Kozhikode (Calicut) is not only famous for its scenic beauty and cultural heritage, but also for its unique and flavorful food. The city offers a variety of delicious dishes that reflect the rich culinary traditions of Kerala. Here’s a detailed guide to the top 10 foods to try in Kozhikode, ensuring visitors experience the best of the local cuisine.
1. Kozhikode Biryani
- Overview: A traditional Kerala biryani, famous for its aromatic rice and succulent pieces of chicken or mutton, cooked with fragrant spices like cardamom and cinnamon.
- Where to Try: Paragon Restaurant, Rahmath Hotel, and other local eateries.
- Cost: ₹200 – ₹600
- Must-Try: Mutton and chicken biryani.
2. Malabar Parotta
- Overview: A flaky, layered flatbread that’s soft and crispy at the same time, typically served with spicy curries like beef or chicken curry.
- Where to Try: Paragon Restaurant, Topform Restaurant.
- Cost: ₹20 – ₹50 per piece
- Must-Try: Parotta with beef curry.
3. Kothu Parotta
- Overview: A popular street food where leftover parottas are shredded and mixed with a variety of meats, vegetables, and spices, creating a flavorful and filling dish.
- Where to Try: Local street food stalls in SM Street, Kallayi Road.
- Cost: ₹80 – ₹150
- Must-Try: Chicken Kothu Parotta.
4. Sadhya
- Overview: A traditional Kerala feast consisting of rice served with a variety of curries, side dishes, pickles, and desserts, typically served on a banana leaf.
- Where to Try: Local vegetarian restaurants and during festivals like Onam.
- Cost: ₹150 – ₹400
- Must-Try: Sadhya with pappadam, pickle, and payasam.
5. Fish Curry
- Overview: A tangy and spicy curry made with fresh fish, tamarind, and traditional Kerala spices, often served with rice or parotta.
- Where to Try: Kingsbay, Sea Queen Hotel.
- Cost: ₹150 – ₹300
- Must-Try: Karimeen (pearl spot fish) curry.
6. Prawn Masala
- Overview: Prawns cooked in a rich, spicy coconut-based masala sauce, a favorite among seafood lovers.
- Where to Try: Local seafood restaurants like Beypore, Kingsbay.
- Cost: ₹200 – ₹500
- Must-Try: Prawn masala with appam or parotta.
7. Kallumakkaya (Mussels)
- Overview: Mussels cooked with a spicy and flavorful curry, often served with rice or parotta.
- Where to Try: Kizhunna Beach, Kallayi Road.
- Cost: ₹150 – ₹300
- Must-Try: Steamed mussels with a spicy coconut curry.
8. Appam with Stew
- Overview: Appam is a soft and fluffy pancake made from fermented rice batter, usually served with a mild vegetable stew made with coconut milk.
- Where to Try: Hotels like Hotel Rahmath and Salkara.
- Cost: ₹100 – ₹200
- Must-Try: Appam with chicken or vegetable stew.
9. Unnakaya
- Overview: A traditional Kerala snack made from mashed plantains stuffed with coconut, sugar, and dry fruits, then deep-fried.
- Where to Try: Local eateries in SM Street, Kuttichira.
- Cost: ₹30 – ₹60
- Must-Try: Unnakaya from local sweet stalls.
10. Thalassery Chicken
- Overview: A flavorful, spicy chicken dish cooked with aromatic spices, originating from the nearby Thalassery region.
- Where to Try: Topform Restaurant, Paragon Restaurant.
- Cost: ₹200 – ₹400
- Must-Try: Thalassery chicken served with Malabar parotta.
Food Tips for Visitors
- Hygiene: Always check the cleanliness of street food stalls before buying.
- Best Time to Visit: Food stalls and local eateries are best enjoyed during the evenings, from 5 PM to 9 PM.
- Cash: While many established eateries accept cards, it’s advisable to carry cash for smaller stalls and street food vendors.
- Spices: Kerala food is known for its spiciness, so if you’re not accustomed to hot food, ask for less spice when ordering.
This list will help you enjoy the best culinary experiences Kozhikode has to offer. Make sure to sample the local dishes to fully experience the flavors of this historic coastal city!