5 Must-Try Food from Kerala

In the heart of Kerala, God’s Own Country, lies the wonderful Wayanad thrumming with wildlife, beauty, food, and wellness. While travelling to a new place, the first thing that tops the list of “things to explore” remains dictated by the unchallenged ruler – food. The cuisine of a place tells a lot about the hidden traits of the region and prepares the visitors for upcoming adventures. The local cuisine nourishes the body and prepares the body to remain cool or retain warmth according to the outdoor temperature. Thus, while travelling, be “vocal for the locals”.

food from Kerala

The land of black gold, aromatic spices, exquisite coffee beans, and nutritious paddy presents an extensive spread of flavorful cuisine that can take you off guard on your diet chart. What makes the whole experience more unique is enjoying the luscious food of Wayanad while soaking in the astonishing beauty of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Any authentic Wayanad food mimics its geographical diversity, with ingredients coming from the rainforest, the plantations, and the vast spread of paddy fields, and has a hint of the tribal cuisine of the area. Gandhaksala rice, Mullayari bamboo rice payasam, and the monsoon special frog dishes are a few of the unique culinary specialities of Wayanad.

Karimeen Pollichathu: Unwrap the banana parcel in your plate to be surprised with the delicious fish that is moist, flavourful, and melts in the mouth. Marinated in local spices and herbs and then wrapped in the goodness of banana leaf, the fish is steamed until cooked. You can enjoy it as a side dish with your lunch or dinner or relish it as it is with some salads.

Where to find it: Karimeen Pollichathu is served everywhere, and part of its flavour lies in the local families and small businesses. If you crave a real, local experience, try it at the multi-cuisine restaurant of the resorts and hotels.
Puttu and Beef Fry: A delicious delicacy in itself, the Beef Olathiyathu can give you the best of the food pleasure when mixed with Puttu. Puttu is locally enjoyed as breakfast and is made by layering rice powder and coconut, steamed in a particular kitchen vessel.

Where to find it: ‘Ahua’ at After the Rains resort is nestled on a 16-acre spice garden in the western ghat mountain ranges of the Nilgiri biosphere. It provides unique culinary experiences with a picture-perfect natural ambience.
Malabar Duck Roast: Cooked in a blend of aromatic spices and vinegar, the duck roast is a special delicacy of Wayanad. The juicy and tender meat goes perfectly with steamed rice, Puttu, or Malabari Porotta.

Where to find it: Local eateries are the best place to try a wide variety of local Wayanad food. 1980’s A Nostalgic Restaurant is a must-try diner to relish home-like Malabari food. It’s highly recommended. Fun fact – they have a branch in Australia too.
Kappa and Erachi: Kappayerachi is a delightful Kerala cuisine and combines Kappa, which means tapioca, and Erachi means beef. Cooked separately, the tapioca and beef are then mixed and simmered with spices in a paste of fried coconut. It goes perfectly with steamed rice or parotta.

Where to find it: In Wayanad, you will find several beautifully decorated diners with many eating options—any of those will serve up a delicious bowl of Kappa and Erachi. Two we love to include are ‘Ahua’ at After the Rains (especially for its beautiful setting) and Bamboo Mess.
Fish Moilee: The star of the show, this luscious fish curry is stewed in freshly extracted coconut milk. The excellence of coconut infuses adequately with onions, ginger-garlic paste, curry leaves, and other fresh herbs and spices, giving the dish its rich Creamy flavour. It becomes a heavenly dish when accompanied by the Gandhaksala rice.

Where to find it: Almost all multi-cuisine food joints in Wayanad serve the signature dish. You can delight in it at Jubilee, Lunch House, Wilton Restaurant, or New Hotel 1957.

Embraced in breathtakingly beautiful natural surroundings, Wayanad is a heavenly retreat for any traveller who loves nature, wildlife, history, or food. The city is known for providing authentic cuisines right from the treasures of Kerala. Stay tuned to explore the vegetarian delicacies of Wayanad next!