
Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Quilon, Kerala, India
1. Kerala Meen Curry
A spicy fish curry made with local fish like Pearl Spot, cooked in coconut milk and flavored with spices like ginger, garlic, and curry leaves.
- Authentic Taste: Experience the true flavor of Quilon's traditional fish dishes.
- Coconut Milk Base: Enjoy the rich and creamy texture from the coconut milk base.
- Spice Balance: Savor the perfect blend of spices that give this dish its unique flavor.
2. Puttu and Kadala Curry
A tropical rice cake made by layering steamed cylinders of rice flour and grated coconut, served with a spicy black chickpea curry.
- Steam Cooking: Explore the unique cooking method that preserves nutrients and flavors.
- Tropical Ingredients: Experience a taste of Quilon's tropical ingredients in every bite.
- Savory and Sweet Combo: Enjoy the contrasting flavors of the sweet puttu and spicy kadala curry.
3. Thattukada Sadya
A vegetarian meal served on a banana leaf, featuring several side dishes such as sambar, rice, pickles, and papad.
- Banana Leaf Service: Participate in the traditional way of eating a meal in South India.
- Vegetarian Delights: Indulge in a variety of vegetarian dishes, each with its unique flavor.
- Communal Dining: Share the meal with friends and family as a symbol of unity and friendship.
4. Kolukottai Iyyappan Kada
A popular restaurant serving authentic vegetarian dishes, known for its Thattukada Sadya and Puttu & Kadala Curry.
- Authentic Vegetarian Cuisine: Experience the authentic taste of vegetarian dishes from Quilon.
- Steeped in Tradition: Dine in a restaurant that has been serving traditional dishes for generations.
- Affordable Prices: Enjoy high-quality food at affordable prices, making it a must-visit destination.
5. Ananda Bhavan Restaurant
A famous restaurant serving vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, known for its Kerala Meen Curry.
- Variety of Dishes: Indulge in a wide range of dishes from both vegetarian and non-vegetarian menus.
- Famous Kerala Meen Curry: Taste the renowned Kerala Meen Curry, made with fresh fish and aromatic spices.
- Cozy Atmosphere: Relax in a cozy atmosphere that is perfect for family dining or romantic dates.
6. Vadanapalli Temple Puttu
A local delicacy made of rice flour and grated coconut, served at the Vadanapalli Temple during special occasions.
- Spiritual Experience: Enjoy a spiritual experience as you savor this temple delicacy.
- Unique Ingredients: Experience the unique flavors and textures of this traditional temple puttu.
- Communal Sharing: Share this sacred food with others as a symbol of unity and faith.
7. Kalliyoor Temple Iyyappan Bhojanam
A vegetarian meal served during festivals at the Kalliyoor Temple, featuring traditional dishes from Quilon.
- Spiritual Dining Experience: Dine in a spiritual atmosphere during religious festivals.
- Traditional Recipes: Taste traditional recipes that have been passed down through generations.
- Communal Sharing: Share this sacred meal with others as a symbol of unity and faith.
8. Kerala Style Appam with Kadukka
A rice pancake served with a spicy vegetable stew made from jackfruit seeds.
- Unique Texture: Experience the soft, fluffy texture of the appam and the crunchiness of the kadukka.
- Vegetarian Delight: Indulge in a vegetarian dish that is rich in flavors.
- Traditional Breakfast Option: Start your day with this traditional breakfast option, enjoyed by locals for centuries.
9. Karimeen Pollichathu
A fish dish where the fish is marinated and wrapped in a banana leaf before being slow-cooked.
- Slow Cooking: Taste the tender, flavorful fish that results from the slow-cooking process.
- Banana Leaf Wrap: Experience the unique aroma and flavors released by the banana leaf during cooking.
- Authentic Taste: Savor the authentic taste of this traditional fish dish from Quilon.
10. Parotta Center
A popular eatery serving parottas (flaky flatbread) with various fillings and curries.
- Flaky Parottas: Indulge in the flaky, crispy texture of these delicious flatbreads.
- Variety of Fillings: Choose from a variety of fillings to suit your taste preferences.
- Affordable Prices: Enjoy high-quality food at affordable prices, making it a must-visit destination.
11. Kappa and Meen Curry
A dish made with tapioca (cassava) and fish, cooked in a spicy coconut milk gravy.
- Traditional Taste: Experience the traditional taste of Quilon's Kappa and Meen Curry.
- Tapioca Texture: Enjoy the unique texture of tapioca, a staple ingredient in many Quilon dishes.
- Coconut Milk Gravy: Savor the rich and creamy coconut milk gravy that binds this dish together.
12. Ottapam
A savory pancake made from rice flour and served with various curries.
- Crispy Texture: Experience the crispy texture of this savory pancake.
- Versatile Side Dish: Pair ottapam with various curries to create your perfect meal.
- Traditional Snack: Enjoy this traditional snack, popular in Quilon and across Kerala.
13. Keralite Biryani
A fragrant rice dish made with aromatic spices, meat (usually mutton), and basmati rice.
- Aromatic Spices: Savor the rich aroma of the various spices used in this dish.
- Tender Meat: Enjoy the tender, flavorful meat that is cooked to perfection.
- Basmati Rice: Experience the long-grain basmati rice that gives this dish its unique texture.
14. Kadalakkaya Curry
A spicy curry made from raw mango (kadalakkaya), coconut, and various spices.
- Spicy Taste: Experience the unique, tangy, and spicy flavor of this raw mango curry.
- Coconut Milk Base: Enjoy the rich and creamy texture from the coconut milk base.
- Seasonal Delight: Savor this seasonal delight, which is best enjoyed during the summer months.
15. Payasam House
A popular eatery serving various types of payasam (sweet porridge), made from rice, milk, and jaggery.
- Sweet Delight: Indulge in a sweet treat that is perfect for dessert or an afternoon snack.
- Variety of Flavors: Choose from various flavors, such as coconut, cardamom, and jackfruit.
- Affordable Prices: Enjoy high-quality food at affordable prices, making it a must-visit destination.