One part of traveling that I always look forward to is trying the local food. In my Kerala Blog Express Season 4 trip, I was able to enjoy the cuisine of Kerala, India. A blend of spice and sauces filled my palate for the 15 days that we traversed this southwestern Indian state.
The one thing that really captured my culinary delight during the entire trip was the Sadya Feast. We particularly experienced this kind of meal at the Centre for Harmonious Living in Palakkad. Seated on the mats by the floor, with banana leaves spread in front of each one of us that would be our plates, we waited for our food to be served. It’s a traditional meal and there are distinct ways as to how the banana leaf is spread, as well as how the food are positioned on the leaf. Our Sadya was composed of rice, dishes, pickles, sauces, soup, local wafer, dessert, and banana, which were served to us piece by piece. We ate with our hands, which wasn’t difficult as it is also a custom in the Philippines.
Other Kerala food that really left an enduring taste on my mouth were Vada, Iddly and Oothappam that are paired with various kinds of Chutney (I like the Chutneys) or stew, Sambar, Poori Masala, Tandoori Squid, Shrimp Biriyani, Seacrab Masala, and so much more! Even the traditional snacks and desserts were yummy! I also tried the “toddy” a local wine from coconut sap, which was very similar to the “tuba” in the Philippines.
Of course, you have to prepare yourself with the various flavors of the spices, some may be too spicy to your taste. I would say that it could be an acquired taste for some who are more used to other cuisines that are very unlike Indian food. If you are a vegan or vegetarian, there are several options for you in Kerala.
The hotels also impressed us with their food. Our first dinner at Xandari were really delectable, especially the Xandari Salad, the Grilled Fish & Tiger Prawns, and the Red spinach & mushroom Bouritos with pico de gallo and sour cream. Our meals aboard our houseboat were also delectable, particularly the fish dishes. It was in the Coconut Lagoon where I had to choose from 18 pickles. That many!
Marriott Kochi was generous with their surprise treats — chocolates with our blog URLs in it! The buffet breakfast featuring various cuisines from all over Kerala were prepared before us by the Marriott staff. Wayanad Wild served us with Chemmeen Kizhi (shrimps wrapped in leaves), Meen Nirachadu, and a traditional Wayanadan dessert called Mulayari Payasam. The salads, desserts, welcome food (whether at the reception or in our rooms), and buffets of all the hotels we stayed in really filled our appetite.
Every dining experience throughout this adventure was really special. We had snacks in the tiger reserve, surrounded by water; we also had meals in the middle of a forest; we ate in a campsite; we dined by a riverbank; we enjoyed our meals in a boat; and the list is endless.
Here are the restaurants and hotels in various cities and districts of the Indian state of Kerala that hosted us for our meals, offering us wonderful dishes and line-up of menu. Let’s start from the southern part of Kerala and make our way towards the north of the state.
Thiruvananthapuram
Leela
Uday Samudra
KTDC Samudra
Alappuzha
Rainbow Cruises
Kumarakom
Coconut Lagoon
Kumily & Thekkady
Club Mahindra
Kofiland
Green Woods
KTDC The Lake Palace
KTDC Aranya Nivas
Carmelia Haven
Munnar
Tea County Munnar
Kalypso Adventures
Kochi
Xandari Harbour
Bolgatty Palace
Marriott Hotel
North Paravur
Club Mahindra
Cheruthuruthy and Palakkad
River Retreat
The Blue Yonder
Centre for Harmonious Living
Kozhikode
Raviz Kadavu
Raviz Calicut
Wayanad
Vythiri Village
Wayanad Wild
Thalassery
Ayisha Manzil
Bekal
Neeleshwar Hermitage
Vivanta By Taj
Bekal Ripples; Kadavu Amenity Centre (Boat terminal, Ayitti)
This article is part of the over-arching post First-time in Kerala: God’s Own Country where you will find the list of my blog posts related to this trip. Get updates on the Kerala Blog Express at the http://keralablogexpress.com/ and check #keralablogexpress #tripofalifetime and #liveinspired in social media channels like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.