Ethnic Foods to Try in Wayanad

Kerala is known for its cuisine. The reason why it is such a people pleaser is because of the variety of dishes it features, and it has everything that suits different kinds of taste palettes. And the Wayandan take on this is going to be a commendable and spectacular one because of the abundance of homegrown spices that are put into it. A place or a trip is not just reminisced through its visuals, but the food that you have had also is a major part of cherishing the entire journey. Here are the different ethnic foods that you have to get your hands on if you’re someone who is planning an exquisite trip to the foothills of this enthralling beauty of the Western Ghats. 

Malabar Biriyani

If you are a foodie and a non-vegetarian, this biryani is something that you shouldn’t miss out on. Malabar Biriyani is a dish that makes anyone drool. It is different from the other biryanis as it is made using a different kind of rice. It is small and fragrant. Now, mixing this with juicy chicken and a whole lot of spices is what makes this dish an extraordinary one. 

Prawns and Steamed Rice cake or Puttu

Puttu is definitely a dish that represents Kerala cuisine to a great extent. This dish is a meal in itself and can be considered a balanced dish with a side of green salad. A normal steamed rice cake is layered with a mix of prawns sauteed along with onion, tomato, and spice powders. Grated coconut is yet another ingredient that adds flair and the taste of Kerala. 

Sadhya

Kerala Sadhya is indeed a paradise for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. The plating of Sadhya on banana leaves is based on a complex set of scientific principles. The plate is bound to include dishes that range from pickles, pappad, chips, aviyal, curd-based sweet and sour dishes, a mix of peas and pulses, and whatnot. Sambhar and specially prepared dal are two of the standouts in a Sadhya. The entire palette is healthy and serves you the best possible version of a balanced and nutritious meal. 

Porotta and Beef Fry

This combination of foods is what represents Malayalis far and wide. Porotta is often mistaken for its North Indian counterpart, "paratha,” but there is a north and south pole difference between the two. Porotta is a delicacy that is prepared in a very niche way using maida and beef fry. It is a beautiful marriage between the meat, variety of spices, and coconut pieces. 

Kilikoodu

It is a cute name, and it means "bird’s nest." Yes, you might feel it is a little odd a name for a food item, but all your confusion vanishes once you see the dish. The dish looks exactly like a bird’s nest. It is a popular Malabar snack that can be found in homes and restaurants during the Muslim fasting month of Ramzan. It is a non-vegetarian snack made out of layers of vermicelli and mashed vegetables with any kind of fish or meat as the filling. 

Kadala Curry

Kadala curry is a spicy dish that is made using black chickpeas and coconut. The dish is a protein-rich dish. It is usually served as a side dish for appam or puttu. The dish is an explosion for your mundane taste buds and a great option for vegetarians to pave their way into the Wayanadan spices. Make sure to have this to ensure that you get a burst of flavors in your mouth.

Malabar Duck Roast

Straight out of the tempting Malabar cuisine, it is definitely a different kind of meat that you can try your hands on. Many people do not favor duck as a meat ingredient because of the lack of meat that can be enjoyed from it. This dish still makes you full of spices, especially ground pepper, and the pepper is not the processed kind but the natural green pepper we are talking about here. It is definitely a different experience to take chances on, and you will never forget the gravy in your lifetime. 

Chatti Pathiri

It is assured that you might never have had this kind of dish before. Chatti pathiri is a layered pancake that can be prepared sweet or savory. The dish can remind you of Italian cuisine's famous lasagna, which is made out of pasta sheets. The difference is that the spices are more noteworthy and the layers are made out of flour, egg, and oil. If the filling is sweet, it will have bananas, raisins, and cashews, and if it's a savory option, it usually has a chicken, egg, or beef filling. It can be used as a meal in itself for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, or even as a quick snack. 

Unnakaya

Every sweet dish takes a backseat when it comes to Unnakaya. It is a very simple dish and can be called a healthy sweet dish that comes right from the Malabar kitchen. It is made using sweet plantains, grated coconut, and ghee. It is spindle-shaped and tastes best when it is warm enough for eating. It is usually a food that is seen at iftar dinners, which is when people break their fast during Ramadan. 

Kheer with Bamboo Rice

It is an exquisite specialty of Wayanad cuisine. The main ingredient of the kheer is the rice collected from the bamboo trees of the Wayanad forests. The rice is soaked overnight to make it soft and set for the kheer preparation. It is an exotic dish, as bamboo rice is not something you can cultivate. The other ingredients that form part of this dish are milk, ghee, jaggery, crushed cardamom, etc. 

Unniyappam

Unniyappam is a famous sweet delicacy that forms part of the temple delicacy known as "prasadam." They are round in shape and made with bananas, rice flour, jaggery, or brown sugar. They have a lip-smacking taste, and if you're not in control, you could gulp down a few in no time. 

Kozhikodan Halwa

It is once again a food that will appeal to every sweet tooth on the planet. Kozhikodan Halwa stands taller than all the other halwas you'll come across. Make sure to make a pit stop in Kozhikode and get a good load of these halwas in your travel pack. It is a treat for the eyes to see different colors and flavors of halwas stacked across the shelves. 

This is the treasure trove of delicacies that you can try on your trip to Wayanad. Now that you know all these dishes, the next step is to plan your stay in a place that can offer them to you in their most authentic form. The Woods Resorts, one of the best resorts in Wayanad, has everything you read above and even more. So, do not wait any longer to book your stay at The Wood Resorts and enjoy these heavenly delicacies in the lap of nature. 

Also read, 10 Ways to Eat Healthy While Travelling