3 Authentic Dishes Of Kerala You Must Try At least Once

by Ankita Sehgal Freelance Blogger, Lives in New Delhi

Kerala is the land of great cuisines, made even more special by the hospitality of the people. From local restaurants to gourmet diners there is a unique element of authenticity imbibed into the food.

Travellers can really get a sense of the local culture just by trying out the various dishes of Kerala. The culinary impact of Kerala’s cuisines has made the region globally renowned for innovation in preparation and staying true to its heritage.

Appam and Stew

This classic combination is best enjoyed at some of the leading resorts in Kerala through its elite culinary experts. The chefs at the best business hotels in Kerala, including The LaLiT Resort & Spa Bekal, prepare Appam in a traditional rice flour base. The stew is generally crafted in a mix of coconut gravy with a core meat option.

It’s one of the best dishes to try if you’re a non-veg lover, and its roots go deep into traditional tribal cooking in Kerala. Appam and Stew is something that you can enjoy on any day at any time. It’s also a dish that Keralites try first when revisiting their home state.

Ada Pradhaman

Ada is a classic sweet dish that is indigenous to the region. It’s prepared with a healthy mix of different nuts and baked to perfection when served as a dinner dessert option. The preparation is often cherished by localities that enjoy the fine texture of the dish. The versatility of the dish makes it an interesting accompaniment to a main course, as it can be made thicker or thinner depending on your meal plating.

Many of the top spa hotels in Kerala serve Ada as a sweet note after an energizing massage treatment. It’s also a great dessert to serve when celebrating a special occasion or enjoying the company of large groups. In fact, it’s served widely as the main celebratory dessert during the month of Onam.

Nadan Kozhi Varuthathu

Nadan Kozhi Varuthathu is soul food for many Keralites that enjoy non-veg cuisines. It’s a more traditional form of fried chicken, and it’s served on a banana leaf with onion, garlic and coriander. The recipe for Nadan has been passed down from generation to generation, with each family in Kerala preparing it their own way. When it comes to good old fashion authentic cooking, the dish is best enjoying within Kerala’s great local eateries.

Nadan has been made famous by the many global travellers who rave about it on their way back home. While the meats can be substituted, the core preparation remains the same preserving that authentic flavour profile long-term.