Moplah cuisine dishes are a blend of bold spices, fresh ingredients, and cooking techniques passed down through generations. Each dish offers an unparalleled taste of the region's rich culture.

Reason #1: Moplah Biryani

Moplah Biryani is one of the most iconic dishes in Moplah cuisine. Unlike other regional biryanis, this dish uses short-grain rice sourced from the Malabar region. It is typically made with mutton, chicken, or sometimes beef, marinated with fragrant spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and bay leaves, along with yoghurt and onions.

What sets this dish apart is the clever use of coconut milk; this gives it a rich, creamy texture and a hint of sweetness to complement the spices. It is served with raita or a tangy vegetable curry, adding extra punch to an already flavourful dish.

Reason #2: Koonthal Varuthatu (Squid Roast)

Koonthal Varuthatu, or Squid Roast, is another signature dish in Moplah cuisine. It features fresh squid marinated with a host of spices, including turmeric, red chilli powder, coriander, garam masala, and curry leaves, which are an essential Moplah ingredient.

The squid is then roasted or fried in coconut oil until it turns crispy golden brown on the outside but remains juicy inside. The key is to carefully cook the squid so it doesn't become rubbery. Served as an appetiser or a side dish, Koonthal Varuthatu is best enjoyed with pathiri (rice pancakes), Neichoru (ghee rice), or porotta.

Reason #3: Moplah Mutton Stew

A comforting yet flavourful dish, Moplah Mutton Stew is a rich, aromatic broth of spices, herbs, and coconut milk with tender mutton pieces. The mutton is marinated with ginger, garlic, turmeric, and green chillies and simmered in a stew until tender and juicy.

Whole spices like cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon give the stew a fragrant aroma, complemented by coconut milk, which adds a subtle sweetness. This creamy, mildly spiced stew pairs perfectly with pathiri, appam, or porotta.

Reason #4: Pathiri

Pathiri is a traditional bread made from rice flour. A staple in many Moplah meals, it pairs well with curries like Moplah Mutton Stew or Malabar Fish Curry. The dough is made from rice flour and water and then flattened and rolled into thin circles of six or seven inch diameter. It is cooked on a flat pan until it puffs up, creating a slightly chewy and soft texture.

In some variations, Pathiri can be stuffed with meat or vegetables before being cooked, making it a complete meal on its own. This light, fluffy bread can soak up flavours, making it a perfect accompaniment to the bold and spicy Mopalah curries.

Reason #5: Neichoru (Ghee Rice)

Neichoru or Ghee Rice is among the most popular dishes in the Moplah cuisine. As the name suggests, this dish features fragrant rice cooked with generous amounts of ghee, which gives it a rich flavour and a beautiful golden shade. Spices like cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and bay leaves further elevate its taste. These spices infuse the rice with a warm flavour, striking a perfect balance between sweetness and spiciness.

Neichoru is served at weddings and special occasions. It can be enjoyed on its own or with chicken curry, raita, and pickle. The combination of Neichoru with these sides offers a complete, satisfying meal.

Reason #6: Ayakura Porichethu

The name ‘Ayakura’ refers to fish and ‘Porichethu’ means fried or pan-roasted. The dish is typically made using kingfish or other local fish varieties. The fish is marinated with a mixture of spices, including turmeric, chilli powder, coriander powder, and black pepper. A hint of tamarind and ginger gives Ayakura Porichethu a pungent and tangy flavour.

The fish is fried in coconut oil, which adds extra richness to the dish. Ayakura Porichethu is typically served with rice or porotta, which help balance the richness of the fried fish. It is a staple in many Moplah households, especially during festivals and gatherings.

Reason #7: Kakarotti

Kakarotti is another traditional Moplah dish served as a snack or side dish. It is made from a dough of rice flour, which is shaped into small dumplings and steamed until soft and pillowy. Spices, such as coriander powder, turmeric, cumin, black pepper, and chilli powder are used to add flavour to the dish. Curry leaves, a key ingredient in Moplah cooking, are often added to Kakarotti for added fragrance.

The steamed rice dumplings provide a soft, chewy base, while the spices add a hint of warmth and heat. Kakarotti is usually served with tamarind chutney or yoghurt to balance the heat of the spices.

At Gateway Bekal, our expert chefs bring the vibrant flavours of Moplah cuisine to life. Using only the finest locally sourced ingredients and traditional cooking techniques,we ensure every dish is an ode to the region’s uniqueness.

Indulge in signature dishes that perfectly capture the essence of the Malabar Coast, such as the aromatic Thalasseri Chicken Biryani, the delicate Nei Pathiri paired with flavourful fish or chicken curry, and the fiery Ayakura Porichethu, where fish is grilled to perfection with a blend of red chillies and aromatic spices. Don't miss the mouth watering Kakarotti, a dish made with steamed rice dumplings tossed in roasted spices, offering a unique twist to the Moplah culinary experience.

For an immersive experience, join our live cooking sessions. These interactive sessions allow guests to learn from our chefs, who share their expertise and the secrets behind the dishes. It offers a perfect way to connect with the rich culinary heritage of the Malabar region and experience the spices and cooking methods that define Moplah cuisine. From mastering the art of Gateway Bekal to discovering the secret of grilling fish perfectly, these sessions provide a hands-on opportunity to explore the culinary culture of the Malabar region.

At Gateway Bekal, we offer more than just a meal; we provide an immersive culinary journey that allows you to experience Kerala's cultural heritage through its diverse flavours and ingredients. Whether you choose to dine in our restaurant, savour traditional meals, or participate in our live cooking sessions, we promise you an unforgettable experience. Join us to get a taste of Kerala as we blend spices, history, and tradition onto every plate.