If you are someone who loves to try out new dishes, and especially South Indian dishes, then you might want to try out the 12 iconic dishes of Kerala/Keralam every foodie should try. The reason being that these dishes are not only some of the authentic dishes of the Keralam state but also some of the best when it comes to offering the best taste of Kerala. So, keep reading the article till the end to decode everything about these top 12 iconic dishes of Kerala/Keralam every foodie should try.
Top Iconic Dishes of Kerala/Keralam
If you are looking to decode some of the top 12 iconic dishes of Kerala/Keralam every foodie should try, then here are the ones that you need to know:
Appam with Stew
One of the top dishes of Kerala/Keralam is their signature Appam with stew. Not only is this one of the top tier in Kerala cuisine, but it is also one of the most loved dishes in the south Indian states. The stew here basically is the one which is a mild, flavourful curry that comes with a coconut milk base. This is generally the one which is whitish in colour, and also, there are many different versions of stew that you will get, which include the stew, often categorised based on the main ingredient: vegetable, chicken, mutton, etc. Whole spices lend the stew a subtle yet delicious aroma, while two extracts of coconut milk give it a creamy consistency.
While the stew has its own flavours, it is generally eaten with the appam. This is a soft, fluffy pancake-like delicacy that is often used in the fermented rice batter. Additionally, this is one of the top staples in households in Kerala.
Puttu with Kadala Curry
This is another one of the top 12 iconic dishes of Kerala/Keralam every foodie should try. If you happen to meet a Mallu person, all they will say is having puttu with kadala curry on their menu. Well, the reason is that not only is this one of the most satisfying Kerala dishes, but it also perfectly balances the taste and the nutrition. In the kadala curry, there are chickpeas, which are a great source of protein, and it is cooked with coconut and the Kerala garam masala. This is basically a spice mix that you will be getting, and it essentially features curry leaves, garlic, chillies, etc., which are used to enhance the overall flavour of this curry. Its spiciness can be customised to your liking. This is a classic combo and offers one of the best sources of balanced nutrition.
Idiyappam with Egg Curry
This is another one of the top 12 iconic dishes of Kerala/Keralam every foodie should try. If you are really looking to eat the best idlis and place it alongside egg curry, then you would definitely be having one of the best meals in your life.
There are many versions of the egg curry, and some of them include coconut milk, while others do not. Additionally, if you want to appreciate the layers of yumminess of this egg curry, opt for a layered accompaniment: idiyappam (string hoppers). It consists of bundles of steamed noodle-like strands made of rice flour. This gives the combo its distinctive identity.
Parotta with Kurma
This is another one of the most loved and also one of the 12 iconic dishes of Kerala/Keralam every foodie should try. This is the dish that has got many variations, and it also has a few of the unique flavours where local staples like coconut and specific spices are added to make the kurma tasty.
Additionally, there is also a stew kurma which is made with the vegetables as well as with chicken/meat. Malabar parotta, one of the most famous flatbreads of Kerala, is a great way to scoop up kurma. While it has a few similarities with what is considered “paratha” in other parts of the country, it is not the same delicacy. This is what makes parotta with kurma one of the most staple dishes in your breakfast or dinner menu.
Parotta with Kerala Roast
Another signature dish of Kerala, and also one of the 12 iconic dishes of Kerala/Keralam, every foodie should try. If you are looking to eat Parotta with something that is a non-veg delight, then you definitely need to try this combo. For instance, you can just scoop up the fried fish preparations, which include everything from chicken/mutton pepper roast, chemmeen (prawns) roast, chicken/mutton/pork fry, etc., with flaky parottas. All you need to do is choose the right non-veg item that suits your taste buds and your everyday liking.
Appam with Nadan Kozhi Curry or Parippu Curry
This is another one of the top 12 iconic dishes of Kerala/Keralam every foodie should try that will give them one of the authentic tastes of Kerala. Additionally, if you are looking to explore something other than the stew, then you go for the Nadan Kozhi curry. This is something you will definitely loving and you can also make it like the traditional style at home. Definitely one of the most satisfying, authentic Kerala dishes that you can try.
