Kannur, located on the northern coast of Kerala, is not just famous for its beaches and rich cultural heritage but also for its delectable and unique food offerings. The local cuisine is a wonderful mix of spices, seafood, and traditional Kerala flavors. Here’s a detailed guide to the top 10 foods you must try when visiting Kannur, so you won’t have to look elsewhere for the best local dishes.
1. Malabar Biryani
Where to Try: MVK Restaurant, Kannur Beach House, Hotel Odhens
Cost: ₹150 – ₹350 per plate
Why Try:
- A dish that defines the region, Malabar Biryani is a fragrant rice dish made with special spices, meat (chicken, mutton, or beef), and yogurt. The rice is cooked separately with meat, and the result is aromatic and flavorful.
What to Expect:
- Long-grain rice cooked in spices like cardamom, cloves, and bay leaves, typically served with raita or salad.
Secret Tip:
- The best Malabar Biryani uses Kozhikode-style preparation with a unique blend of spices that gives it a distinct taste.
2. Karimeen Pollichathu (Pearl Spot Fish)
Where to Try: Kamaal Restaurant, Hotel Odhens, Kannur Beach House
Cost: ₹300 – ₹500 per plate
Why Try:
- Karimeen, or Pearl Spot Fish, is a traditional Kerala fish, often marinated in a mixture of spices and coconut milk, then wrapped in a banana leaf and grilled. The fish has a rich flavor and is a must-try for seafood lovers.
What to Expect:
- Fish cooked to perfection with a soft, smoky flavor. It’s often served with rice or Kerala parotta.
Secret Tip:
- Don’t miss the banana leaf wrap as it imparts a natural smoky flavor to the fish.
3. Kappa and Meen Curry
Where to Try: MVK Restaurant, Kannur Town Market
Cost: ₹150 – ₹300 per plate
Why Try:
- Kappa (tapioca) is a local favorite and is often paired with Meen Curry (fish curry). The dish is incredibly filling and flavorful, combining the starchy tapioca with the tangy, spicy fish curry.
What to Expect:
- Tapioca boiled and mashed, served with a rich and spicy fish curry made from local fish like Kingfish or Mackerel.
Secret Tip:
- Try it with rice or Kerala parotta for a complete meal experience.
4. Beef Fry (Malabar Style)
Where to Try: Thalassery Market, Hotel Odhens, Baba’s Restaurant
Cost: ₹250 – ₹450 per plate
Why Try:
- A Kerala staple, Malabar-style Beef Fry is slow-cooked beef marinated with spices like black pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon, then fried till crispy.
What to Expect:
- Tender beef pieces with a spicy, smoky flavor, often served with Kerala parotta or rice.
Secret Tip:
- Ask for it to be extra crispy for a more indulgent experience.
5. Puttu and Kadala Curry
Where to Try: Sree Raghavendra Hotel, Kannur Town
Cost: ₹50 – ₹150 per plate
Why Try:
- Puttu is a steamed rice cake, typically served with Kadala Curry (black chickpea curry). This combination is a beloved breakfast dish in Kerala and offers a perfect balance of spice and texture.
What to Expect:
- Puttu is soft and slightly sweet, and the Kadala curry adds a spicy, savory contrast.
Secret Tip:
- Try it with a drizzle of coconut milk for an added creaminess.
6. Chili Bajji
Where to Try: Kannur Town Market, Thavakkara Market
Cost: ₹30 – ₹100 per plate
Why Try:
- A popular snack, Chili Bajji is a deep-fried snack made from green chilies stuffed with a spiced potato filling. It’s crispy on the outside and spicy on the inside.
What to Expect:
- Green chilies battered and fried, served with tangy chutney.
Secret Tip:
- Pair it with a cold drink to balance out the heat from the chilies.
7. Pani Puri
Where to Try: Thalassery Market, Fort Road Market
Cost: ₹30 – ₹70 per plate
Why Try:
- A classic street food found all across India, Pani Puri in Kannur is just as popular, featuring small, crispy puris filled with spiced water, tamarind chutney, and potato filling.
What to Expect:
- Puris filled with a flavorful, tangy spiced water, potato, and chickpeas.
Secret Tip:
- Be sure to try both sweet and spicy pani for the full experience.
8. Falooda
Where to Try: Thavakkara Market, Fort Road Market
Cost: ₹50 – ₹100 per serving
Why Try:
- A popular dessert in Kannur, Falooda is a cold, sweet drink made with rose syrup, vermicelli, and sweet basil seeds. Often served with a scoop of ice cream, it’s the perfect way to beat the heat.
What to Expect:
- A delicious mix of rose syrup, milk, ice cream, and vermicelli served chilled.
Secret Tip:
- Ask for extra ice cream to make it even more indulgent!
9. Kallummakkaya (Mussels)
Where to Try: Kannur Beach Road, Payyambalam Beach
Cost: ₹150 – ₹350 per plate
Why Try:
- Kallummakkaya, or mussels, is a must-try for seafood lovers. In Kannur, mussels are prepared in a variety of ways, often steamed, grilled, or cooked in curry.
What to Expect:
- Mussels cooked with a blend of local spices, often served with rice or parotta.
Secret Tip:
- Grilled Kallummakkaya is often served with a side of lemon, which adds a refreshing twist.
10. Appam with Stew
Where to Try: Hotel Odhens, Kannur Town
Cost: ₹100 – ₹250 per plate
Why Try:
- Appam, a soft, pancake-like bread made from rice flour, is served with stew, a mild curry typically made with vegetables or chicken. It’s a popular dish for breakfast or lunch in Kerala.
What to Expect:
- Appam is soft and fluffy with crispy edges, while the stew is a creamy coconut-based curry with vegetables or meat.
Secret Tip:
- Try the chicken stew for a flavorful, comforting meal.
Conclusion
From the fragrant Malabar Biryani to the refreshing Falooda, Kannur offers an incredible variety of local dishes that are a feast for the senses. Whether you’re indulging in spicy seafood or enjoying a classic breakfast combo like Puttu and Kadala Curry, these top 10 foods are a must-try for every visitor to the city.