Although Kerala is famous for its gorgeous landscape, lakes, mountains and farms, it stands apart for its delicious cuisines and spices. South Indian dishes have made their mark in Indian history. From Muslims to Malabar Christians, everyone has their own recipes and modes of preparation. Whatever it is, they make sure they win our hearts. Rice and flour are their staple diet. Every recipe owns this, so if you are planning on trying one and have anyone at hand. You are ready to proceed. Sadhya is the most famous one known to be served at the Onam festival. It’s a combination of rice and a host of traditional curries served on a banana leaf.
The coastal state serves you the most adorable dishes that your conscience won’t ignore. Here is a list of a handful of dishes that will surely add taste to your memories. Check it out below.
1. Puttu with kadala
It’s a south Indian breakfast meal. It takes a cylindrical structure of steamed rice with some lip-smacking kadala curry which is the south Indian version of Kala chana in the North.
2. Idli with sambar
How can one ignore idli and sambar? This one has won hearts across the globe. There are various derivatives of idli like dosa, puttu and vada. The flavoursome taste of sambar and round idlis can leave you finger-licking and still craving for more. Idlis have taken different shapes other than the common round shape in different regions.
3. Masala dosa
Dosa, being a derivative of Idli, is made of rice flattened into a sheet-like structure then served folded with spicy potato stuffing. There are supposed to be hundreds of varieties of stuffings and dosa till date. Masala dosa can be found on every restaurant menu list whether it’s a north Indian or south Indian one. It’s served with different sauces and chutneys (coconut, methi, tomato) adding a pinch of taste to it.
4. Thalassery biriyani
The Mopila group of people i.e. Muslim community is known for their flavoursome finger-licking biriyani recipes. The cuisine has been influenced by Arab and Malabar communities. It uses a unique kind of thin rice called Kamai and a self-made masala flavour. The rice and masala are arranged in separate layers one top on the other and covered with a lid till it’s steamed properly on a coal fire. They are in high demand so is their high price at every restaurant but is never disappointing and is worth a try.
5. Karimeen pollichathu(fish fry)
If you have visited the backwaters of Kerala and haven’t tried this, you are definitely missing a gem. This is part of Kerala’s rich Syrian Christian cuisine normally available on the backwaters. This dish is made by frying a fish in a pan, blessing it with red chillies, lemon juice and other ingredients and baking. Later, it’s served in a plantain leaf giving you a visual treat.
Also read: 10 traditional dishes of India
