10 Irresistible Kerala Snacks You Need To Try
Craving something delicious and unique? Kerala, known as "God's Own Country," offers a variety of snacks that will make your taste buds dance. From crispy banana chips to spicy pazham pori, these treats are perfect for any time of day. Imagine biting into a parippu vada, a crunchy lentil fritter, or savoring the sweet and sticky uniyappam. Each snack tells a story of Kerala's rich culture and history. Whether you're a fan of savory or sweet, there's something for everyone. Ready to take your snack game to the next level? Let's dive into the world of Kerala snacks and find your new favorite treat!
Savor the Flavors of Kerala
Kerala, known as "God's Own Country," offers a culinary journey like no other. The state’s snacks are a delightful mix of sweet, savory, and spicy, reflecting its rich cultural heritage. Here are ten irresistible Kerala snacks you need to try.
Crunchy and Savory Delights
Kerala's savory snacks are perfect for those who love a bit of crunch and spice. These treats are often enjoyed with a hot cup of tea.
Banana Chips Thinly sliced bananas fried to a crisp, these chips are a staple in Kerala. They come in both salted and sweet versions, making them a versatile snack.
Pazham Pori Ripe bananas dipped in a sweet batter and deep-fried to golden perfection. This snack is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Parippu Vada Made from ground lentils mixed with spices, these fritters are deep-fried until crispy. They are a popular tea-time snack.
Sweet Treats to Satisfy Your Cravings
Kerala's sweet snacks are a treat for the taste buds. These delicacies often feature coconut, jaggery, and rice flour.
Unniyappam Small, round, and sweet, these rice flour dumplings are flavored with jaggery, banana, and coconut. They are fried until golden brown.
Achappam Also known as rose cookies, these are made from a batter of rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar. They are deep-fried using a special mold to give them a unique shape.
Kozhukatta Steamed rice dumplings filled with a mixture of grated coconut and jaggery. They are soft, sweet, and mildly spiced with cardamom.
Unique and Flavorful Bites
Some Kerala snacks offer a unique blend of flavors that you won’t find anywhere else. These bites are a must-try for any food lover.
Kappa Vevichathu Boiled tapioca seasoned with turmeric, salt, and grated coconut. It’s often served with a spicy fish curry or chutney.
Ela Ada Rice flour dough filled with a sweet mixture of coconut and jaggery, wrapped in banana leaves, and steamed. The banana leaf imparts a distinct aroma to the snack.
Chakka Varuthathu Jackfruit chips made by deep-frying thin slices of raw jackfruit. They are crispy, slightly sweet, and incredibly addictive.
Spicy and Tangy Nibbles
For those who enjoy a bit of heat and tanginess, Kerala has snacks that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Puli Inji A tangy and spicy ginger pickle made with tamarind, jaggery, and green chilies. It’s often served as a side dish but can be enjoyed as a snack on its own.
Savoring Kerala's Snack Delights
Kerala offers a rich variety of snacks that are both delicious and unique. From the crispy Banana Chips to the sweet Unniyappam, each snack tells a story of the region's culture and traditions. Pazham Pori and Parippu Vada are perfect for those who love savory treats, while Achappam and Kozhukatta cater to those with a sweet tooth. Don't miss out on Kappa Vevichathu and Chakka Varuthathu for a taste of local ingredients. Ela Ada and Sukhiyan round out the list with their unique flavors and textures. Trying these snacks is a must for anyone visiting Kerala. They offer a glimpse into the culinary heritage of this beautiful state. So, next time you're in Kerala, make sure to indulge in these irresistible snacks. Your taste buds will thank you!
