A typical Kerala feast, referred to as sadya, is par-boiled rice and a variety of vegetarian dishes spreadout temptingly on a clean green banana leaf.  And the food is to be eated with the fingers.  Even the dessert, payasam, a sweet rice pudding is served on the leafy plate.

Kerala cuisine is well reputed for its seafood dishes.  Karimeen Pollichuthu is hot favorite.  Kerala dishes are flavoured with a variety of spices.  Another favorite is a stew with chicken, mutton or vegetables.  This is eated with Appams – pancakes made from rice flour.

Kerala has a well-developed vegetarian cuisine. Pilafs and biryanis are meat and spices slowly steam-cooked in boiled rice.  Coconut milk is a frequent ingredient in Keralite cooking.  Bananas are very popular in Kerala cooking.  Deep fried chips are a favorite snack.