Food is a huge part of any travel experience and is also one of the ways you can know and understand a place and culture intimately. Kerala being a land of spices and coconut, it is inevitable that these ingredients find their way into Kerala cuisine. Just like all Indian food, Kerala food too is a delicious assortment of spices and flavors.
If you love non-vegetarian food, Kerala has a lot to offer your taste buds. Presenting a list of delicious must try non-vegetarian dishes in Kerala.
Karimeen Pollichathu
Karimeen Pollichathu or Pearl spot fish is a unique Kerala dish. This fish is found in the backwaters of Kerala and is always on the menu of a Kerala houseboat.
The fish is first marinated with spices and wrapped inside a banana leaf. It is then steamed, grilled or pan fried and served in the same banana leaf wrapping. The banana leaf wrapping is integral part of the cooking process as it preserves the aroma and flavor of the dish. This dish is most commonly served along with pot boiled rice.
Malabar Biriyani
Biriyani is a popular dish in Kerala is a must for weddings and other functions. Biriyani is a mixture of rice, spices, meat /vegetables. Different regions of Kerala serve different types of Biriyanis and are named accordingly. Of all the types of Biriyanis in Kerala, Malabar Biriyani is the tastiest. Malabar Biriyani is made in the Malabar area from Kozhikode, Malappuram, Thalassery to Kasargod of Kerala.
Unlike most other Biriyanis, Malabar biriyani is not too spicy. It comes with a small amount of chilies and one egg.
Kerala Fish Curry
Kerala fish curry is a common and popular dish in Kerala. This red colored fish curry is just like a normal fish curry, but it’s the coconut milk and cocoum that gives it its unique taste. The other ingredients are tomatoes, onions, garlic, green chilies, red chili powder, turmeric, curry leaves and coconut paste.
This fish curry is an apt food for Kerala climate. It is usually made in clay pots, which makes this fish more delicious and even lasts longer.
Buffalo Fry
Buffalo fry is an everyday staple of the locals and definitely a must try dishes for non-vegetarians on their Kerala trip. The tender buffalo is cooked in Kerala style with a mix of coconut and onions. Once the meat is cooked it is generously coated with ginger garlic paste, curry leaves, mustard seeds etc. This dish has a dark hue and is best had with Parotha. .Kallummakkaya
Kallummakkaya is the Malayalam name for mussels. This dish is commonly served in Thalassery and is a staple in parties and other functions. Kallummakkaya is had along with rice. Although this dish is not served in all parts of Kerala, it is very delicious and easily loved by those who have tried it once. Kallummakkaya is also cooked in many other ways like kallummakkaya fry, kallummakkaya roast, kallummakkaya curry and kallummakkaya biriyani. Kallummakkaya is easily one of the tastiest dishes you will have and definitely makes it to the list of must try non-vegetarian dishes in Kerala.
