Vadakara, located in the heart of Kerala, is a treasure trove of gastronomic pleasures just waiting to be discovered. This lovely seaside town is well-known for its wonderful cuisine, which combines Kerala’s rich flavors with regional specialties.
Start our food adventure with the iconic Malabar Biriyani, a fragrant and flavorful rice dish cooked with juicy pieces of chicken, mutton, beef or fish. Vadakara’s Biriyani is a culinary masterpiece, with its secret blend of spices and aromatic ghee that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. The rice grains are perfectly seasoned, each bite delivering a burst of flavors. The tender marinated meat is cooked to perfection ensuring a taste that is both spicy and savory. A plate of Malabar Biriyani is a symphony of taste and it’s a dish that exemplifies Vadakara’s gastronomic prowess.
Meen Pollichathu
Seafood lovers will be in heaven at Vadakara. The town’s coastal location ensures a constant supply of fresh fishes. One must experience ‘Meen pollichathu’ a mouth watering fish delicacy prepared with a blend of spices, coconut and tamarind, all wrapped in a banana leaf. The fish is marinated with aromatic spices, making it juicy and rich in flavor. The banana leaf wrapping not only imparts aroma to the dish but also keeps the fish tender and succulent. This dish is really a treat for the senses.
Kallumakkaya Ularthiyathu
Another must try dish is Kallumakkaya ularthiyathu, a spicy and tangy preparation of mussels that showcases the region’s love for bold flavours. The mussels are slow cooked with a medley of spices and grated coconut resulted in a dish in which tender mussels are packed with an unforgettable taste.
Porotta and Beef Curry
One must savor the combination of famous Kerala Porotta with steamy beef curry for a truly authentic experience. Kerala Porotta is a flaky, layered dish made by kneading the dough with ghee and then folding and rolling into thin layers creating a crispy and flaky texture. Beef curry which is made by overnight marination of tender beef with flavors, spices and gets slow cooked on firewood with an admixture of aromatic spices making it a perfect combo for Kerala Porotta.
Kappa and Meen Curry
Next one to try is Kappa and meen curry. This is a dish made from tapioca and served with spicy fish curry. It’s a delightful combination of textures and tastes, with the soft and starchy tapioca blends perfectly with the spiciness of fish curry.
Kozhi Varuthuarachathu
Another delight to explore is kozhi varuthuarachathu spicy chicken curry which is cooked with roasted and ground coconut giving it a unique depth of flavor. The spices and coconut with tender chicken will make a symphony of tastes which will make you feel nostalgic.
Ela Ada
Vadakara is also famous for desserts. The sweet and creamy Ela ada, a steamed rice pancake filled with coconut and jaggery is a popular local treat. Each bite of Ela ada is a delightful mix of sweetness of jaggery and richness of grated coconut. It’s a culinary masterpiece showcase the use of local ingredients to make a world class dish.
Pazham Pori
Also don’t miss to experience the pazham pori or deep fried banana fritters, perfect for your sweet cravings. Ripe banana is sliced and dipped in batter and fry them in pure coconut oil until they become golden color and crispy. A new combination of pazham pori with beef curry is a local trendy cuisine where you can have the sweetness and crispiness of banana fritters almond with the spiciness and aroma of tender beef curry which is really an eye-popping combo.
Pathiri
Also you must explore different types of Pathiri, a soft thin rice pancake which is a staple dish in Malabar cuisine. Also there is Pazham nirachathu , Kallumakkaya nirachathu, Mutta maala , Unnakai, Irachi pathiri and many more local delicacies to explore and experience.
When it comes to beverages, Vadakara’s special tea, locally known as “Sulaimani”, is a must try. It’s a spiced tea with a hint of lemon that offers the perfect balance of flavors. “Sulaimani” is brewed with a blend of spices that create a warm and soothing sensation with each sip. The touch of lemon adds a refreshing touch to the traditional tea which makes it a delightful retreat.
Vadakara’s food scene is not just about the taste but it’s an experience. You can enjoy your meal on banana leaves, enhancing the authenticity of your food journey. The simple yet intimate atmosphere adds to the overall charm of dining experience, making it a memorable part of your visit.
Vadakara’s cuisine is a vibrant fusion of tradition and innovation, offering a range of flavors and textures that will leave a lasting impression on every food lover. So if you are a food enthusiast, Vadakara is truly a paradise that should be on your travel radar. You can find fine dining stays like Crystal suites Four star hotel at Vadakara. Crystal suites will provide a comfortable and luxurious stay along with a wide array of international and local cuisines. Dedicated and experienced chefs at crystal suites will make you experience and explore this gastronomic journey. Your taste buds will thank you for embarking on this unforgettable food adventure in Vadakara.