Top 12 Kerala Breakfast Menu Items With Images

Travel & Leisure magazine has given a shout-out to some of Kerala’s breakfast dishes, calling the Kerala breakfast menu items as some of the best in the world. They especially raved about the delicious combo of Puttu and Kadala Curry! And that’s just the beginning—there’s so much more to love! Other favorites include Appam with Stew, Idiyappam with Egg Roast, and Pathiri with Chicken Curry. Each of these dishes really reflects the amazing culinary traditions of the state. Yum!

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There are a variety of authentic Kerala breakfast dishes that honour India’s rich culinary heritage. From appams and uthappams to idlis and puttu, you can enjoy a sumptuous meal every morning. Here we have curated some of the best dishes from Kerala, making your breakfast as special as the state itself.

1. Puttu with Kadala Curry

Puttu is a popular Kerala breakfast idea, made from rice flour and grated coconut. It is stuffed in a cylindrical steamer for a roll-like shape. The cookware is placed over a pot or cooker for 10 minutes to steam the dish nicely.

kerala-breakfast-puttu-with-kadla-curry — A steaming cylinder of soft puttu served with spicy black chickpea (kadala) curry in a traditional Kerala-style setup

This puttu is served with authentic kadla curry (soaked black channa), made with an onion and tomato masala. If you are a non-vegetarian, you can also ask the restaurant to serve puttu with meat or fish curry for a distinct flavour.

2. Appam with Chicken Stew

Appam is well-known in India for its softness and fluffiness. This rice flour pancake has lacy edges and is a light and healthy option for breakfast. Appam originated in Kerala and the dish is paired with a specific vegetable or mutton curry, simmered in coconut milk with lots of spices for flavour. This stew is made with cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, and green chillies for a delicious touch.

appam-chicken-stew — Appams are made from fermented rice batter and coconut milk, giving them a slightly sweet taste and a soft, fluffy texture.

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3. Uppumavu

Are you searching for a simple yet flavourful breakfast in Kerala? Ask for a Madhura Uppumavu from the waiter. This dish is made from sweet potatoes, infused with green chillies, dry red chillies, curry leaves, and onions. The food is cooked in coconut oil to add the richness of fruit. This highly nutritious meal promises an energetic start to the morning and doesn’t need any pairing.

uppumavu-kerala-food — Upma is generally considered a healthy and nutritious dish, especially when made with vegetables and whole grains. It’s a good source of fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats, and is relatively low in calories.

4. Idiyappam with Egg Roast

Let’s not confuse idiyappam with idlis; the former dish is a string hopper made from rice flour. Yes, the batter is the same as idlis; however, it is pressed into noodles and steamed for 10 minutes.

The breakfast option is best paired with egg roast or vegetable korma. This combination of bomb flavours and textures takes you directly to the household of Kerala, and promises to stay in your heart for a long time.

5. Avalos Podi

Just like any other authentic dish of Kerala, Avalos Podi is made from rice flour, coconut, and jaggery. You can enjoy it with bananas or sweet potatoes for a sweet breakfast treat. Although the dish is popular as a teatime snack, Kerala natives enjoy it for breakfast and even feed it to their infants as a porridge.

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6. Madakku San

Popular as “Love Letters”, madakku san are coconut jaggery pancakes. These soft crepes have been a part of many childhoods and fill up the tummy with so much flavour and satisfaction. The dish resembles Serabi pancakes and is often filled with a coconut mixture and jaggery. The simple rolled crepes are prepared with eggs and refined flour, often enjoyed at breakfast or tea time.

7. Pazhampori

Have you ever tried banana fritters? Whether you have or haven’t, they are a must-have Kerala breakfast for travellers. Authentically known as pazhampori, the dish is made from firm and ripe bananas.

pazhampori-kerala-breakfast — Golden-fried slices of ripe banana, crispy on the outside and soft inside—Kerala’s favorite tea-time snack, Pazhampori.

The fruit is sliced thinly and dipped into a batter (refined flour, rice flour, and sugar). These chips are deep-fried and are often enjoyed with a hot cup of tea or coffee. This breakfast option is perfect for monsoon and winter days.

8. Pathiri with Mutton Curry

Pathiri is another rice flour pancake that’s been a staple in Kerala households for centuries. This food is especially popular in the Malabar region and resembles soft chapatis. It’s made by creating a dough out of rice flour and rolling it out like flat discs. Pathiri is often served with a spicy curry (vegetable, beef, or mutton), depending on our choice. You can also ask the restaurant if they have fried pathiri, a variant of the dish. It’s made by infusing the dough with shallots, grated coconut, and cumin seeds.

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pathiri-with-mutton-curry — Pathiri, or rice pancake, uses rice flour and goes with curries like Stew curry, Kadala

9. Karikku Dosa

If you are searching for something light and healthy, try Karikku dosa is what you should try. One of the most popular Kerala breakfast options, the food is made from soaked rice and grated coconut. Also called tender coconut pancake, the dough is kneaded in tender coconut water to infuse a rich coastal flavour. With a dash of salt and sugar, the flavours of Karikku dosa instantly elevate. It’s generally served with coconut or tomato chutney at restaurants.

10. Kappa and Fish Curry

Kappa, known as yucca root or tapioca, is an authentic South Indian dish. The starchy dish is an energetic breakfast option, accompanied by red fish curry.

Combining the spiciness of curry and the mellow flavour of kappa, the meal instantly turns into a hit among the travellers.

11. Achappam

Are you interested in eating a honeycomb-like breakfast? Try Achappam at one of the Kerala restaurants and you’ll long to come back for more. This dish is made by combining rice flour, sugar, eggs, and coconut milk. Mixed well, the semi-thick batter is put into a mould heated in oil. It’s then heated and re-entered into hot oil for a crusty and flavourful finish.

12. Ela Ada

Ela Ada is no less than a South Indian delicacy, and a favourite of the natives. A mix of melted jaggery and coconut is filled into steamed rice flour dough. It’s presented inside a banana leaf, not only enhancing the appeal but also adding to the flavours. The dish is not exactly a breakfast special. However, it accompanies a few other breakfast meals in restaurants.

ela-ada-kerala — Ela Ada is a traditional Kerala dessert prepared with Grated coconut, jaggery, cardamom

You can find several other Kerala breakfast options, including parotta with beef roast, pidi with chicken curry, and unniyappam. All these dishes are available in most of the restaurants. Scan the menu and select the meal that tantalises your taste buds.

Kerala’s breakfast cuisine is a vibrant celebration of tradition, flavour, and innovation. From the soft, steamed Puttu with Kadala Curry to the delicately sweet Madakku San, every dish reflects the state’s deep-rooted culinary legacy. As Condé Nast Traveller highlights, Kerala’s use of coconut, rice, and fresh spices makes its cuisine both wholesome and unforgettable. Similarly, The Better India lauds Kerala’s breakfasts as “comfort food with character,” appealing to both vegetarians and meat lovers alike. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a first-time visitor, Kerala’s breakfast table promises a soulful start to your day , ne delicious bite at a time.

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