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Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 13 (IANS) Kerala is a treasure trove for foodies, offering a delightful blend of traditional flavors and contemporary culinary experiences. Whether you are a connoisseur looking for authentic flavors or an adventurous eater eager to explore, here are five extraordinary food spots in Kerala that promise to tantalize your taste buds.
Paragon Restaurant: A Legacy of Taste
Established in 1939 in Kozhikode (Calicut) in northern Kerala, Paragon Restaurant has grown from a simple eatery to one of the most iconic culinary destinations of Kerala. Founded by PM Govindan, whose passion for food inspired him to start the restaurant with his son, PM Valsan, after retiring from the Indian Railways, this venture reflects Govindan’s deep love for cuisine that distinguished him beyond his career as a government official.
Over the decades, it has become a beloved institution famous for preserving the essence of Malabar cuisine while adopting modern flavours. Under the guidance of its third generation management, Paragon has expanded across Kerala and even internationally to Dubai, introducing authentic Kerala taste to a global audience.
Exclusive Dishes and Cooking Magic
Paragon’s menu is a celebration of Malabar’s diverse heritage, featuring dishes inspired by Moplah and Thiyya traditions. Its Malabar Chicken Biryani is famous – made with fragrant Jeerakala rice, tender chicken and a delicate blend of spices. Other favorites include mutton varathiyathu (a spicy, slow-cooked mutton dish), koonthal ularathiyathu (fried squid with aromatic spices), and kozhi porichathu, a crispy, perfectly seasoned fried chicken.
Seafood lovers swear by the crab role, a coastal specialty packed with flavor.
Paragon has restaurants in Kozhikode, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. The Paragon Restaurant remains a shining symbol of the vibrant culinary spirit of Kerala – timeless, delicious and unforgettable.
Pazhayidom: Preservation of the ‘Sadya’ (Festival) Tradition of Kela
Pazhayidom has carved a niche in the rich culinary landscape of Kerala, particularly celebrated for its mastery of traditional vegetarian feasts and mass catering. More than just a restaurant chain, Pazhayidom is deeply rooted in the traditions of Kerala’s ‘Sadya’ (feast) culture – sumptuous, multi-course meals served during festivals, temple occasions, weddings, school and university art festivals and communal gatherings.
Pazhayidom restaurants are in almost every city as well as on the highways all over Kerala.
Traditional ‘Sadya’ (Festival)
What sets Pazhayidom apart is how it carries forward the ritual of ‘Sadya’ with beauty and authenticity. Their menu includes a range of vegetarian Kerala classics: from colorful and flavourful curries like ‘Sambar’, ‘Aviyal’ and ‘Kalan’, to hearty ‘Parippu’ (lentils), crispy ‘Pappadam’, ‘Mezhukkupuratti’ (spicy vegetable stir-fries), ‘Thoran’, fragrant rice served on fresh banana leaves. But the real point of pride lies in their sweets – payasam.
Pazhayidom offers several signature payasams, each rich with coconut milk, jaggery or sugar, sometimes with fruit or nutty notes, each prepared to complete the feast in its ‘sadhya’ or sweet crescendo.
Apart from food, Pazhayadom’s strength lies in its scale and sustainability. They are equipped to provide food to thousands of people during large events, yet manage to maintain taste, texture and visual appeal – no small feat preparing so much food at once.
In short, for anyone who wants to experience pure vegetarian Kerala cuisine in its traditional glory, Pazhayidom offers that – it’s like tasting the heritage, hospitality and festive spirit of Kerala, all rolled into one sumptuous meal.
Mayan Villa
Villa Maya is not just another restaurant – it is an experience rooted in history, ambiance and flavor. Located on Airport Road, Thiruvananthapuram, Villa Maya holds deep historical significance as one of the five major Ammavidas of Thiruvananthapuram.
Stepping inside, you immediately feel as if you’ve stepped back in time – antique furniture, elegant architecture, indoor rooms, charming outdoor courts and tranquil water features complete the setting.
Cuisine-wise, Villa Maya is based on fusion with a deep respect for the culinary DNA of Kerala. Their menu blends together traditional Kerala cuisine with international flavors from Italy, Morocco, France and beyond.
You will find classic Kerala dishes like ‘Appam’ with stew, fish wrapped in banana leaves, prawns in light coconut gravy and seafood platters that highlight the local coastal flavour.
Plus, there are continental creations – pasta, stuffed crab, elegant desserts (like chocolate-coffee fudge, baked curds, and regional sweet treats).
What makes Villa Maya special is the pace: this is not a meal to be rushed. They want you to linger, savoring each course, enjoying the artistic presentation and spontaneity. The service matches the setting – sophisticated, detailed, warm.
Malabar Cafe
Located on the tranquil shores of Bolgatty Island in Kochi, Malabar Café at Grand Hyatt Kochi is a culinary gem that offers a sophisticated yet authentic taste of Kerala. With its beautiful decor and cozy ambiance, it offers both locals and tourists an attractive place to explore the vibrant flavors of the region.
The café’s menu beautifully celebrates the traditional cuisine of Kerala with a modern touch.
Signature dishes include the Malabar Chicken Biryani, rich with fragrant jeerakasala rice and tender chicken, and the famous Karimeen Polichathu – pearl spot fish marinated in spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and gently grilled.
Other highlights include appam with stew, traditional Kerala fish curry, prawn roast, and a delightful range of vegetarian curries showcasing the state’s spice heritage.
The breakfasts here are lavish, including local favorites like ‘puttu’, ‘idiyappam’, ‘dosa’ and fresh tropical fruits.
Kayes Rahmatullah Hotel
Established by VK Kaye in 1948, Kayes Rahmathulla Hotel in Mattancherry, Kochi has evolved into an iconic culinary destination. The restaurant is famous for its signature Kaikka Biryani, a dish celebrated for its perfect blend of aromatic spices, tender meat and fragrant basmati rice, which is slow cooked.
Its Mutton Biryani, in particular, is a must-try, with layers of rich flavors that leave every visitor spellbound.
Apart from mutton, chicken and fish biryani are also highly popular, with each dish offering a unique taste experience. Complementing sides like tangy lemon pickles and crunchy pickled onions enhance the meal, making every meal more memorable.
Kayes launched a second location near the Durbar Hall ground in Ernakulam, serving both locals and tourists who want authentic Kerala taste. The restaurant maintains a simple, unpretentious setting, focusing solely on providing exceptional food rather than flashy decor.
Kayes Rahmathulla Hotel is more than just a place to eat – it is a culinary journey through tradition and flavour, a place where history, culture and food come together in every plate of biryani.
–IANS
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