Kerala is famous for its distinctive cuisine. Blessed with a wide marine water spread and inland water bodies, the coastal state of Kerala ranks as the most significant fish landing state in peninsular India. So naturally, this ensures that seafood forms an integral part of the cuisine of Kerala. Numerous specialties that differ depending on each region and community have been created as a result of the fresh produce availability.
Famous seafood in Kerala
Taste the local flavor of fresh seafood in Kerala served at the seaside stalls on the spectacular beaches. Some popular varieties of fish consumed include shrimp, cuttlefish, squid, oil sardines (mathi chala), mackerel (ayila), prawn (chemmeen), silver bellies (mullans), tuna, rays, and shark. Even crabs, mussels, and oysters comprise popular seafood items. Mussels are the all-time favorite seafood in Kerala; a special dish consisting of mussels and rice flour, cooked in the shell, is called “arikadukka” and is a rage among tourists visiting the land.
The delightful seafood fare in Kerala includes various forms of fish fry or fish curry cooked with different Kerala spices, coconut, and vegetables. “Karimeen Mappas,” or fried fish, is very popular among seafood lovers, as is a fish curry called “Fish Moilee.” Meen Vevichathu, or fish in fiery red chilly sauce, and prawn curry in coconut gravy, are among Kerala’s all-time favorite seafood dishes.
Another seafood delicacy you must try is the traditional Kerala grilled fish liberally covered with spiced onion curry and wrapped in a banana leaf. You can also sample a filet of deliciously spiced kingfish and jumbo prawns, served with a dash of lemon juice and accompanied by loads of lightly-spiced calamari rings and a delectable vegetable platter. Some unique preparations of lobster and scampi are also worth trying while sampling seafood in Kerala.
List of Places where you can try Seafood in Kerala
Kerala is known for having the best seafood, so if you love it, this is the spot for you. If you’re looking for fish, squid, prawns, or crabs, you should go to the locations listed below. The greatest seafood you’ve ever tasted can be found in these locales.
- Trilogi
- Imperial Kitchen
- Cassava
- Thakkaaram
- The Tides
- Samudra Floating Restaurant
- Paragon Restaurant