Kerala is not just about scenic backwaters and misty hill stations; it is also a paradise for food lovers. When you book a Kerala Tour Package for 2026, your journey is incomplete without savoring the authentic flavors of the region. The cuisine here is a unique blend of spices, coconut, and fresh seafood that reflects the culture of "God’s Own Country."
Based on the popular travel experiences and destinations included in Paradise Kerala tour packages, we have curated a list of the top 5 food experiences you must try. This guide focuses on the meals and culinary highlights you will encounter during your stay in hotels, houseboats, and resorts across Kerala.
1. The Traditional Kerala Breakfast (Appam and Puttu)
Most Kerala tour packages, especially those covering destinations like Munnar and Thekkady, include a daily breakfast at your hotel. In 2026, travelers are increasingly looking for authentic culinary experiences rather than continental options, and Kerala hotels deliver exactly that.
The most essential start to your day is the traditional Kerala breakfast.
- Appam and Stew: This is a lacy, soft pancake made from fermented rice batter, served with a mild vegetable or meat stew made with coconut milk. It is a staple in the hotel menus included in standard packages.
- Puttu and Kadala: Puttu is a steamed rice cake layered with coconut shavings. It is typically served with 'Kadala,' a black chickpea curry. This is a heavy, healthy breakfast that provides energy for a day of sightseeing in the hill stations.
When you wake up in the tea gardens of Munnar, asking for these local dishes at your hotel buffet is the best way to start your morning.
2. Freshly Cooked Meals on an Alleppey Houseboat
No trip to Kerala is complete without a stay in Alleppey, often referred to as the "Venice of the East." According to the houseboat packages featured on Paradise Kerala, your stay includes all meals on board: lunch, dinner, tea, and breakfast the next morning.
The food served on the houseboat is a distinct experience because it is prepared fresh by the onboard chef using local ingredients.
- Karimeen Pollichathu (Pearl Spot Fish): This is the highlight of houseboat dining. Fresh Pearl Spot fish, caught from the backwaters, is marinated in spices, wrapped in a banana leaf, and grilled to perfection.
- Kerala Fish Curry (Meen Curry): A spicy and tangy fish curry made with 'Kudampuli' (Malabar tamarind) and fresh coconut milk. It is typically served with Kerala Matta rice (red rice).
As your houseboat glides through the serene backwaters, enjoying this seafood feast is an experience listed as a top highlight in most travel itineraries.
3. The "Sadya" Feast
While traveling through cultural hubs like Kochi or during your stay in traditional resorts, you should try the Sadya. This is a vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf.
Although not every single meal in your package will be a Sadya, it is often included as a special lunch option in many Kerala tour packages, especially during the Onam season or upon request at premium hotels.
- What is it? A Sadya consists of 24 to 28 dishes, including rice, sambar, avial (mixed vegetable curry), thoran (dry vegetable dish), pickles, and payasam (dessert).
- How to eat it? It is traditionally eaten with your hands. The combination of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors on a single banana leaf is a gastronomic adventure that offers a true taste of Kerala culture.
4. Spicy Flavors of Thekkady
Thekkady is famous for its spice plantations, and the food here reflects the abundance of fresh pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon. When your tour package takes you to Thekkady for a wildlife safari or spice tour, the local cuisine focuses on these bold flavors
Many family tour packages include dinners at resorts in Thekkady that specialize in spicy non-vegetarian dishes.
- Chicken Curry: Unlike the North Indian gravy, Kerala chicken curry uses roasted coconut paste and curry leaves, giving it a rich texture and dark color.
- Vegetarian Delights: Dishes like 'Avial' and 'Olan' are very popular here. They use fresh drumsticks, pumpkins, and raw bananas cooked in coconut milk.
The cool climate of Thekkady pairs perfectly with hot and spicy food, making it a cozy meal after a day of trekking or sightseeing.
5. Seafood Delicacies of Kovalam
If your Kerala tour package includes a visit to Kovalam, the famous beach destination, you will have access to the freshest catch of the day. Beachside shacks and high-end resorts alike in Kovalam offer seafood that is caught daily from the Arabian Sea.
For a seafood lover, this is the ultimate stop.
- Prawn and Calamari Fry: Lightly battered and fried, these are popular starters for tourists relaxing by the beach.
- Fish Molly: A mild, yellow-colored curry made with coconut milk and whole spices. It is less spicy than the fish curry in Alleppey and is often enjoyed with appams or bread.
Many travellers in 2026 prefer "dining with a view," and Kovalam offers the perfect setting to enjoy these dishes while watching the sunset.
Why Food is Important in Your 2026 Travel Plan
When you look at Kerala tour packages for 2026, you aren't just buying a room; you are buying an experience. The inclusion of breakfast in hotels and all meals on houseboats means you don't always have to hunt for restaurants. However, knowing what to ask for helps you enjoy the local culture better.
The "Sadhya" offers a cultural immersion, while the "Karimeen" on the houseboat offers a culinary exclusive to the backwaters. By trying these top 5 items, you cover the entire spectrum of Kerala’s geography—from the hills to the beaches and the backwaters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is food expensive in Kerala?
No, local food is quite affordable. If you book a tour package, most of your meals (breakfast and houseboat meals) are already paid for. Eating out at local restaurants is also reasonably priced compared to many other tourist destinations.
Is Kerala food very spicy?
Kerala food can be spicy, but it is balanced with coconut milk which cools the palate. If you have a low tolerance for spice, you can always ask for "mild" preparation at your hotel. Houseboat chefs are also very accommodating.
Are vegetarian options easily available?
Yes, Kerala has a wide variety of vegetarian dishes. The "Sadya" is entirely vegetarian, and dishes like Avial, Thoran, and Olan are available in almost all hotel buffets included in tour packages.
What is the staple food of Kerala?
Rice (especially red rice) and tapioca (kappa) are the staple foods. They are usually paired with fish curry or beef fry in non-vegetarian households, or sambar and pickle in vegetarian ones.
Can I get continental food in Kerala?
Yes, hotels in Munnar, Thekkady, and Kovalam that are part of standard tour packages usually offer a multi-cuisine menu including continental, Chinese, and North Indian dishes to suit all travelers.
Exploring the cuisine of Kerala is as important as visiting its tourist spots. From the fluffy Appams of Munnar to the spicy Karimeen of Alleppey and the fresh seafood of Kovalam, every dish tells a story of the land. As you plan your 2026 trip with Paradise Kerala, ensure you keep this list handy to order the best dishes available in your itinerary. Eat well, travel happy, and enjoy the authentic tastes of Kerala