Street Food of Kerala: What amazing things to Eat and Where to Find It

Street Food of Kerala, the lush, tropical state on the southwestern coast of India, is renowned for its serene backwaters, verdant landscapes, and vibrant culture. Yet, beyond the natural beauty and cultural richness, Kerala is a paradise for food lovers. Its street food scene is a culinary journey through flavors, aromas, and textures that reflect the state’s diverse history and traditions.

From coastal seafood to rich, spiced snacks, Kerala’s street food offers something for every palate. If you’re planning a trip to Kerala or simply curious about what to eat, this guide will take you through some of the must-try street foods and the best places to find them.

1. Puttu and Kadala Curry

Where to Find It: Kochi, Trivandrum, Alleppey

Puttu is a beloved traditional Kerala breakfast dish, made from steamed rice flour and grated coconut. It’s served with Kadala Curry, a spicy black chickpea curry that adds depth and flavor to the mild, airy puttu. The dish is typically eaten in the morning, though you’ll find it throughout the day at roadside stalls, particularly in the cities of Kochi, Trivandrum, and Alleppey.

What makes it special?

Puttu is light but filling, Street Food of Kerala and when paired with Kadala Curry, it offers a balance of textures and flavors. The curry is usually spicy with a hint of coconut, which complements the puttu’s subtle sweetness.

2. Sadhya with Payasam

Where to Find It Street Food of Kerala: Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode

While not strictly street food in the conventional sense, Sadhya is the feast of Kerala, often served on a banana leaf. It consists of a variety of vegetarian curries, rice, pickles, and condiments. It’s traditionally a wedding or festival meal, but many street vendors serve it during Onam or at local eateries, particularly in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode.

3. Kappa and Meen Curry (Tapioca and Fish Curry)

Where to Find It: Kottayam, Varkala, Kollam

Kappa (or Tapioca) with Meen Curry is one of Kerala’s signature comfort foods. Tapioca, boiled to perfection, is served with a rich, spicy fish curry made with fresh local fish like Karimeen (Pearl Spot). The dish is simple but incredibly satisfying, combining the mildness of tapioca with the robust, tangy fish curry.

For the TLOW backpacking experience click on this link

What makes it special Street Food of Kerala?

The combination of flavors—from the soft, starchy kappa to the piquant, coconut-based meen curry—is nothing short of heavenly. The dish is often sold in small, roadside shacks and is a favorite among locals.

4. Pazham Pori (Banana Fritters) Street Food of Kerala

Where to Find It: Almost Everywhere in Kerala

Pazham Pori, or Kerala banana fritters, are a popular snack you’ll find across the state. Made by deep-frying ripe plantains coated in a simple batter, these fritters are crispy on the outside and sweet and soft on the inside. Served hot, they are the perfect snack to enjoy with a cup of tea Street Food of Kerala.

What makes it special?

The sweetness of the banana and the crispy, golden batter create a delightful contrast. It’s a common snack enjoyed at tea shops and local eateries.

5. Kochi’s Appam and Stew

Where to Find It Street Food of Kerala: Kochi, Alappuzha

Appam is a soft, bowl-shaped rice pancake made from fermented rice batter, with a light and fluffy texture. It’s commonly served with Stew, a mild, creamy curry made with vegetables or chicken. The dish is a popular breakfast or brunch item in Kochi, where you’ll find several roadside stalls offering this traditional treat.

What makes it special?

Appam’s unique texture, with its crispy edges and soft center, contrasts beautifully with the velvety, spiced stew. The dish is light yet rich in flavor, making it a perfect choice for any time of the day.

6. Vada and Sambar

Where to Find It: Throughout Kerala

Vada, a deep-fried lentil doughnut, is a staple in South Indian street food culture. These crispy, savory fritters are often served with Sambar (a spicy lentil-based soup) and coconut chutney. Though common in all of India, Kerala has its own distinctive version of vada, which is particularly crispy and fluffy on the inside.

What makes it special Street Food of Kerala?

The crispy exterior of the vada paired with the spicy, tangy sambar and cooling coconut chutney creates a perfectly balanced snack. You’ll find it at many street stalls, especially in the mornings or as a mid-day snack.

7. Kochi’s Seafood – Karimeen Pollichathu Street Food of Kerala

Where to Find It: Kochi, Vypin Island, Fort Kochi

If you’re a seafood lover, the coastal city of Kochi is the place to be. Among the many delicious seafood offerings is Karimeen Pollichathu, a traditional Kerala dish where Pearl Spot fish (Karimeen) is marinated in a blend of spices and then grilled in banana leaves. The aroma of the spices infuses the fish, making it incredibly flavorful.

What makes it special?

Karimeen Pollichathu is a perfect blend of Kerala’s coastal flavors, with the smoky banana leaf wrapping enhancing the spices. It’s typically served with rice or Kerala-style appam.

8. Churuttu (Tapioca Wrap)

Where to Find It Street Food of Kerala: Kannur, Kasaragod

Churuttu is a unique street food item primarily found in the northern parts of Kerala, especially in Kannur and Kasaragod. It’s a local delicacy made by wrapping boiled tapioca in a piece of banana leaf, then served with spicy fish or meat curry. The wrap is slightly chewy, and the curry adds a spicy punch.

What makes it special?

The chewy tapioca offers a unique texture and is a great base to balance out the strong flavors of the curry. It’s a favorite for those seeking something off the beaten path.

9. Kozhikode’s Elanchi (Kerala-style Spring Rolls)

Where to Find It: Kozhikode

Elanchi is Kerala’s version of the spring roll, made with a thin, crispy wrapper and filled with spiced vegetables or meat. It’s popular in Kozhikode, where it’s often served as a snack or appetizer at roadside stalls.

What makes it special Street Food of Kerala?

The crunchy, savory filling and crispy outer layer make Elanchi a perfect snack. It’s also a favorite for those who want something easy to eat on the go.

10. Thattu Dosa

Where to Find It: Throughout Kerala

Thattu Dosa is a Kerala street food classic—thin, crispy, and served with an assortment of chutneys and sambar. Unlike the traditional dosa, Thattu Dosa is smaller in size and often sold from small roadside stalls or food trucks. It’s a quick, easy snack for travelers looking for something filling and flavorful.

What makes it special?

The simplicity of the dosa, combined with the side dishes, makes it a satisfying and flavorful meal. The crispy texture and versatility of toppings make it a favorite among street food enthusiasts.

Where to Find the Best Street Food in Kerala:

• Kochi: Known for its seafood and fusion dishes, Kochi is a great place to try Karimeen Pollichathu, Appam, and stew, as well as popular snacks like Pazham Pori.

• Kozhikode: Famous for its Elanchi, Kozhikode is a must-visit for lovers of crispy, flavorful snacks.

• Trivandrum: The capital city offers excellent Puttu and Kadala curry, along with the quintessential Sadhya meals, especially during Onam.

• Alleppey: Known for its backwaters, Alleppey is also a haven for seafood lovers, offering dishes like Kappa and Meen Curry.

• Varkala and Kollam: Both towns offer great seafood, especially Kappa and Meen Curry, as well as local snacks.

Conclusion: A Feast for All Senses

Street Food of Kerala is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The vibrant flavors, the blend of spices, the textures, and the cultural history behind each dish all come together to create a food lover’s paradise. Whether you’re exploring the coastal towns of Kerala, wandering through its bustling cities, or relaxing by the backwaters, you’re never far from a delicious bite.

So, next time you’re in Kerala, be sure to dive into the local street food scene and savor the tastes that make this state a true culinary gem!