
Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Calicut, Kerala, India
1. Kerala Parotta with Kozhi Rasuma
Flaky layered flatbread served with a rich, aromatic chicken curry. Savor the melt-in-your-mouth texture and spicy flavors.
- Authentic Recipe: Prepared using traditional Kerala cooking techniques
- Flavorful Ingredients: Spices like cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon are used to enhance the taste.
- Popular Dish: A crowd-pleaser among locals and visitors alike
2. Pathiri with Ishtu
Thin, soft pancake made from rice flour, served with a rich, sweet coconut-based stew. A delightful mix of flavors and textures.
- Traditional Ingredients: Includes coconut milk and jaggery (unrefined sugar)
- Delicate Texture: The thin, tender pancake is a unique aspect of this dish
- Southern Delicacy: Originates from the Malabar region of Kerala
3. Meen Pollichathu
Grilled pearl-spotted fish wrapped in a banana leaf, served with a tangy tamarind sauce. A must-try for seafood lovers.
- Fresh Ingredients: Uses fresh, locally caught pearl-spotted fish
- Cooked in Banana Leaf: Gives the fish a unique flavor and aroma
- Traditional Cooking Method: Grilled over hot coals, sealing in the flavors
4. Malabar Biryani
A fragrant rice dish made with tender, marinated mutton and aromatic spices. A tasty exploration of Kerala's culinary heritage.
- Authentic Recipe: Prepared using a secret family recipe
- Flavorful Spices: Includes saffron, cardamom, and cinnamon for an unforgettable taste.
- Popular Dish: A favorite among locals and a must-try dish for visitors
5. Pazham Nirichathu
Fried ripe plantain slices with a crispy exterior and a soft, sweet interior. A perfect snack or dessert.
- Traditional Ingredients: Made from ripe, local plantains
- Simple Preparation: Quick and easy to make
- Popular Snack: Often served with tea or coffee
6. Adya Kappa Biryani
A unique rice dish made from tapioca pearls and fresh seafood. A must-try for a taste of Kerala's coastal cuisine.
- Unusual Ingredient: Uses tapioca pearls instead of rice
- Fresh Seafood: Includes fresh, locally caught fish and prawns
- Coconut-Based Sauce: Served with a tangy coconut-based sauce
7. Kerala Sadya
A traditional vegetarian feast featuring various rice dishes, curries, sambar (lentil soup), pickles, and sweet desserts. A culinary journey through Kerala.
- Authentic Experience: Offers a taste of traditional Kerala cuisine
- Vegetarian Option: A great option for vegetarians and vegans
- Community Meal: Often enjoyed during festivals and special occasions
8. Thattukada Chips
Crispy, thin wafers made from tapioca. A perfect snack for a street food experience.
- Unusual Ingredient: Made from tapioca
- Traditional Snack: A popular street food in Kerala
- Crispy Texture: The crispy texture makes it an addictive snack
9. Kadalai Curry
Delicious peanut curry made with coconut milk and a variety of spices. A flavorful dish that pairs well with rice.
- Traditional Ingredients: Includes fresh, locally sourced peanuts
- Creamy Texture: The creamy texture of the coconut milk gives it a unique flavor
- Spicy Taste: Features a medium level of spiciness
10. Puttu with Kadala Curry
Steamed rice cylinders made from cylindrical molds, served with a spicy black gram curry. A tasty and filling dish.
- Traditional Ingredients: Includes coconut scrapings and grated coconut
- Steaming Method: Steamed in cylindrical molds, giving it a unique texture
- Savory Dish: A popular savory dish among locals
11. Iyyappan Kudumbtu
Traditional vegetarian soup made with a variety of vegetables and spices. A nourishing dish believed to bring good health.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Includes a variety of vegetables rich in nutrients
- Traditional Recipe: Prepared during the Iyyappan festival
- Health Benefits: Believed to bring good health and prosperity
12. Ada Pradhaman
Sweet dessert made from rice flour and jaggery (unrefined sugar), topped with grated coconut. A perfect way to end a meal.
- Traditional Ingredients: Includes jaggery and fresh, grated coconut
- Simple Preparation: Quick and easy to make
- Sweet Dessert: A popular dessert among locals and visitors alike
13. Kerala Meen Varuthathu
Spicy fried fish dish made from fresh fish coated in a spice mixture and deep-fried. A tasty explosion of flavors.
- Fresh Ingredients: Uses fresh, locally caught fish
- Spicy Coating: Coated in a spice mixture for an added kick
- Crispy Texture: The crispy texture of the fried fish is irresistible
14. Pazham Pori
Crispy, sweet banana fritters. A perfect treat for a sweet tooth.
- Traditional Ingredients: Made from ripe, local bananas
- Simple Preparation: Quick and easy to make
- Popular Snack: Often served with tea or coffee
15. Kerala Vellayappam
Soft, fermented rice pancake made from coconut milk and jaggery. A sweet treat that's a staple in many Kerala homes.
- Traditional Ingredients: Includes coconut milk and jaggery
- Fermentation Process: The fermentation process gives it a unique flavor
- Sweet Dessert: A popular dessert among locals and visitors alike