What to eat Kerala? culinary specialties and gastronomy

Traditional restaurants are open, as in France, for lunch and dinner, often with a weekly closing day (or two). Some restaurants open only for lunch or dinner. In tourist towns and seaside resorts, restaurants are often open non-stop from morning to night.

Smaller restaurants generally don't accept credit cards, but some now accept payment via an app (GooglePay or similar). Mid-range and high-end restaurants almost all accept payment by credit card.

In the mountains of the Western Ghats and in certain tourist areas, some places offer to fill your water bottle with water for a small fee, to avoid the proliferation of plastic bottles.

In big-city restaurants, be sure to check the price list, which will indicate whether government taxes (10%) and service (between 5 and 10%) are included in the price. The bill can sometimes climb very quickly!

Many travelers consider Kerala's cuisine to be among the best in the country. The best meals are often surprisingly inexpensive and, although not vegetarian, many travelers enjoy the countless vegetarian dishes offered by restaurants. Thali, known as meal in Kerala, is a complete meal traditionally served on a banana leaf and accompanied by unlimited rice. It allows you to sample a multitude of dishes in a single sitting. And don't hesitate to try the famous masala dosa, lentil pancakes with vegetables, especially potatoes: a simple dish, but much appreciated by Westerners... and Indians, who eat them for breakfast. The abundance of fish on the coast further increases the choice at mealtimes, with the catch of the day sometimes displayed on a stall outside restaurants.

Beef. Although cows are sacred in India, it is still possible to find them on the menu of certain restaurants in Kerala, where beef is highly prized, even by Hindus. On a national scale, however, its consumption remains marginal, and beef is favored above all by Muslims.

Always eat with the right hand, the left being considered impure.

To avoid illness, avoid raw vegetables, which are often washed in dubious water, and unpeeled fruit.

Also avoid fruit juices cut with water (ask for them without ice or water), and ice creams sold on the street. Always wash your hands before and after every meal. By sparing your stomach, you'll enjoy India's delights all the more!

It's better toopt for typical local dishes rather than (so-called) continental ones. Many a tourist has fallen ill from a dish of pasta or pizza... Of course, this is not a general rule, but at least Indians know the secrets of a good thali or chicken tikka masala...

For fresh fruit juices, Indians often add sugar or salt. If you don't want any, please specify it when you order.

Smoking is strictly prohibited in public places. Some restaurants have a smoking area, separated from the rest of the room. In the tourist areas and along the coast, it is possible to smoke on some open-air terraces. However, ask the waiter or use your common sense (presence of children or families nearby, etc.) before doing so.

Cafés are open during the day and close in the late afternoon in small towns and in the late evening in large cities. Bars usually open in the late afternoon and close at 10pm.

The prices for an espresso or cappuccino in hotels or cafés are about the same as in France. That said, you are in the land of tea, enjoy it! Prices are much lower in street stalls or in some small shops (count between 10 and 15 Rs for a cup of chai masala).

Imported liquors are subject to high taxes, which makes local brands much more interesting. Be aware that alcohol is expensive in Kerala, and if you want to buy some you will have to go through a liquor shop which is quite complex for a foreigner. If possible, have a local accompany you.

Please note that in Kerala, the legal age for buying and consuming alcohol is 23. Access to bars and pubs is theoretically forbidden to young people under the legal drinking age. In reality, however, some establishments, particularly in seaside resorts, serve alcohol to young tourists.

It isimpossible to visit the country without tasting at least once the masala chai, the Indian tea with milk and spices (ginger, cardamom, pepper, depending on the recipe)... Served hot in a small glass, in a clay or paper cup, it is generally drunk standing up, on the go.

The bars of the cities and the hotels are often the prerogative of an exclusively male clientele, no Indian woman ventures there.

The toddy shops are small establishments serving the local specialty based on natural fermented coconut juice, the toddy, and very spicy local dishes. Take a local with you to experience this unique Kerala experience.

Children are obviously not welcome in bars. However, they are sometimes allowed in most restaurants serving alcohol.

Smoking is strictly prohibited in public places. Smoking areas are available in some restaurants and bars. Smoking is sometimes tolerated in some bars and restaurants with open terraces in seaside resorts.