Kasaragod, the serene northernmost district of Kerala, is not just a feast for the eyes with its emerald landscapes and shimmering backwaters but a culinary treasure trove too. Home to the legendary Malabar cuisine, this region brings to life an extraordinary gastronomic experience.

Steeped in centuries of tradition and influenced by geography, battles, and cultural exchanges, the food here is a celebration of the region's history. Read along to explore the world of Malabar delicacies, hailed as manna from heaven, and discover why Kasaragod offers some of the best food in Kerala.

Kerala, often lovingly referred to as 'God's own country', proudly features several mouthwatering micro cuisines. One such is the Malabar cuisine, famed for its rich flavours, aromatic spices, and variety of dishes.

Manna Malabar cuisine is prevalent in Kerala’s northern districts like Kasargod, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Malappuram. To a great extent, the cuisine is influenced by the cultural diversity of the region and historical trade connections with Arabs, Portuguese, and Dutch. The cuisine boasts a mesmerising blend of spices and coconut with an array of seafood and meats.

The dishes are meticulously prepared using fresh and local ingredients. Curry leaves, green chillies, shallots, ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom come together to create bold, earthy, and sometimes fiery flavours. Every dish tells a tale of innovation and heritage, making Malabar cuisine unmissable for anyone visiting Kasaragod.

Through the years, several dishes have become a part of Kasargod's identity. Let us introduce you to some of these delightful preparations.

Manna Malabar Cuisine#1: Chicken Sukka

An adored preparation that Malabaris turn to when craving a savoury meal, Chicken Sukka is an all-time favourite. This dish is a rich, fragrant curry prepared with an array of spices and grated coconut. Its tantalising flavour profile originates from a combination of Kashmiri chilli peppers, ginger, and a mix of warm spices like cinnamon and cloves.

With its vibrant taste and enticing aroma, Chicken Sukka pairs perfectly with traditional rice-based flatbreads. This delightful local twist on traditional chicken curry is a welcome addition to any meal, no matter the time of day.

Manna Malabar Cuisine#2: Ottupola

Ottupola is a traditional rice-based flatbread often savoured with a delicious curry. The preparation of this homely dish reflects the true simplicity of Malabar cooking. Ottupola is made from a medium-to-thick batter consisting of ground raw rice, grated coconut, cooked rice and salt.

This mixture is then poured into a shallow earthen pan called 'Ottu Chatti' and baked to a golden hue. The traditional techniques and utensils used to cook the Ottupola are believed to add to its distinctive taste.

Manna Malabar Cuisine #3: Neerdosha

Neerdosha is a thinner variant of the Ottupola, made with a batter of the same ingredients. However, the quantity of cooked rice is halved, and the batter is runnier. These delicate pancakes are skillfully prepared on an iron griddle. Neerdosha is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with stews, curries, and chutneys.

Manna Malabar Cuisine #4: Neypathal

Neypathal, also known as rice pathiri, is a deep-fried flatbread made from fine rice powder and rice flour. The thick batter is infused with grated coconut, onion, and cumin. It is then placed onto a thin piece of white cotton cloth and patted into a small round pancake before being dipped into a shallow pan of boiling oil.

This crispy snack is a staple during special occasions and often served with spicy meat curries. It adds a delightful crunch to your meal.

Manna Malabar Cuisine #5: Malabar Dum Biryani

If there’s one dish that illustrates the grandeur of Malabar cuisine, it’s the Dum Biryani. Made with succulent chicken, fish or tender mutton, this biryani is a masterpiece of slow cooking. It is made using special spice blends and techniques that have been handed down through generations.

The meat and rice are layered with the intricate seasoning mix and steamed to perfection, resulting in a dish that is aromatic, flavourful, and unforgettable. Malabar Dum Biryani is the ultimate indulgence and one of the best dishes to try in Kasaragod.

Manna Malabar Cuisine #6: Arikadukka

Seafood lovers cannot miss Arikadukka, a signature Malabar delicacy. Freshly sourced mussels are stuffed with a rice-flour mixture made of soaked rice, coconut, sweet cumin and onion. They are then boiled to perfection in a traditional steaming pot.

Once boiled, the shells are separated and marinated with spices before being fried to a golden crisp. The balance of soft, spicy filling and the crunchy exterior makes this dish a showstopper.

Malabar cuisine isn’t complete without its decadent desserts. Here are a few that bring sweetness to the dining table:.

Unnakkaya: Unnakkaya is a comforting treat that is often enjoyed with tea. This traditional snack is made by stuffing boiled ripe bananas with a mixture of grated coconut, sugar, nuts, and cardamom. The filled bananas are then deep-fried until they turn golden brown and are served hot.

Muttamala: Muttamala is an exquisite dessert made by crafting fine threads from egg yolks, which are then cooked in sugar syrup. It is often paired with a soft, spongy egg white pudding known as 'Pinjanathappam'. Visually resembling noodles, Muttamala demands an elaborate preparation process.

Adukka Orotti: Adukka Orotti is a popular choice for those seeking a mildly sweet treat. It is a soft, pan-cooked flatbread made with rice flour, egg, and coconut milk.

What sets Malabar cuisine apart is its adherence to age-old techniques and traditions. Many dishes owe their unique taste to the use of earthenware, wood-fired stoves, and painstakingly prepared spice blends.

These methods not only enhance the flavours but also preserve the authenticity of each dish. Generations of cooks have passed down their knowledge, ensuring that the cuisine remains rooted in its origins while adapting to modern tastes.

To complement the richness of Kasargod's dishes, traditional beverages such as spiced buttermilk, tender coconut water, and herbal teas are commonly enjoyed. These drinks are refreshing and also balance out the vibrant flavours of the food.

Kasaragod’s Malabar cuisine is a celebration of heritage, community, and flavour. While Malabar cuisine has spread its wings across Kerala and beyond, there’s nothing quite like experiencing it at its origins. Kasaragod’s lively food scene, coupled with its stunning landscapes, makes it an ideal destination for culinary exploration.

At Gateway Bekal, we invite you to embark on a culinary journey through the rich and diverse flavours of Malabar cuisine, right here in the heart of Kasaragod. Our commitment to authentic regional dining is showcased at our all-day dining restaurant, Earth Pavilion, where tradition meets taste in an elegant setting.

Earth Pavilion: A Gastronomic Experience

A visit to the Earth Pavilion restaurant at Gateway Bekal is all it takes to treat your taste buds to an exquisite feast of Malabar Cuisine. Savour the best food in Kasaragod and witness the age-old recipes of Malabar cuisine reimagined by expert chefs with a contemporary twist. As you leave, carry the flavour of Kasaragod's finest culinary creations with you, along with cherished memories of a delightful dining experience that lingers long after the last bite.