Savor Kerala's Finest: 8 Signature Dishes from the Heart of Little Chembaka Kumarakom

As you arrive at our villa nestled along the canal, surrounded by lush greenery after your journey through the skies, you’ll be welcomed by a vibrant spread of home-cooked dishes and the unmistakable aroma of freshly ground spices. The vegetables, just picked from our garden that very morning, and the fish, freshly caught from the nearby river, are the stars of the show. But more than just the ingredients, it's the stories behind each dish that make this experience truly unique. Our dishes sing a welcome song to you as they serve as a gateway to experiencing Kerala’s culinary soul, curated lovingly by our home chefs.

Our home chefs, whose skills have been passed down through generations, offer a farm-to-table experience like no other. As you savor each bite, they share tales of their grandparents preparing the same meals using time-honored techniques, ensuring that every dish carries the essence of Kerala’s rich culinary heritage.

Let us take you on a journey through 8 signature dishes that await you at our villa.

1. Puttu and Egg Roast:

A Breakfast Delight Start your morning with Puttu and Egg Roast, a beloved Kerala breakfast that is both simple and satisfying. Puttu, made from steamed rice flour layered with grated coconut, is served alongside a spicy egg roast, where boiled eggs are cooked in a flavorful masala of onions, tomatoes, and spices.

Puttu with Egg Roast (P.C: Wikimedia Commons)

This dish is a perfect example of Kerala’s knack for turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The soft, crumbly texture of the puttu soaks up the rich masala of the egg roast, creating a balance of flavors that is both hearty and delicious.

2. Appam and Fish Molly:

A Fusion of Cultures One of the quintessential dishes you’ll encounter is Appam and Fish Molly. The light, fluffy rice pancakes, known as appams, are a delicate balance of texture and flavor. Paired with the creamy and mildly spiced Fish Molly, this dish is a perfect example of how Kerala’s cuisine blends indigenous ingredients with foreign influences.

Appam with Fish Molly (P.C: Pinterest)

Fish Molly, with its lightly flavored coconut milk base, carries a subtle sweetness that enhances the delicate flavor of the fish. Our home chefs prepare this dish using a blend of Kerala’s famous spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom, echoing the influence of European missionaries who introduced these techniques to Kerala centuries ago.

3. Kappa and Fish Curry:

A Story of Survival Kappa and Fish Curry is more than just a delicious meal—it’s a dish with a history rooted in survival. In the 18th century, when Kerala faced a famine, the Portuguese introduced tapioca (kappa), which became a staple food for the working class. This humble root vegetable is now a beloved part of Kerala’s culinary landscape.

Kappa with Fish Curry (P.C: pachakam.com)

At our boutique experiential villa, the kappa is boiled and mashed, served alongside a fiery red fish curry made with freshly caught fish and tamarind-infused coconut gravy. The boldness of the curry perfectly complements the soft, earthy flavor of the kappa, making this a true Kerala comfort food with a story to tell.

4. Thiruvathira Puzhukku: A Celebration of Tradition For those who seek to understand Kerala’s deep cultural and religious traditions, Thiruvathira Puzhukku is a must-try. This dish, made from boiled root vegetables like yam, colocasia, and sweet potato, is traditionally prepared during the Thiruvathira festival, a celebration of devotion to Lord Shiva.

Thiruvathira Puzhukku (P.C: natureLoC.com)

The puzhukku is flavored simply with grated coconut, green chilies, and cumin, allowing the natural sweetness of the vegetables to shine. Served with a dash of coconut oil, this dish offers a glimpse into Kerala’s ancient festival traditions, where food is a central part of religious observances.

5. Thalassery Biryani:

A Fusion of Flavors No culinary journey in Kerala would be complete without tasting Thalassery Biryani, a dish that is a symbol of Kerala’s rich trading history. This biryani stands apart from other regional versions in India due to its unique preparation, which blends Arabic cooking techniques with Kerala’s indigenous spices.

Thalassery Biryani

In our kitchen, the biryani is made with fragrant jeerakasala rice, marinated chicken, and a blend of fresh herbs and spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. The dish is cooked in a sealed pot to trap the aromas, resulting in a biryani that is light yet flavorful, with each grain of rice perfectly infused with spices. This dish is a tribute to the centuries of trade between the Middle East and Kerala, and it’s one that will leave you craving more.

6. Neychoru and Curries: A Kerala Classic

The comforting richness of Neychoru (ghee rice) paired with a variety of curries is a staple in many Kerala households, and it’s a dish we love serving to our guests. The rice, cooked with ghee, whole spices, and crispy fried onions, offers a fragrant and buttery base for the flavorful curries that accompany it.

Neychoru (P.C: onmanorama.com)

Whether it’s a spicy Nadan Kozhi Curry (traditional chicken curry), a rich mutton curry, or a vegetarian option like avial (a mix of seasonal vegetables cooked with coconut), this combination represents the heart of Kerala’s home-cooked meals. Each curry is crafted with the freshest ingredients, ensuring that every bite bursts with authentic flavor.

7. Kerala Meals: A Feast for Special Occasions

If you’re visiting during a special occasion, you’ll be treated to a lavish spread of Kerala Meals. This feast includes rice, meat curries, fish dishes, and an array of vegetarian options. Each dish is prepared with care, showcasing the diversity of flavors that make Kerala cuisine so unique.

Kerala Lunch Preparation (P.C: wikimedia commons)

The meal often begins with a light fish fry, followed by a rich meat curry like mutton or beef. The vegetarian options include dishes like thoran (stir-fried vegetables with coconut) and olan (a delicate curry made with ash gourd and coconut milk). This combination of dishes offers a complete sensory experience, with each bite introducing new layers of flavor.

8. Sadhya: A Vegetarian Feast on Banana Leaves

A traditional Sadhya is an experience like no other. Served on a banana leaf, this vegetarian feast is a must-try for those looking to experience Kerala’s culinary traditions at their finest. The meal includes brown rice, an array of vegetable dishes, pickles, and curries, all of which are served in small portions, allowing you to savor a variety of flavors. From the tangy sambar to the creamy parippu curry (lentil curry), each dish in the sadhya has its own distinct flavor profile.

Kerala Sadhya

The meal often ends with a sweet payasam, a rice pudding that is the perfect conclusion to this elaborate feast. At our boutique experiential villa in Kumarakom, the food you’ll enjoy is more than just sustenance—it’s a journey through Kerala’s rich culinary history, prepared with love and care by our home chefs.

Each dish tells a story, connecting you to the traditions, flavors, and cultural heritage of this beautiful region. Whether you’re savoring a bowl of fish curry, indulging in a plate of biryani, or enjoying a traditional sadhya, every meal is an opportunity to experience the essence of Kerala.