Culinary Experience: Diverse Rice – Based Cuisines of Kerala

Discover the soul of Kerala through its rice traditions—where every grain tells a story of culture, resilience, and culinary artistry

Rice is the soul of Kerala’s culinary heritage, deeply intertwined with its landscapes, traditions, and livelihoods. As part of Ekathra’s Culinary Experiences, this programme explores Kerala’s diverse rice-based cuisines, from grand feasts to humble home-cooked meals, revealing the cultural and historical significance of this staple grain.

A highlight of Kerala’s rice tradition is the elaborate Sadya, a grand vegetarian feast served on banana leaves, featuring an array of curries, pickles, and sweets, with boiled Kerala red rice at its heart. Every dish in the Sadya—from the tangy Pulissery to the rich Avial and the irresistible Payasam—creates a harmonious balance of flavors, making it an essential part of festivals and celebrations.

Beyond Sadya, Kerala’s rice traditions extend to the fragrant and spice-laden Malabar Biriyani, a legacy of Arab influences, prepared with aromatic rice, slow-cooked meat, and a medley of spices. Ghee Rice paired with chicken curry is another beloved combination, offering a rich and comforting experience. The simplicity of Kanji (rice gruel) with coconut chammanthi or payar (green gram) is a staple in many homes, symbolizing warmth and nourishment.

The variety continues with flavorful Pulavs and fried rice dishes, often complemented by Kerala’s unique curries like varutharacha chicken curry (roasted coconut-based gravy) and tangy fish curries. Each dish reflects the state’s diverse cultural influences, from indigenous traditions to global connections through trade and migration.

However, the story of rice in Kerala is also one of resilience and revival. Once a major producer of rice, Kerala has seen a decline in paddy cultivation due to urbanization and changing agricultural practices. Yet, many communities are working to revive traditional and endemic rice varieties, conserving heirloom grains that hold both nutritional and ecological significance.

This programme offers guests a chance to engage with paddy farmers, conservationists, and culinary experts who are keeping Kerala’s rice traditions alive. Visitors will experience hands-on cooking sessions, learn about the role of rice in Kerala’s cuisine, and understand its profound cultural and environmental connections.

Join us for a journey through the rice fields and kitchens of Kerala, where every meal tells a story of tradition, sustainability, and culinary excellence.