Must-Try Traditional Dishes of Wayanad: A Culinary Journey

Cooking is one other extraordinary miracle found in Wayanad, hailing from the valley of Kerala’s fertile hillsides. The food here is not only delicious but also copiously flavored by the lap of nature. Whether you're staying at one of the cozy homestays in Wayanad or exploring local eateries, you'll find that the cuisine is predominantly Kerala style with a unique twist from the region’s spicy flair. Here is a detailed list of some traditional dishes that should be preferred to savor the flavor of Wayanad hospitality.

1. Puttu and Kadala Curry

Description: Puttu is a basic Keralite breakfast dish which is ochi made of rice powder and steamed with coconut in between and the dish goes well with Kadala Curry a spicy dish made with chickpeas. The combination is not just fulfilling but at the same time spicy and the dish serves to give a taste of Wayanad’s traditional meal.

Where to Try: Street food joints and popular restaurants and other traditional restaurants in Wayanad.

2. Meen Moilee

Description: The spiced fish curry with coconut milk green chilly and lot of spices which gives the nice flavour to this curry. The fish is then stewed in a thick spicy stock, accompanied by cream for extra thickness, ideal for the regions staple, rice.

Where to Try: Local sea food restaurants and homely kitchen style restaurants in Kerala found in Wayanad.

3. Kappa and Fish Curry

Description: This cassava is known as Kappa and it is boiled, perhaps, and eaten with a spiced fish soup prepared from fresh fish that is locally available. It is well-known among the people and it is exactly that kind of casserole which may satiate a man.

Where to Try: Ney style restaurants in Kerala and local eateries of Wayanad.

4. Nadan Kozhi Curry

Description: This is a flavoursome, slow cooked chicken dish that is made in a curry sauce with spices roasted in coconut, and fresh herbs. This curry is famous for its spicy taste and is integral to Wayanad’s kitchen specialties.

Where to Try: Food joints which sell Keralan food in the traditional style, restaurants and homestead food.

5. Avial

Description: A vegetable stew prepared from vegetables, yogurt, coconut, and spices and groups of spices. The dish Avial is a chief part of any feasts in Kerala, which is served on a banana leaf, and demonstrates the initial usage of fresh vegetables procured from the local market.

Where to Try: Sadhya restaurants and other Kerala specialty restaurants in Wayanad.

6. Elisseri

Description: This dish involves the use of pumpkin, or any vegetable, with coconut, yoghurt, and spices. This, indeed, is quite healthy like most Wayanad vegetarian dishes, and also has quite a flavour when tasted.

Where to Try: Few eateries and houses in Keral giving authentic Keral food.

7. Payasam

Description: An offering on any occasion in Kerala, Payasam is simple rice pudding prepared by boiling rice in milk and jaggery and garnished with spices and nuts. It really completes any meal and it is one of the best dishes that a man can prepare for his family.

Where to Try: There are many restaurants that specialize in serving Desserts and there are traditional restaurants which are again speciality restaurants dealing in Keralite cuisine.

8. Pachadi

Description: An appetizing yogurt-based hit with vegetables and spices that ends the meals on a crisp note. The preparatory dish is enjoyed with rice and is commonly supposed to possess a cooling property and is sour.

Where to Try: Local eaten places and restaurants for Kerala special dishes.

9. Thoran

Description: A type of stir fry vegetable preparation that is dried and prepared with finely chopped vegetables and coconut. Thoran is a common item in Kerala cooking which can be served daily as one of the side dishes.

Where to Try: Houseboats: food mostly resembles that served in other traditional Kerala restaurants and food joints found in Wayanad.

10. Chemmeen Curry

Description: Prawn curry that is wrapped in a rich and spicy gravy of coconut. This delicious fish is cooked in a curry style and relished by the non-vegetarian people of Wayanad.

Where to Try: Sea food restaurants and restaurants selling local Wayanad food.

So, it is the taste buds of Wayanad that reflect the culture and encompass all the natural treasures. This season, treat your palate with mouth-watering traditional foods of Wayanad, from breakfast to dinner and even desserts. Whether you're staying at one of the charming hotels in Wayanad or luxurious resorts in Wayanad, or simply exploring the local cuisine, you’re in for a delightful gourmet experience. Wish you a great culinary journey in this stunning part of the world!