Imagine lush green hills kissing the Arabian Sea, the fragrance of spices hanging in the air, and a symphony of flavours on your tongue – that’s Kerala, my friends! Forget fancy Michelin stars, here, tradition cooks up magic in every kitchen. Let’s dive into the heart of Kerala’s soul – its food!
Coconut, the queen of Kerala cuisine, rules every dish. Grated, roasted, milked, it’s everywhere! So, picture fluffy appams, soft rice pancakes bathed in creamy coconut milk, served with a fiery stew – veggie or meat, you pick! Or puttu, steamed rice cakes dipped in spicy chickpea curry, a breakfast that warms your soul.
For seafood lovers, Kerala’s a paradise. Karimeen pollichathu, pearlspot fish wrapped in banana leaf and slow-cooked with spices, will have you sighing with happiness. And don’t miss the legendary meen moilee, a fish curry so creamy and fragrant, it’ll make you want to lick the plate (don’t worry, we won’t judge!).
Vegetarian? We’ve got you covered! Erissery, a pumpkin and lentil curry bursting with flavour, will make you forget meat exists. And thoran, stir-fried veggies seasoned with coconut and spices, is a kaleidoscope of colours and textures on your plate.
But Kerala’s not just about coconut and spices, it’s a celebration of rice! Sadhya, a traditional feast served on a banana leaf during Onam, features over 20 dishes, each a tiny universe of flavour. From sambar (lentil stew) and rasam (spicy tomato soup) to papadams (crispy lentil crackers) and payasam (sweet pudding), it’s an explosion of taste and tradition.
No meal is complete without malabar parotta, flaky flatbreads that go hand-in-hand with Kerala’s legendary beef curry. And for dessert? Dive into banana fritters, crispy on the outside, soft and sweet within, or palada payasam, a creamy rice pudding that’ll send you to dessert heaven.
Kerala’s food is more than just a meal; it’s a story whispered in spices, a love song sung by coconut, and a vibrant celebration of life. So, come, grab a banana leaf, and let Kerala’s flavours dance on your tongue!
Myma… Ghar jaisa nahi, Ghar ka khana!
