Wayanad, a picturesque district in the Indian state of Kerala, is a hidden gem that offers a culinary adventure as rich and diverse as its lush landscapes. Nestled in the Western Ghats, this region is not only known for its natural beauty but also for its distinctive local cuisine, which reflects the unique blend of indigenous ingredients, traditional methods, and cultural influences. A culinary tour of Wayanad promises a journey through flavors that are as varied as the region’s terrain. Here’s a guide to some authentic Kerala dishes that you must try while exploring Wayanad’s local cuisine.
1. Puttu and Kadala Curry
No discussion of Kerala cuisine is complete without mentioning Puttu and Kadala Curry. Puttu is a traditional breakfast dish made from steamed rice flour and grated coconut. The cylindrical, soft, and mildly sweet puttu is often paired with Kadala Curry, a spicy and aromatic black chickpea curry. This combination is a staple in Wayanad and reflects the region’s reliance on local, wholesome ingredients. The Kadala Curry is enriched with spices like coriander, cumin, and black pepper, giving it a rich flavor that complements the neutral taste of the puttu.
2. Nadan Kozhi Curry
Nadan Kozhi Curry, or local-style chicken curry, is a quintessential Kerala dish that showcases the region’s love for bold and aromatic flavors. This curry is made with tender pieces of chicken cooked in a gravy of coconut, curry leaves, and a blend of spices including turmeric, coriander, and garam masala. The use of freshly ground spices and coconut provides a depth of flavor that is both earthy and spicy. Served with rice or appam (a type of fermented rice pancake), this dish is a must-try for any visitor.
3. Meen Moilee
For seafood lovers, Meen Moilee is a dish that epitomizes Kerala’s coastal culinary traditions. This Kerala-style fish stew features fish (often kingfish or tilapia) simmered in a fragrant coconut milk-based gravy, flavored with green chilies, ginger, garlic, and a hint of turmeric. The result is a creamy, mildly spiced dish that beautifully balances the freshness of the fish with the richness of the coconut milk. It’s commonly enjoyed with rice or chapatti and is a favorite in Wayanad’s cuisine.
4. Avial
Avial is a quintessential Kerala vegetarian dish that stands out for its unique blend of flavors and textures. It consists of a medley of vegetables—such as carrots, beans, and raw banana—cooked in a coconut-based gravy along with yogurt, curry leaves, and a generous amount of coconut oil. The result is a dish that’s both hearty and refreshing, with the yogurt adding a tangy note to the rich coconut sauce. Avial is often served as part of the traditional Onam Sadya (feast), making it an important dish in Wayanad’s culinary repertoire.
5. Kallappam
Kallappam, or fermented rice pancakes, are another delightful aspect of Wayanad’s cuisine. These soft, spongy pancakes are made from fermented rice batter and coconut, giving them a unique texture and flavor. Kallappam is commonly served with curries, especially coconut-based ones like the Nadan Kozhi Curry. The fermentation process imparts a slight tanginess to the pancakes, enhancing their taste and making them an ideal accompaniment to rich and spicy curries.
6. Pachadi
Pachadi is a type of yogurt-based side dish that adds a refreshing contrast to the spiciness of Kerala’s curries. Made with vegetables or fruits like pineapple or cucumber, Pachadi is prepared by mixing the main ingredient with yogurt, grated coconut, and a tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and dry red chilies. The result is a creamy, mildly spiced dish that offers a cool, soothing element to the meal. It’s often enjoyed as part of a larger spread, adding variety and balance to the meal.
7. Chakka Varattiyathu
Chakka Varattiyathu, or jackfruit preserve, is a specialty of Wayanad that showcases the versatility of jackfruit, a tropical fruit abundant in the region. This dish involves slow-cooking pieces of ripe jackfruit with jaggery (unrefined cane sugar), cardamom, and sometimes coconut. The result is a sweet and sticky preserve that can be enjoyed on its own or as a topping for traditional Kerala breakfast dishes. Its rich flavor and unique texture make it a memorable treat for anyone exploring Wayanad’s culinary landscape.
8. Elaneer Payasam
To conclude your culinary journey through Wayanad, a dessert like Elaneer Payasam is a fitting choice. This sweet dish is made with tender coconut water, coconut milk, and jaggery, resulting in a light, creamy, and refreshing dessert. Often flavored with cardamom and garnished with roasted cashews, Elaneer Payasam is both indulgent and subtly sweet, offering a perfect end to a flavorful meal.
Conclusion
Wayanad’s local cuisine is a reflection of its rich cultural heritage and natural bounty. From the comforting Puttu and Kadala Curry to the flavorful Meen Moilee and the refreshing Pachadi, the dishes of Wayanad offer a delicious insight into Kerala’s culinary traditions. Each dish tells a story of local ingredients, traditional methods, and regional influences, making a culinary tour of Wayanad a truly immersive experience. Whether you’re savoring the earthy flavors of Avial or enjoying the sweet delight of Elaneer Payasam, Wayanad’s cuisine is sure to leave a lasting impression.