Taste Kerala: Culinary Journeys with India Highlight
Discover the vibrant flavors of Kerala with India Highlight. From coastal curries to mountain spices, explore the culinary gems of Kochi, Munnar, Alleppey, and more, while visiting the Best Places to Visit in Kerala. Experience an unforgettable food journey!
Kerala, often called "God's Own Country," is a land known for its backwaters, lush landscapes, and fascinating cultural heritage. But beyond its natural beauty, Kerala’s food is an adventure of its own. From aromatic spices to the freshest seafood, this state offers a culinary journey unlike any other. With India Highlight, I recently embarked on a food-filled adventure through Kerala, hiking the trails, meeting locals, and savoring some of the most authentic dishes this part of India has to offer.
Starting the Journey: Kochi’s Flavors
My journey began in Kochi, a city where the old-world charm meets modern vibes. India Highlight had arranged for me to stay at a cozy homestay, run by a family who proudly shared their traditional recipes. The first dish I tried was Meen Moilee—a simple fish curry cooked with coconut milk, turmeric, and fresh green chilies. As the first bite melted in my mouth, I knew I was in for an unforgettable culinary adventure.
My host explained how Kerala's cuisine is shaped by its rich spice history. Kochi, a former spice trading hub, became a melting pot of flavors as traders from across the world brought ingredients like cinnamon, cardamom, and pepper. The city’s food reflects this blend of cultures—Arab, Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences are still evident in its dishes.
Kochi is not just about food. While here, I explored the Best Places to Visit in Kerala, like the iconic Chinese fishing nets and the Mattancherry Palace, which provided the perfect backdrop to this culinary journey. After a day of sightseeing, I sat by the harbor, eating a plate of Kappa and Meen Curry (tapioca and spicy fish curry), one of the must-try dishes in Kerala.
Munnar: Tea Trails and Tribal Flavors
Next, India Highlight guided me up to Munnar, a hill station famous for its sprawling tea estates. The cool mountain air and misty trails were a welcome break from the coastal heat. However, Munnar had its own culinary secrets waiting to be discovered.
While hiking through the tea plantations, I met a few tribal villagers who introduced me to their traditional way of cooking. We gathered around a fire, where they prepared Puttu and Kadala Curry—steamed rice cakes served with black chickpea curry. The dish had a distinct, earthy flavor, probably because the ingredients were sourced directly from their small farm nearby.
The tribal people of Kerala have preserved their ancient cooking methods, passed down through generations. It was humbling to share a meal with them and learn how food is deeply intertwined with their lifestyle and respect for nature. As we hiked further through the trails, stopping for scenic viewpoints over the mountains, I realized that Kerala’s beauty doesn’t only lie in its landscapes but in the warmth and hospitality of its people.
Alleppey: A Feast on the Backwaters
From Munnar, I traveled to Alleppey, often referred to as the "Venice of the East," thanks to its intricate network of backwaters. Here, India Highlight arranged for me to stay overnight on a traditional Kettuvallam houseboat, cruising through the peaceful waterways. Watching the sun set over the backwaters, I was treated to one of the best meals of my trip—a full Sadya.
Sadya is Kerala’s traditional feast, served on a banana leaf and typically reserved for festivals or special occasions. The meal included an array of dishes: Avial (a mix of vegetables with coconut and yogurt), Thoran (stir-fried vegetables with grated coconut), Sambar, Rasam, and an assortment of pickles and chutneys. Each dish balanced the other, creating a harmony of flavors that made me appreciate the simplicity and complexity of Kerala’s vegetarian cuisine.
What made this experience even more special was that the boat crew prepared everything right on board, using fresh ingredients they bought from small villages along the backwaters. As we gently floated along the canals, I realized that Alleppey isn’t just one of the Best Places to Visit in Kerala for its scenic beauty but also for its exceptional food experiences.
The Spice Route of Thekkady
After my backwater feast, I continued my journey to Thekkady, home to the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. This part of Kerala is well-known for its spice plantations. I visited one such plantation, where I got to see how cardamom, cloves, and black pepper grow.
The visit wasn’t just a learning experience; it was an opportunity to cook! India Highlight had arranged a cooking session with a local chef who taught me how to make Kerala Chicken Roast, a spicy dish that uses freshly ground black pepper and cardamom straight from the plantation. The aroma of roasting spices filled the air as we cooked, and the taste? Absolutely divine. Every bite of that chicken was a reminder of Kerala’s rich spice history and its importance in shaping global cuisine.
Kozhikode: Birthplace of Malabar Biryani
No culinary journey through Kerala is complete without visiting Kozhikode, the birthplace of Malabar Biryani. This biryani is different from its counterparts in Hyderabad or Lucknow—it’s lighter, with flavors from coconut, fennel seeds, and ghee.
India Highlight arranged for me to meet a local family who has been making Malabar Biryani for generations. They showed me the traditional way of cooking it—layering fragrant rice and marinated chicken, then slowly cooking it in a sealed pot. As I watched the steam escape when the pot was finally opened, I couldn’t wait to dig in. The first spoonful was an explosion of flavors, with the spices beautifully mingling with the tender chicken and fluffy rice.
Kozhikode’s bustling food streets also introduced me to Kozhi Nirachathu (stuffed chicken) and Unnakaya, a sweet dish made from plantains. Both were unlike anything I had tasted before, a perfect end to my culinary adventure in Kerala.
Conclusion: A Culinary Haven Awaits
As I reflect on my culinary journey, I realize that Kerala is not just about landscapes, temples, or backwaters; it is also a haven for food lovers. Whether it's the coastal fish curries, the mountain-grown spices, or the traditional feasts, every dish tells a story of Kerala's rich heritage. With India Highlight’s expert guidance, I not only tasted the flavors of Kerala but also connected with the people who make this state so unique.