Pathiri with Chicken/Mutton/Fish Curry
For the ones who love to eat Parotta, there is another one of the signature Kerala dishes that you can try out. Additionally, for the ones who do not know, Pathiri is a flat bread which has originally originated from the Malabar region of Northern Kerala.
The appearance of it is pretty enticing, and if you are someone who loves to eat curry with fish or meat, then you can certainly give the pathiri with chicken or mutton curry a try. However, you will find that it is often served with the richly spiced chicken, mutton, or fish curries.
Ghee Rice with Meen Moilee
This is another one of the top 12 iconic dishes of Kerala/Keralam every foodie should try. Rice is one of the most essential parts of the Kerala cuisine, and with the ghee rice and meen moilee, it’s a combination that is worth having on a Sunday night dinner.
The fish curry comes with the signature coconut base, and it also the delicacy is also slightly sweet, unlike most of the other fish curries, which offer an even stronger taste that is marked by the tartness or spiciness.
Kerala Rice with Vegetable Sambhar
This is another one of the 12 iconic dishes of Kerala/Keralam every foodie should try. If you are a fan of eating sambhar rice for your lunches and are also someone who would love to eat it with the signature Kerala rice, then there is nothing like it.
A bowl full of flavourful rice with a sambar bowl that is filled with fresh drumsticks, carrot, and other vegetables, with just the right mix of spices. Definitely something that you can try if you are looking to get the best of authentic taste in Kerala cuisine.
Kappa and Meen Curry
This is another one of the top 12 iconic dishes of Kerala/Keralam every foodie should try. Additionally, with the kappa and the meen curry, you will be getting a boiled, mashed, and mixed with coconut, green chillies, and spices to make one of the most wholesome dishes.
Additionally, if you are someone who loves to eat fish, then you can definitely give the fiery red fish curry a try. It is traditionally cooked in a clay pot known as a manchatti. It has a distinctive tanginess derived from the use of tamarind or kudampuli (Malabar tamarind).
Thattu Dosa with Variety of Chutneys
One of the most iconic and also one of the most favourite among the 12 iconic dishes of Kerala/Keralam every foodie should try is the thattu dosa with the various number of chutneys.
One of the things that you need to know about this is that the name “thattukadas” in Kerala is derived from the humble roadside eating joints. The dish is totally soft and spongy, and also comes with a slightly crispy exterior. You can also explore regional variations of ginger chutney, tomato chutney, curry leaves chutney, etc.
Pazham Pori and Tea
This is another one of the top-most signature dishes that one can try in Kerala. Not only is this banana fritters dish on the top list of most of the food explorers, but it is also loved by most of the non-Kerala food explorers. You will find that the foods are sliced and also chopped and coated in a lightly sweetened flour batter before being fried to golden perfection. Read the complete recipe here. While pazham pori can be relished as they are, having them along with tea enhances overall satisfaction. In most parts of Kerala, tea is more commonly consumed than coffee, and you can easily find various options for the same in most eating joints.
Conclusion
These are some of the top 12 iconic dishes of Kerala/Keralam every foodie should try. If you ever happen to visit Kerala, then these are the dishes that you must give a try, and also these are super tasty.
Commonly Asked Questions
What Are The 12 Iconic Dishes of Kerala/Keralam Every Foodie Should Try?
You can check out the above list and get the idea of the top dishes that you can try.
Is Kadala Curry one of the Authentic Dishes in Kerala?
Yes, kadala curry is one of the authentic dishes in Kerala that you can try.
Can I Eat Rice with Meen Curry?
Yes, you eat rice with meen curry.
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Hi, this is Archismita!
With 4 years of content writing and a journalism background, I bring stories to life in tech, AI, crypto, marketing, and beyond.
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