10 Traditional Dishes Of Kerala You Can Try

Kerala cuisine is a delightful blend of diverse cultural influences, including Malabari, Arabian and European flavours. Known for its aromatic spices, coconut-based preparations and fresh seafood, Kerala offers a culinary journey that is both traditional and unforgettable.

Every dish in Kerala has its own distinct taste and character, making food an essential part of the state's cultural experience. From the elaborate Sadya served on banana leaves to delicious non-vegetarian delicacies prepared with chicken, lamb, beef and seafood, Kerala has something to satisfy every palate.

Rice, coconut and fish are among the most commonly used ingredients in Kerala cuisine. Coconut, in particular, adds a rich aroma and distinctive flavour to many dishes. Spices such as cardamom, cloves, black pepper, turmeric, cinnamon and red chillies further enhance the taste.

Here are 10 popular Kerala dishes that you should definitely try:

1. Erissery

Erissery is a traditional Kerala dish that is especially popular as part of a Sadya. It is generally prepared using pumpkin, raw banana or yam along with lentils and freshly grated coconut.

The vegetables are cooked with ingredients such as garlic, cumin seeds, turmeric, red chillies and coconut to create a mildly sweet, spicy and aromatic dish. Erissery is usually served with steamed rice and makes for a comforting and wholesome meal.

Pronounced as: eh-ri-suh-ree
Best places to eat: Traditional Kerala restaurants and local homes
Average price: INR 300–400
Health benefits: Provides dietary fibre, vitamins and minerals and may support digestion
Approximate cost: Rs. 400

2. Appam with Ishtu

Appam is one of Kerala's most loved traditional foods. Made from fermented rice batter and coconut, it is a soft, fluffy pancake with delicately crisp edges and a slightly sweet flavour.

Appam is traditionally paired with Ishtu, a mild stew prepared with coconut milk, shallots and aromatic spices such as cloves and cinnamon. It can be prepared as a vegetarian dish or with chicken or lamb. The creamy coconut-based stew complements the light and delicate texture of appam beautifully.

Pronounced as: ah-pum with ish-too
Best places to eat: Local eateries and South Indian restaurants
Average price: INR 80–150
Health benefits: Provides carbohydrates and is relatively light and easy to digest
Approximate cost: Rs. 175

3. Idiyappam with Curry

Idiyappam, also known as string hoppers, is a popular staple of Kerala cuisine. It is prepared from rice flour, water and salt, with the dough pressed into thin, delicate strands and steamed.

Its soft, noodle-like texture makes it an excellent accompaniment to a variety of curries. Egg curry is one of the most popular combinations, although Idiyappam can also be enjoyed with vegetable, chicken or coconut-based curries.

Pronounced as: id-ee-yuh-pum with kuh-ree
Best places to eat: Street food stalls and traditional Kerala restaurants
Average price: INR 80–150
Health benefits: Naturally gluten-free and a good source of carbohydrates
Approximate cost: Rs. 80

4. Kerala-Style Prawn Curry

Seafood lovers should not miss Kerala-style prawn curry. This traditional coastal delicacy combines juicy prawns with coconut milk, turmeric, red chillies, black pepper and other aromatic spices.

Jaggery may be added to balance the heat and create a subtle sweet-and-spicy flavour. The curry is typically finished with fresh curry leaves and tastes especially delicious with steamed rice or chapatis.

Kerala's coastal cuisine is famous for its seafood, and this prawn curry is a perfect example of the state's rich culinary traditions.

Pronounced as: kuh-ruh-luh style prawn kuh-ree
Best places to eat: Coastal restaurants and seafood eateries
Average price: INR 400–800
Health benefits: Provides protein and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids
Approximate cost: Rs. 725 per plate

5. Ghee Roast Dosa with Kerala-Style Sambar

Ghee roast dosa paired with sambar is a much-loved South Indian combination and is widely enjoyed in Kerala. The dosa is prepared from fermented rice and lentil batter and cooked with ghee until it develops a wonderfully crisp, golden texture.

