Kerala is one of the most favourite destinations of tourists from all over the world. Known for its beautiful landscapes and natural beauty, sure, but have you tried the food varieties of Kerala? No? Pack your bags now.
The same way India is generally divided into the north and south, there is such a separation in Kerala too (no, not in a bad way) and the places to the north is called the mighty “Malabar”. Places from Malappuram and above fall in this category. Enough geography, let me get straight into the good stuff.
You see, Malabar is largely occupied by Muslims and you know one great thing about Muslims? Their skill in cooking delicious food. Especially non-veg. All the food items that come with a “Malabar” tail will surely blow your mind. Let me now introduce you to the King of Malabar cuisine, MALABAR BIRIYANI.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3i3NKCLNwKc
If you’re thinking, “What’s the big deal about rice mixed with some meat?”, keep the thought to yourself, and NEVER ask it to a Malayali. Because we take our biriyanis very seriously.
Firstly, it’s not just any kind of rice. The biriyani rice with its heavenly aroma itself will awaken your taste buds. A think and small kind of rice called khyma (or jeerakasala) rice are used for Malabar biryani, unlike other biriyanis. The meat (generally, chicken, beef or mutton) is not just seasoned and kept to boil like in the west. Many kinds of masala with almost all the spices you can think of are added to it. Herbs such as coriander leaves, mint leaves, and special biriyani herbs also join to create that perfect harmonious mix of tastes. It is garnished with roasted cashew nuts and raisins for a bit of sweetness. The rice and meat are cooked separately and joined by adding both in alternate layers. It is tightly packed slowly cooked again. Embers are placed on top of the lid too. This is called dum biriyani.
Now unlike other biriyanis, the Malabar Biriyani DO NOT have pineapples or any other weird sweet stuff in it. If you see those, run. (Unless you’re the kind of person who loves pineapple on pizza. In that case, it still runs. We Malabari people don’t want anything to do with you).
Thalassery Biriyani is one among the most preached of Malabar biriyanis (Thalassery is a place in Kannur). Although there are many places where you can get it these days, no hotels can compete with the taste of biriyani prepared by Thalassery ummummas (grandmas). Kozhikode biriyani too is very famous and another must-try (we’re sure you’ll have a biriyani and definitely come back for more.) Bamboo biriyani is something interesting for you to try. It is available almost everywhere in Kerala.
Although not technically a biriyani, kappa biriyani is also a favorite dish of Kerala. Kappa biriyani is essentially kappa or tapioca mixed with beef and this goes without saying, but a load of spices. Kappa biriyani along with all other kinds of biriyanis are an integral part of Kerala celebrations. And so, a visit to Kerala would be incomplete without having biriyani at least once. Of course, there are biriyanis all over the place like Hyderabadi biriyani, Kolkata biriyani etc. there’s only Malabar biriyani like Malabar biriyani. We may disappoint you in many ways, but we proudly say, our biriyani isn’t one of them.
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