From Avial To Malabar Biryani: 5 Must-Try Traditional Dishes From Kochi

Also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Kochi is undoubtedly the clearest illustration of how Indian cultural contacts make a lasting impression, which is then effortlessly woven into the regional cultural fabric. A distinctive feature of Kochi, in addition to its historic importance and abundance of tourist attractions is its food.

Be it the taste, texture, or authenticity, Kochi’s food is unique in its ways. Here are five mouth-watering traditional dishes to try when you visit Kochi.

1. Avial

Made with mixed vegetables, Avial is a significant part of the traditional Kerala meal, also known as Sadya (a variety of traditional vegetarian dishes usually served on a banana leaf). It is prepared with ground coconut and spices. This is a hot pot dish, usually served with rice. It is one of the healthiest vegetarian dishes available in Kochi.

2. Idiyappam With Curry

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Idiyappam, also known as string hopper, is a rice noodle dish that has a lovely texture from the interlacing of several thin strands of pressed rice flour balls. Idiyappam can be served with practically any curry and tastes delicious because it is made of rice flour, water, and salt. It is served with spicy egg curry or stew.

3. Nadan Kozhi Varuthathu

One of Kochi’s most popular chicken dishes is Nadan Kozhi Varuthathu, which is made by frying the boneless chicken with dried red chillies, ginger, onion, garlic, coriander, and vinegar. It can be eaten as a side dish or a snack and is commonly referred to as spicy fried chicken. Usually, the dish is served with rice, roti, or parotta (an Indian flatbread).

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4. Biryani

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One of India's all-time favourite non-veg dishes is biryani. There are regional variations in the making of biryani. North India alone boasts of a vast array of preparations. Kochi is famous for its Malabar biriyani. The distinct methods and processes used in one of Kochi's popular dishes, together with the choice of Khaima rice, set it apart among many tourists and food bloggers. The traditional process uses clay pots to give the biryani its distinct flavour of earthy smokiness.

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5. Fish Molly

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This popular dish in Kochi is a mild version of the spicy curries served all over Kerala. To make this delicacy, the fish is cooked to perfection with spices and it can be served with appam, rice, or just as it is.

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