14 iconic and interesting Kerala dishes one should try

Kerala, often called God’s Own Country, is full of lush greenery, culture, traditions and is also a wonderland for the palate. With its fragrant spices, fresh coconut, abundant seafood, and centuries of culinary heritage, Kerala recently made it to the "25 Best Experiences In 2026" list released by Lonely Planet, the reputed global travel guide. It is the only India related entry, digging into Kerala's culinary culture. The guide noted, "A food-focused journey through this unhurried southwest pocket of India not only reveals the sizzling secrets and traditional roots of its kitchens but also spotlights an intriguing history in which locally grown spices - pepper, cardamom, turmeric - have always played a key role. Even within Kerala, cuisine varies enormously, from the rich Mappila cooking of the northern Malabar region to the south coast's coconut-laden stews mopped up with fluffy appam (rice pancake)." Celebrating the win for the country and the state, here we have curated a list of 14 must-have dishes in Kerala.

When we talk about Kerala feast, it is incomplete without a grand Sadya, the traditional vegetarian banquet served on a banana leaf. It features dishes like avial, thoran, olan, pachadi, sambar, and payasam. As per experts, Sadya is a festival of flavours that balances sweet, sour, tangy, and spicy beautifully.

It refers to a soft and lace-edged crepe-like treat paired with a creamy, mildly spiced vegetable or chicken stew. The coconut milk base makes this a light yet aromatic delicacy.

It is a backwater region specialty, where karimeen refers to (pearl spot fish) which is marinated in spices, wrapped in banana leaf, and roasted. The technique seals in flavour, making this dish a seafood lover’s dream.

This is a famous breakfast delight, where puttu (steamed rice-and-coconut cylinders) are served with spicy kadala curry (black chickpeas) and they bring together earthy flavours and wholesome nutrition.

This rice dish hails from North Kerala and refers to the Malabar biryani, which is fragrant, gently spiced, and cooked with ghee, fried onions, and juicy meat. It’s less intense than typical biryanis.

It is a crispy, spicy delicacy from Thalassery and is a chicken preparation which also uses fennel, shallots, curry leaves, and homemade masalas to create a crunchy, flavour-packed treat that is also enjoyed as a snack.

It is a pure medley of seasonal vegetables cooked in coconut and yogurt. It is both nourishing and flavourful and a must-have in Sadya and a staple in Kerala homes.

Native to Kerala, this creamy coconut milk-based fish curry is delicately spiced with turmeric, ginger, garlic, and green chilies. It offers a perfect balance of flavors.

It is a combination of boiled and mashed kappa (tapioca) which is paired with spicy red meen curry (fish curry) cooked in a tangy tamarind curry and makes for one of Kerala’s most rustic and beloved meals.

This is a slow-cooked meat curry that also uses roasted coconut and spices to develop a deep, smoky flavour. It’s especially popular in Christian households.

It is a simple yet delicious stir fry made with coconut, mustard seeds, and vegetables like beans, cabbage, or carrot. It is light, healthy, and a staple across the state and is a part of Sadya too. (Image: Instagram/shenoypradeep)

This is a deep-fried golden fritter made with ripe bananas are is a popular evening snack that pairs well with masala chai or filter coffee.

It refers to silky payasam made with rice ada, jaggery, and coconut milk. It is often called the king of Kerala desserts and is a festival essential and an unforgettable treat.

It is Kerala’s traditional chicken curry, which is rich in coconut, black pepper, and curry leaves, and is aromatic, spicy, and wonderfully comforting that goes well with appam, idiyappam, and even parotta.

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