Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Kottayam, Kerala, India
1. Appam with Kadukka
Soft fermented rice pancakes served with spicy grated coconut and lentil curry, a traditional dish from the Syrian Christian community. Enjoy at Karumadikuttu Restaurant.
- Authentic Experience: Savor the dish in its original form at a well-known restaurant
- Taste of Culture: Experience the unique taste and culinary heritage of Kottayam
- Unique Texture: Enjoy the soft, spongy texture of appam and the crunchiness of kadukka
2. Puthen Code with Fish Curry
Fluffy steamed rice dumplings made from rice flour and coconut milk, often served with fish curry. Delight in this dish at Hotel Ravi.
- Culinary Delicacy: Indulge in a traditional Kerala delicacy that's both delicious and satisfying
- Steaming Hot: Enjoy the warm, comforting dish on a rainy Kottayam day
- Rich Flavors: Savor the rich, aromatic flavors of fish curry and puthen code
3. Meen Porichathe
Spicy fried pearl spot fish prepared with a blend of local spices. Savor this dish at Kottayam's bustling street-side eateries.
- Street Food Experience: Savor the delicious, authentic dish in a vibrant, lively atmosphere
- Spicy Delight: Experience the fiery taste of Kottayam's signature spices
- Fresh Ingredients: Enjoy the dish made with fresh, locally-caught fish
4. Pazham Nirachathu
Banana fritters deep-fried in coconut oil and sprinkled with sugar. Satisfy your sweet cravings at local tea shops.
- Traditional Snack: Indulge in a traditional Kerala snack that's both tasty and convenient
- Sweet Treat: Enjoy the sweet, crispy goodness of banana fritters
- Local Tea Shops: Find these delicious treats at local tea shops around Kottayam
5. Kallumala Curry
Tender plantain leaves rolled around a filling of rice and spices, steamed and served with coconut gravy. Taste this unique dish at local homes or homestays.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience the local cuisine in a home setting for a more authentic experience
- Unique Presentation: Enjoy the dish's unique presentation of tender plantain leaves and tasty filling
- Traditional Taste: Savor the traditional taste of this Kottayam delicacy
6. Kootu Curry
Mixed vegetable curry made with a variety of local vegetables and coconut. Savor this dish at Hotel Sree Kottayam.
- Vegan Option: Enjoy a delicious, vegetarian meal that's both hearty and flavorful
- Local Vegetables: Taste the unique flavors of Kottayam's local vegetables in this dish
- Coconut Gravy: Savor the rich, creamy coconut gravy that accompanies the curry
7. Erachi Biriyani
Fluffy rice layered with tender mutton and aromatic spices. Savor this dish at Hotel Nalini.
- Non-Veg Option: Indulge in a flavorful, non-vegetarian dish that's both delicious and satisfying
- Aromatic Spices: Experience the unique blend of aromatic spices used in this dish
- Layered Presentation: Enjoy the visually appealing, layered presentation of the biriyani
8. Pachakari Sadhya
A traditional vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf, featuring a variety of dishes like sambar, payasam, and various vegetable dishes. Enjoy this dish at local temples during festivals.
- Cultural Experience: Experience the rich cultural traditions of Kottayam through its vegetarian feast
- Vegetarian Feast: Indulge in a variety of delicious, vegetarian dishes served on a banana leaf
- Festival Tradition: Participate in local festivals to enjoy this traditional feast
9. Chakka Varattiyathu
Ripe jackfruit slices deep-fried and coated in a sweet, spicy batter. Satisfy your taste buds at local street food stalls.
- Street Food Experience: Savor the delicious, authentic dish in a vibrant, lively atmosphere
- Sweet and Spicy: Experience the sweet and spicy flavors of this traditional Kerala snack
- Jackfruit Season: Find these delicious treats during the jackfruit season in Kottayam
10. Kadukka Varattiyathu
Crunchy lentil fritters made from a mixture of green gram and spices. Savor this snack at local tea shops.
- Traditional Snack: Indulge in a traditional Kerala snack that's both tasty and convenient
- Crunchy Texture: Enjoy the crunchy texture of these lentil fritters
- Local Tea Shops: Find these delicious treats at local tea shops around Kottayam
11. Pazham Pori
Bananas sliced and deep-fried until golden brown. Satisfy your sweet cravings at local street food stalls.
- Street Food Experience: Savor the delicious, authentic dish in a vibrant, lively atmosphere
- Sweet Treat: Enjoy the sweet, crispy goodness of banana fritters
- Local Street Food Stalls: Find these delicious treats at local street food stalls around Kottayam
12. Veg Thali
A variety of vegetable dishes served with rice, pickles, and chutney. Savor this dish at Hotel KTDC Lake Vembanad.
- Vegetarian Option: Enjoy a delicious, vegetarian meal that's both hearty and flavorful
- Variety of Dishes: Indulge in a variety of different vegetable dishes in one meal
- Rice and Accompaniments: Savor the rice, pickles, and chutney that accompany the veg thali
13. Nadan Kozhi Curry
Tender chicken cooked in a rich, flavorful coconut-based curry. Savor this dish at Hotel Lake Palace.
- Non-Veg Option: Indulge in a flavorful, non-vegetarian dish that's both delicious and satisfying
- Coconut Gravy: Savor the rich, creamy coconut gravy that accompanies the chicken curry
- Local Spices: Experience the unique blend of aromatic spices used in this dish
14. Meen Vattichathu
Spicy fish fry prepared with a blend of local spices. Savor this dish at Hotel Lake Palace.
- Spicy Delight: Experience the fiery taste of Kottayam's signature spices
- Fresh Ingredients: Enjoy the dish made with fresh, locally-caught fish
- Local Spices: Savor the unique blend of aromatic spices used in this dish
15. Ilanjal Kozhi Curry
Tender chicken cooked with green jackfruit and a blend of local spices. Savor this unique dish at Hotel Lake Vembanad.
- Unique Combination: Experience the unique combination of chicken and green jackfruit in one dish
- Coconut Gravy: Savor the rich, creamy coconut gravy that accompanies the chicken curry
- Local Spices: Enjoy the unique blend of aromatic spices used in this dish