Traditional foods from Kerala you should try at least once

Kerala’s cuisine is a delicious mix of coconut, spices and generations of culinary tradition. While dishes like appam and Kerala sadya are widely loved, there are many regional favourites that deserve more attention. Here are six traditional foods from Kerala you may not have explored yet, but definitely should. (unsplash)

Kallumakkaya Ularthiyathu: Kallumakkaya Ularthiyathu is a Malabar delicacy made with mussels cooked in coconut oil, curry leaves and fiery spices. Rich, bold and packed with coastal flavour, it’s a seafood dish many outside Kerala haven’t tried yet. (youtube: shass world)

Palada Payasam: Palada Payasam is a creamy dessert made with rice ada, milk and sugar. Rich yet delicate, it’s often served during celebrations and remains one of Kerala’s most cherished sweets. (youtube: blend with spices)

Pathiri and Chicken Curry: Pathiri is a soft rice flour flatbread popular in Malabar homes. It pairs beautifully with spicy chicken curry and is loved for soaking up every bit of flavour. (wikimedia commons)

Ela Ada: Ela Ada is a sweet snack made with rice dough filled with coconut and jaggery, then steamed inside banana leaves. The leaves add a beautiful aroma and make every bite feel special. (wikimedia commons)

Puttu and Kadala Curry: Puttu is soft steamed rice flour layered with coconut, often served with hearty black chickpea curry. The combination is simple, comforting and a staple breakfast across Kerala, especially when enjoyed fresh and warm. (wikimedia commons)

Theeyal: Theeyal is a deeply flavourful curry made with roasted coconut, tamarind and vegetables or shallots. Its rich brown colour and slightly smoky taste make it stand out from other Kerala curries. (wikimedia commons)