kheer made with rice ada (rice flakes), sugar, milk, and ghee. It is made traditionally and takes more than 6 hours to complete the process. That makes it a yummy dessert.
9. Puttu: The Most Popular Food in Kerala
If you wonder about Kerala most famous food, I have an answer!
Based on its popularity, puttu is the most popular breakfast dish in Kerala. Why? It is made at least 1-2 days per week within an average family in the state. It is a steamed rice cake made with rice flour and coconut shavings. It is often served with kadala curry (black chickpea curry) or banana and pappadam(Thin, crispy, disc-shaped snack).
Puttu is one of the dishes that can be made easily. There are specific restaurants in Kerala where only Puttu varieties are served like veg and non-veg varieties. Apart from Puttu and Kadala, other popular foods in Kerala are Porotta with beef and Biryanis.
10. Appam with Stew: A favorite of Christians
Appam is a soft and fluffy pancake made with fermented rice batter and coconut milk. It is usually served with a flavorful vegetable or meat stew (chicken, button etc). It is widely popular among Christians.
11. Karimeen Pollichathu: Signature Dish of Kerala
Karimeen Pollichathu is a signature dish of Kerala State. It is a must-try dish for anyone visiting Kerala. It is a preparation of pearl spot fish marinated with spices, wrapped in a banana leaf, and grilled or pan-fried until it is cooked to perfection.
12. Kerala Parotta with Chicken Curry
Kerala Parotta is a layered flatbread made with all-purpose flour. It is typically different from parottas made in the other states. It is often served with a spicy and flavorful chicken curry or beef fry.
13. Malabar Biriyani
If you are non-vegetarian and looking for the best food in Kerala, the Biryani is the must-try. But try only the biryani from the Malabar area (Malappuram, Calicut, and Thalassery). This area has a rich tradition in the making of briyanis.
Malabar Biriyani is a fragrant and flavorful rice dish cooked with aromatic spices, meat (usually chicken or mutton), and jeerakasala or Jeerasambha rice (a variety of rice made in West Bengal); which is famous for its natural aromatic feature.
14. Famous Biryanis in Kerala
Two varieties of Malabar Biriyani are Thalassery (a place in the Kannur district) and Kozhikodan (Calicut) Biryanis’ and both are unique in its own preparation and taste.
However, the people from these two places argue that their biriyani is better than others. The preparation of these are different. I have had these two and in my opinion, both are so good with flavours and unique as well.
15. Kerala Banana Chips
Kerala is famous for its crispy and delicious banana chips. They are made by deep-frying thinly sliced raw bananas in coconut oil.
16. Chicken Shawarma
Chicken Shawarma is one of the foods that became popular among youngsters in Kerala recently( After 2010). It is an extension of Arabic traditional Chicken Shawarma, made with additional spices widely used in India.
17. Migration of Keralites to the Gulf changed Food custom
During the 1960s and 1970s, Keralites started significant migration to Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and the UAE. At that time, poverty was prevalent among the lower and middle classes, with only wealthy individuals being able to afford biryani at lunch during Muslim weddings.
The ordinary class often served Ghee rice and beef curry at marriages from the 1970s to the 1980s. By the late 1980s, a growing number of people migrated to the Gulf, causing an increase in the cost of living in Kerala and making biryani a common dish at weddings.
I hope the Kerala food facts discussed above have given you a better understanding of Kerala cuisine and traditional Kerala dishes.
Read Also: 100 Interesting Facts about Kerala State( History, Culture, Tourism, Unknown and More)
Information about Kerala Food: List of 25 items
Looking for Kerala food items list? Here is the list of 25 items with information about Kerala food, including the health benefits.
| Foods of Kerala | Health Benefits |
| 1. Appam | Rich in carbohydrates, low in fat, gluten-free, good for digestion |
| 2. Puttu | Good source of fiber, low in calories, and aids in weight management |
| 3. Idiyappam | Low in fat, contains essential nutrients like protein and carbohydrates |
| 4. Kerala Sadya | A balanced meal with a variety of vegetables, rich in vitamins and minerals |
| 5. Erissery | High in fiber, good for digestion, and contains antioxidants and vitamins |
| 6. Avial | Nutrient-dense with a mix of vegetables, provides vitamins and minerals |
| 7. Kappa (Tapioca) | Rich in carbohydrates, gluten-free, good for energy and digestion |
| 8. Malabar Parotta | Moderate in calories, pairs well with curries or gravies |
| 9. Fish Moilee | Good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for heart health |
| 10. Payasam | Provides energy, contains calcium and protein, can be a nutritious dessert |
| 11. Karimeen Pollichathu | Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, good for heart health, high in protein |
| 12. Thalassery Biryani | A flavorful rice dish with spices, can be a satisfying meal option |
| 13. Prawn Curry | Good source of protein, low in fat, and contains essential nutrients |
| 14. Beef Fry | High in protein, rich in iron, can be a filling and nutritious dish |
| 15. Chemmeen Varuthathu | Rich in protein, low in fat, good for muscle health |
| 16. Kallummakkaya Roast | Nutrient-dense seafood dish, provides essential vitamins and minerals |
| 17. Nadan Kozhi Curry | Chicken curry with spices, a good source of protein and flavor |
| 18. Thoran | Mixed vegetable stir-fry, rich in fiber and essential nutrients |
| 19. Meen Curry | Fish curry with coconut milk, provides healthy fats and proteins |
| 20. Pazham Pori | Banana fritters, rich in potassium and energy, can be a tasty snack |
| 21. Ney Pathiri | Rice flour bread, low in fat, can be paired with various curries |
| 22. Chakka Varatti | Jackfruit preserve, high in fiber, natural sweetener with some vitamins |
| 23. Mutton Stew | Rich in protein and iron, comforting and flavorful stew dish |
| 24. Palada Payasam | Rice pudding dessert provides energy and can be a delightful sweet treat |
| 25. Kozhikodan Halwa | Sweet confection made with flour and ghee, high in calories but tasty treat |
Read Also: 100 Kerala Basic Facts Questions and Answers
FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions about Kerala Food
Qn. What makes Kerala food unique?
Kerala food stands out for its various flavors, plentiful use of spices, coconut in diverse forms, and fresh locally sourced ingredients. The primary reason for the unique taste comes from the traditional way of preparation of wood fires.
Qn. What is Kerala’s traditional dish?
While Kerala doesn’t have an official national dish. Nevertheless, “Sadya,” the traditional feast served on a banana leaf on marriages, festivals, and celebrations, is one of its majority iconic dishes.
Qn. What is the most common food in Kerala?
Rice is a central part of Kerala’s cuisine, often matched with fish, meat, vegetables, and lentils.
Qn. Is Kerala food delicious?
Yes, Kerala food is well-known for its delicious taste. It is the result of an exceptional mix of spices, fresh ingredients, and cooking methods.
Qn. What are some cultural foods in Kerala?
Traditional Kerala dishes like appam, puttu, kappa (tapioca), fish curry, and avial are deeply interconnected with the state’s rich cultural heritage.
