Flavors of Kerala: Top 5 Breakfast Dishes

People in Kerala traditionally prepare puttu by steaming ground rice and layering it with grated coconut. Its cylindrical shape and the use of coconut give it a soft, crumbly texture that defines this beloved breakfast dish.

Have you ever thought about visiting God’s own country, Kerala? If so, be sure to try some of the amazing dishes that will make you want to stay longer. Kerala’s breakfast cuisine is a delightful blend of rich culture and tropical flavors, offering hearty, home-cooked goodness.

You’ll find delicious rice-based dishes, such as puttu, appam, dosa, and idiyappam, typically served alongside coconut-infused curries or stews. The generous use of coconut, fresh curry leaves, and local spices gives each dish a unique taste that’s both comforting and nutritious. You won’t want to miss out on this culinary adventure.

                 A Taste of Tradition: Kerala’s Breakfasts That Warm the Soul

Puttu Kadala

People in Kerala traditionally prepare puttu by steaming ground rice and layering it with grated coconut. Its cylindrical shape and the use of coconut give it a soft, crumbly texture that defines this beloved breakfast dish. As a result, this gives a mild flavor. Puttu is often served alongside Kadala Curry.

It is a flavorful black chickpea dish that includes roasted coconut, shallots, curry leaves, and a blend of traditional spices. This pairing showcases the rich culinary heritage of Kerala.  Furthermore, this also provides a nutritious breakfast option, as it is rich in fiber, protein, and essential nutrients.

Additionally, the meal is frequently accompanied by ripe bananas or papad, enhancing the overall flavor. Puttu and Kadala Curry are considered a beloved comfort food in many Keralite households.

Appam and Stew

Appam is characterized as a soft, lacy rice pancake that features a light, fluffy center and crispy edges. It is produced from a fermented mixture of rice and coconut batter. This imparts a subtle sweetness and enhances its flavor.  Traditionally, cooks pair this dish with stew, known locally as ‘ishtu.’

They prepare the mildly spiced curry using vegetables or meat, often chicken or mutton. To make the stew, they simmer the main ingredients in creamy coconut milk, then enrich it with green chilies, ginger, curry leaves, and whole spices like cinnamon and cloves.

Idiyappam and Egg Curry or Vegetable Curry

Cooks make idiyappam, or string hoppers, by pressing rice flour dough into fine noodles and steaming them to perfection. These light and airy noodles easily absorb the rich flavors of the curries they accompany. For instance, pairing them with egg curry creates a protein-rich, hearty meal. Many also serve them with vegetable curry, prepared using seasonal vegetables simmered in creamy coconut milk and mild spices. It’s both wholesome and comforting.

Dosa and Sambar

Dosa with Sambar is a beloved breakfast dish in Kerala and all over South India. People cherish dosa for its crispy texture and comforting flavors. They make this thin, golden-brown crepe using a fermented batter of rice and urad dal (black gram). It tastes best when served hot with sambar, a flavorful lentil-based vegetable stew.

Sambar has the flavor from tamarind, curry leaves, mustard seeds, and various veggies like drumsticks, carrots, and tomatoes. Consequently, the tangy and spicy taste of Sambar pairs perfectly with the mild, crispy dosa. Often, you’ll find it served with refreshing coconut chutney, making it a wholesome meal that’s light, nutritious, and energizing, just what you need to kickstart your day.

Pathiri and Chicken Curry

Pathiri is a beloved breakfast dish that holds a special place in the hearts of many, especially in the Malabar region of Kerala. This dish itself is a light and soft flatbread made from finely ground rice flour. People love this dish for its delicate texture and subtle flavor. To complement this, they often pair it with a rich meat curry, usually made with beef or chicken. To prepare the chicken curry, cooks roast coconut and shallots, then blend them with aromatic spices to create a deeply flavorful gravy. As expected, those fluffy pathiris soak up all the rich, spicy goodness of the curry, making each bite a delight. It’s gluten-free and easy on the stomach.

Breakfast in Kerala is so much more than just a meal; it’s a delightful feast that brings people together. More importantly, it’s a time to celebrate the vibrant culture and warm hospitality of Kerala, where families come together to enjoy delicious and wholesome food that nourishes both the body and soul. So, join us as we explore the rich and exciting flavors of Kerala’s breakfasts in our feature on the Top 5 Breakfasts, only in The World Times.