Must-Try Local Dishes in Munnar: A Food Lover’s Guide

Munnar, the picturesque hill station in Kerala, is famous for its misty tea plantations, rolling hills, and serene landscapes. But beyond its breathtaking beauty, Munnar is also a paradise for food lovers. The region offers a rich and flavorful cuisine that reflects Kerala’s culinary heritage while incorporating the unique flavors of the highlands. From spicy curries to sweet delicacies, the food in Munnar is a delight for those who enjoy authentic, local flavors.

If you’re visiting Munnar, here’s a guide to the must-try local dishes that will leave your taste buds craving for more.

1. Kerala Sadya – A Traditional Feast

One of the most iconic meals you can enjoy in Munnar is Kerala Sadya, a grand vegetarian feast traditionally served on a banana leaf. This meal consists of an array of dishes, including:

• Avial – A thick, coconut-based mixed vegetable dish
• Erissery – A mildly spiced pumpkin and coconut curry
• Thoran – Stir-fried vegetables with coconut
• Parippu Curry – Lentil curry served with ghee
• Sambhar and Rasam – Flavorful lentil-based soups
• Pachadi and Kichadi – Yogurt-based side dishes
• Payasam – A sweet pudding made from rice, vermicelli, or lentils

Sadya is best enjoyed during festivals like Onam or special occasions, but many restaurants in Munnar offer it year-round.

2. Puttu and Kadala Curry – A Classic Breakfast

A staple breakfast in Kerala, Puttu is a cylindrical steamed rice cake layered with grated coconut. It is typically served with Kadala Curry, a spicy black chickpea curry cooked with coconut and aromatic spices. The soft texture of puttu combined with the flavorful kadala curry makes for a hearty and delicious breakfast.

Some restaurants also serve puttu with banana and sugar for a sweeter version.

3. Appam with Stew – A Fluffy Delight

Appam is a soft, lacy rice pancake with a crispy edge and a spongy center. It is best paired with Vegetable or Chicken Stew, a mild coconut milk-based curry infused with cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves.

This dish is a favorite among both vegetarians and non-vegetarians and is often served for breakfast or dinner in Munnar’s homestays and restaurants.

4. Malabar Parotta with Kerala Chicken Curry

If you love layered, flaky bread, then Malabar Parotta is a must-try. Made with maida (refined flour), this parotta is soft, crispy, and pairs exceptionally well with spicy Kerala Chicken Curry.

The chicken curry is cooked in coconut oil with roasted spices, curry leaves, and coconut milk, giving it a rich and aromatic taste. This combination is a favorite among food lovers looking for a fulfilling meal.

5. Kerala Fish Curry – A Seafood Lover’s Dream

Kerala’s coastline has a strong influence on its cuisine, and even in the hills of Munnar, you can enjoy delicious seafood. Kerala Fish Curry is a spicy and tangy dish made with locally available fish, coconut, tamarind, and red chili.

It is traditionally cooked in a clay pot (meen chatti), which enhances the flavors. This curry pairs well with hot steamed rice or tapioca (kappa).

6. Kappa and Meen Curry – A Traditional Combo

For a truly rustic Kerala meal, try Kappa and Meen Curry. Kappa (tapioca) is boiled and mashed, then seasoned with mustard seeds, coconut, and green chilies. It is served with a fiery red fish curry, making it an irresistible combination.

This dish is a favorite among locals, especially during the monsoon season.

7. Nadan Kozhi Varuthathu – Spicy Fried Chicken

If you love fried chicken, Kerala’s version, Nadan Kozhi Varuthathu, will blow your mind. This dish consists of chicken pieces marinated in red chili, black pepper, and turmeric, then deep-fried to perfection.

It is served as a starter or as a side dish with Malabar Parotta or rice. The spice-infused crispy texture makes it a must-try.

8. Erachi Ularthiyathu – Kerala-Style Beef Fry

A famous dish in Munnar, Erachi Ularthiyathu (Kerala-style beef fry) is made by slow-cooking beef with coconut, curry leaves, and roasted spices until it turns crispy and dark brown.

It is best enjoyed with Malabar Parotta or tapioca and is a favorite among meat lovers.

9. Pazham Pori – A Sweet Snack

For a quick snack, try Pazham Pori, Kerala’s version of banana fritters. Ripe bananas (Nendran variety) are sliced, dipped in a sweet flour batter, and deep-fried until golden brown.

These crispy, sweet treats are perfect with a cup of Munnar’s famous tea on a cool evening.

10. Unniyappam – A Tasty Tea-Time Treat

Unniyappam is a small, round, deep-fried snack made from rice, jaggery, banana, and coconut. It has a crispy outer layer and a soft, sweet inside.

It is a popular delicacy in Kerala and pairs beautifully with Munnar’s aromatic tea.

11. Chakka Varatti – A Jackfruit Delight

Munnar is known for its jackfruit, and one of the best ways to enjoy it is in the form of Chakka Varatti, a thick, sweet jackfruit preserve made with jaggery and ghee.

This dish is often used to make Chakka Ada, a steamed rice dumpling filled with jackfruit paste and coconut.

12. Kerala Halwa – A Rich and Sweet Dessert

No food trip in Munnar is complete without trying Kerala Halwa. Made with rice flour, jaggery, coconut oil, and cardamom, this halwa has a soft, jelly-like texture and comes in different flavors such as banana, coconut, and cashew.

You’ll find this treat in many local sweet shops in Munnar.

Where to Try These Dishes in Munnar?

Munnar has several restaurants, tea stalls, and homestays where you can enjoy authentic local cuisine. Some of the best places to try include:

• Saravana Bhavan – Famous for traditional vegetarian Kerala meals
• Raspy Restaurant – Known for Kerala Parotta and beef fry
• SN Restaurant – A great place for seafood and Kerala-style meals
• Tea Plantations Cafés – Perfect for trying local snacks with fresh tea

Final Thoughts

Munnar’s cuisine is a reflection of Kerala’s diverse flavors and culinary traditions. Whether you’re enjoying a traditional Sadya, biting into crispy Pazham Pori, or indulging in spicy Meen Curry, every dish offers a taste of Kerala’s rich heritage.

So, if you’re a food lover visiting Munnar, make sure to explore these local delicacies—you won’t be disappointed!