Kerala’s cuisine is as diverse as its geography—coastal seafood, Syrian Christian stews, Moplah biryanis, and vegetarian sadya feasts served on banana leaves. Food lovers should plan meals as carefully as sightseeing.
Must-try Kerala dishes
- Appam with vegetable stew — breakfast classic
- Puttu and kadala curry — steamed rice cylinders with chickpeas
- Kerala fish curry — tangy, coconut-based coastal staple
- Malabar parotta with beef fry — popular in North Kerala
- Payasam — sweet dessert, especially during festivals
Where to eat
Try local thattukadas (street stalls) for snacks, heritage restaurants in Fort Kochi, and homestay meals in Wayanad. Inform hosts about allergies; Kerala cooking often uses coconut and seafood stock.