What if I told you the most unforgettable part of Kerala isn’t the houseboats drifting across palm-lined backwaters or the mist rolling over emerald tea gardens — but the first bite of fish wrapped in banana leaf, the aroma of pepper crackling in coconut oil, the warmth of cardamom tea on a cool mountain evening?
In 2026, Kerala isn’t just a destination. It’s a flavour journey. And if you’re travelling through Alleppey, Thekkady, Kochi, and Munnar, here’s how to truly taste God’s Own Country.
🌊 Alleppey (Alappuzha): Best Seafood & Backwater Cuisine
If you’re searching for the best seafood in Kerala, Alleppey is where it begins.
🐟 Must-Try Dishes in Alleppey
Karimeen Pollichathu
Pearl spot fish marinated in spices, wrapped in a banana leaf, and roasted. Smoky, spicy, and iconic to Kerala’s backwaters.
Fish Molee
A mild, coconut milk-based fish curry delicately flavoured with turmeric and green chillies — perfect if you prefer balanced spice.
Kappa & Meen Curry
Boiled tapioca served with fiery red fish curry. Rustic, traditional, and deeply satisfying.
👉 Tourist Tip: A houseboat lunch in Alleppey offers one of the most authentic Kerala food experiences.
🌿 Thekkady: Spice-Rich Kerala Cuisine
Thekkady is surrounded by spice plantations, and the flavours reflect it. Expect bold pepper, roasted coconut, and aromatic gravies.
🌶️ Must-Try Dishes in Thekkady
Pepper Chicken Roast
Loaded with freshly crushed black pepper — rich, intense, and packed with flavour.
Erachi Varutharacha Curry
Slow-cooked meat curry with roasted coconut and spices, creating a smoky, deep taste.
Nadan Kozhi Curry
Traditional Kerala chicken curry with coconut, curry leaves, and robust spices.
👉 Don’t leave without trying fresh plantation-grown cardamom tea.
🏝️ Kochi (Cochin): Street Food & Malabar Specialties
If you're looking for the best food in Kochi, this coastal city offers both street snacks and rich Malabar cuisine.
🍛 Must-Try Dishes in Kochi
Malabar Biryani
Fragrant, gently spiced rice cooked with ghee, fried onions, and juicy meat — lighter yet deeply flavourful.
Thalassery Chicken Fry
Crispy, spice-packed chicken with fennel, shallots, and curry leaves.
Pazham Pori
Golden, crispy on the outside and soft inside, Pazham Pori — also known as Ethakka Appam — is Kerala’s most loved evening snack.
Sadya (Traditional Kerala Feast)
A vegetarian banana-leaf meal with avial, thoran, sambar, pachadi, and payasam. Ideal during festivals.
👉 Kochi is perfect for food lovers who want variety in one city.
⛰️ Munnar: Hill Station Comfort Food & Tea
Cool weather makes everything taste better in Munnar.
☕ Must-Try Dishes in Munnar
Appam with Stew
Soft, lace-edged rice pancakes served with mild coconut-based vegetable or chicken stew.
Puttu & Kadala Curry
Steamed rice-and-coconut cylinders paired with spicy black chickpea curry — wholesome and filling.
Ada Pradhaman
Rich jaggery-based payasam made with rice ada and coconut milk — one of Kerala’s most loved desserts.
👉 Complete your meal with freshly brewed Munnar tea from local estates.
Kerala Food Travel Tips for Tourists (2026)
- Ask for spice levels — Kerala food can be bold.
- Seafood tastes best in coastal towns like Alleppey and Kochi.
- Try a traditional Sadya at least once during your trip.
- Explore small local restaurants for authentic flavours.
Final Word: Come to Kerala Hungry
Kerala’s beauty may draw travellers in, but its food is what leaves a lasting impression. From backwater seafood to spice-heavy curries and comforting hill-station breakfasts, every destination offers a distinct culinary identity.
If you're planning a Kerala itinerary for 2026, make sure your travel plan includes time — and appetite — for these iconic dishes.
Because in Kerala, the journey is delicious. 🌴✨
Hi, I am Thahasin, a blog writer sharing travel guides, best places to visit, and local food recommendations.