The crunchy dosa pairs perfectly with hot, flavourful sambar prepared with lentils, vegetables and aromatic spices. Coconut chutney on the side makes the meal even more delicious.

Pronounced as: doh-suh gee roast with kuh-ruh-luh style sum-buhr
Best places to eat: South Indian restaurants and breakfast joints
Average price: INR 50–100
Health benefits: Provides carbohydrates and plant-based protein
Approximate cost: Rs. 100

6. Thalassery Biryani

When it comes to Kerala's famous rice dishes, Thalassery Biryani deserves a special mention. Originating from the Malabar region, this aromatic biryani has a distinctive flavour and preparation style.

It is made with fragrant rice, caramelised onions, curd, turmeric, chilli powder and aromatic spices such as cardamom. Chicken is commonly used, and the biryani can be paired with accompaniments such as chicken 65 or chilli chicken.

Pronounced as: thuh-luh-suh-ree buh-ree-yuh-nee
Best places to eat: Malabar restaurants and biryani outlets
Average price: INR 200–400
Health benefits: Provides carbohydrates, protein and energy
Approximate cost: Rs. 245

7. Puttu and Kadala Curry

Puttu and Kadala Curry is one of Kerala's most popular traditional breakfast combinations. Puttu is a steamed rice cake prepared in a cylindrical mould, usually layered with freshly grated coconut.

It is commonly served with Kadala Curry, a spicy black chickpea curry. Ripe bananas and additional grated coconut may also be served alongside it. Despite its simple appearance, the combination offers a delicious mix of textures and flavours.

Pronounced as: poo-too and kuh-duh-luh kuh-ree
Best places to eat: Local tea shops and traditional breakfast restaurants
Average price: INR 50–100
Health benefits: Puttu provides carbohydrates, while black chickpeas offer protein and dietary fibre
Approximate cost: Rs. 70

8. Idli Sambar

Idli Sambar is a popular South Indian breakfast that has become a favourite across India, including Kerala. Soft, steamed idlis are prepared from fermented rice and lentil batter and served with hot, tangy sambar.

The sambar is made using lentils, vegetables and a blend of aromatic spices, creating a nutritious and flavourful accompaniment. Idli is often served with coconut chutney for an added burst of flavour.

Pronounced as: id-lee sum-buhr
Best places to eat: South Indian restaurants and street food stalls
Average price: INR 30–80
Health benefits: Steamed idli is relatively light and provides carbohydrates and some protein
Approximate cost: Rs. 65 per plate

9. Palada Payasam

No discussion of Kerala cuisine is complete without mentioning Palada Payasam, a beloved traditional dessert. This creamy delicacy is a type of kheer made using rice ada, milk, sugar and ghee.

Palada Payasam is especially popular during festivals, celebrations and special occasions such as Onam. Its rich, creamy consistency, delicate sweetness and inviting aroma make it a favourite among dessert lovers.

Pronounced as: puh-luh-duh pie-uh-sum
Best places to eat: Traditional Kerala homes, restaurants and sweet shops
Average price: INR 50–100
Health benefits: Provides calcium, carbohydrates and energy
Approximate cost: Rs. 100

10. Karimeen Pollichathu

Karimeen Pollichathu is an iconic Kerala seafood delicacy prepared using Pearl Spot fish, locally known as Karimeen. The fish is marinated with spices, red chillies, lemon juice and other aromatic ingredients before being wrapped in a banana leaf and cooked.

The banana-leaf preparation allows the fish to absorb the rich flavours of the spices while retaining its moisture. The result is a fragrant, flavourful and distinctly Kerala-style seafood dish.

Pronounced as: kuh-ri-meen poh-lee-chuh-thoo
Best places to eat: Coastal restaurants and seafood eateries
Average price: INR 500–600
Health benefits: Rich in protein and provides beneficial omega-3 fatty acids
Approximate cost: Rs. 645 per plate