One of the main reasons tourists visit Kerala is for its indigenous cuisine. The weather, nature, and serenity are unparalleled, as is Kerala’s street food. It is where the true culinary magic occurs. The clashing spices, sizzling curries, and basic rice dishes are all there for your enjoyment. We’ve compiled a list of the greatest street food in Kerala for you. When you arrive, take out this list and begin your culinary journey.

Kappa and Meen Curry

Kappa, or boiling tapioca, is a staple in Kerala that is frequently served as a side dish or snack. It is simmered till tender, then seasoned with grated coconut, mustard seeds, and curry leaves. Meen curry, a traditional fish curry, is produced by simmering fresh fish in a sour and spicy gravy of tamarind, chili, and other spices. The combination of starchy kappa with tangy, spicy meen curry is a traditional and popular coupling in Kerala cuisine.

Thattu Dosa

Thattu dosa is tiny, thick, and fluffy. This Kerala street meal is commonly offered at street-side stalls known as “thattukada” in Kerala. These dosas are made using fermented rice cooked on a hot griddle, and served with chutney and sambar. Thattu dosa is a popular snack or light meal, known for its soft texture and pleasant flavor.

Pazham Pori

Pazham pori, also known as ethakka appam, is a sweet snack and a traditional Kerala delicacy created by coating ripe plantain slices in a batter of flour, sugar, and spices before deep-frying them until golden brown. The exterior coating is crispy, while the inside is soft and sweet, making it a popular tea-time snack in Kerala.

Sukhiyan

Sukhiyan is a classic Kerala snack made from green gram (mung beans) boiled with jaggery and coconut before being covered in a flour batter and deep fried. The end product is a sweet, crunchy shell with a soft, sweet, and slightly spicy interior, making it a favorite snack for tea or special events.

Banana Chips

Banana chips are a popular snack in Kerala, created by thinly slicing ripe or unripe bananas and deep-frying them in coconut oil until crispy. They can be seasoned with salt for a savory option or jaggery and cardamom for a sweet one. The chips are recognized for their crunchy texture and are a popular addition to meals and tea.

Beef Fry

This dish consists of spicy and succulent pieces of beef stir-fried with coconut slices, curry leaves, and a blend of aromatic spices. It is a favorite among meat lovers.

Thattukada Chicken

Thattukadas are street food vendors that sell spicy and juicy chicken grilled with a variety of aromatic spices. This meal is popular due to its rich flavor and delicate beef.

Appam with Stew

Appam is a soft, lacy rice pancake that is ideal with a mild and savory vegetable or meat stew. Coconut milk is generally used to make the stew thick and creamy.

Puttu and Kadala Curry

Puttu is a steamed cylinder of ground rice layered with coconut, often served with a spicy black chickpea (kadala) curry. This combination is a staple breakfast item in Kerala.

Neyyappam

Neyyappam is a traditional Kerala sweet snack made from rice flour, jaggery, and ghee. This delicious treat has a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior, flavored with cardamom and sometimes enhanced with grated coconut and sesame seeds. The batter is typically prepared by mixing rice flour with melted jaggery and a generous amount of ghee, along with water and a pinch of baking soda to achieve the right consistency.

Exploring Kerala’s street food is a journey through the heart of the state’s culinary heritage. Each dish, from the spicy Kappa and Meen Curry to the comforting Puttu and Kadala Curry, offers a unique taste experience that reflects the region’s rich cultural diversity. Thattu Dosa and Appam with Stew are delicious variants of popular dishes. Sweet delights such as Pazham Pori, Sukhiyan, and crispy Banana Chips satisfy snack cravings, while meat enthusiasts will enjoy Beef Fry and Thattukada Chicken’s powerful flavors.