Nestled amidst misty plantations and emerald hills, homestays in Munnar offer more than just breathtaking views—they are gateways to Kerala’s culinary heritage. Imagine waking up to aromatic filter coffee blended from locally sourced beans, then relishing homecooked Kerala delicacies like appam with stew, puttu with kadala curry, or a soulwarming Sadya feast served on a banana leaf. Whether you're a vegetarian, meat-lover, or vegan, your palate will be delighted by the harmony of spices, fresh ingredients, and traditional cooking.
At these homestays, cuisine isn’t just food—it’s culture. Expect immersive cooking sessions using spices picked straight from the garden, shared stories over hearty meals, and local flavors that reflect Munnar’s unique landscape and tribal traditions. Let me take you on a flavorful journey through Munnar’s most iconic dishes and unforgettable food experiences.
1. The Iconic Sadya: Kerala’s Grand Feast
The Kerala Sadya is not just a meal—it’s a vibrant celebration of flavor and tradition. Served on a banana leaf, it features a harmonious array of dishes, including avial, thoran, parippu, pachadi, rasam, sambar, and ends with sweet payasam.
Many homestays and restaurants in Munnar offer Sadya year-round—some even host family style events near Anachal and Devikulam for an authentic touch. Sitting to dig into this colorful feast is an experience in itself—eating with your hands, savoring the variety, and enjoying each item in its designated spot on the leaf (a thoughtful system that enhances the culinary journey) Whether it’s a festive occasion or just another day in Munnar, Sadya embodies the essence of Kerala’s communal spirit and flavor bombast.
2. Hearty Breakfast Classics
Puttu and Kadala Curry
A beloved Kerala breakfast—puttu, the cylindrical steamed rice cake layered with coconut,paired with kadala curry, a spicy, aromatic black chickpea curry—it’s hearty, wholesome, and soul-soothing. Many homestays serve it piping hot from morning.
Appam with Stew
Fluffy, lacy appams, featuring soft centers with crispy edges, complement creamy vegetable or chicken stews simmered in coconut milk and warming spices like cardamom and cinnamon—perfect for breakfast or dinner.
Idiyappam with Curries
Also called noolappam, idiyappam are delicate rice-flour noodles often served with egg curry or a coconut-rich gravy—versatile, light, and deeply comforting.
These dishes offer delightful contrasts in textures and flavors and make for memorable homestay meals with a warm, home-cooked feel.
3. Rustic Lunch & StreetFood Staples
Kappa and Meen Curry
This pairing is Munnar’s soul food. Kappa (tapioca), boiled and seasoned, pairs with fiery meen (fish) curry that blends coconut, tamarind, and spices, offering a rustic, deeply satisfying taste
Kerala Fish Curry
Made with local fish, coconut, tamarind, and red chili, and traditionally cooked in a clay pot (meen chatti), the result is tangy, spicy, and rich—a delightful oceanic palate even in the hills of Munnar.
Karimeen Pollichathu
Pearl-spot fish wrapped in banana leaves and grilled with spices—each bite is fragrant, smoky, and unforgettable. Often found in roadside eateries on your way to Marayoor Nadan Kozhi Varuthathu & Erachi Ularthiyathu Nadan Kozhi Varuthathu is Kerala-style spicy fried chicken, seasoned with red chili, turmeric, and pepper, delivering crispy, flavor-packed bites.
Meanwhile, Erachi Ularthiyathu is slow-cooked beef fry with coconut, spices, and curry leaves—bold, savory, and great with Malabar Parotta.
Malabar Parotta with Curry
Flaky and layered parotta pairs beautifully with rich Kerala chicken curry, cooked in coconut oil with roasted spices—a filling and flavorful combination loved by many. These dishes showcase Munnar’s street-food culture and home-style cooking, especially enjoyed in the cozy ambiance of homestays nestled in nature.
4. Sweet Treats and TeaTime Delights
Munnar’s sweet offerings are as delightful as its savory ones:
Pazham Pori (Banana Fritters) : Slices of Nendran bananas dipped in batter and fried golden—crisp, sweet, and perfect with a hot cup of tea .
Unniyappam : Small, round snacks made from rice, jaggery, banana, and coconut—crispy on the outside, soft inside, ideal for snacking.
Chakka Varatti : A rich jackfruit preserve made with jaggery and ghee—thick, sweet, and profoundly flavorful.
Ela Ada : Rice flour, jaggery, and coconut wrapped in banana leaf and steamed—fragrant and soothing, a lovely sweet finish to any meal.
Halwa & Payasam : Soft, jelly-like halwa (rice flour or banana) and creamy payasam (sweet pudding) offer comforting, nostalgic dessert experiences.
Savor these treats during crisp mornings, while enjoying valley views, or during relaxed evenings inside your homestay.
5. Culinary Immersion at Homestays
Staying at a Munnar homestay offers more than meals—it offers immersion in culture:
Garden-to-Table: Many homestays grow their own spices, vegetables, and herbs. Forinstance, Rosegardens Family Homestay offers guided plantation tours and hands-on cooking classes, where you cook traditional Kerala dishes and dine on your own creations.
Cultural Experiences: Hosts treat guests to freshly brewed spiced tea, homemade snacks, storytelling evenings, and even music or dance—making every meal a connection to local life.
Sustainability: Homestays increasingly follow ecofriendly practices—solar power,rainwater harvesting, organic farming, and minimal use of plastic—while offering authentic food made from fresh ingredients.
This immersive culinary experience adds layers of meaning, ensuring your trip remains a sensory memory long after you leave.
Conclusion
Kerala’s cuisine, as experienced at Munnar homestays, is a tapestry woven from tradition,terroir, and heartfelt hospitality. From leisurely breakfasts of appam with stew and puttu with kadala curry, to vibrant Sadya feasts, rustic street-food delights like kappa and meen curry, fiery meats, and comforting sweets—each dish tells a story of culture, landscape, and community.
When you choose a homestay, you're not just tasting Kerala; you're living it. Cooking sessions in lush gardens, meals served with warmth and care, and ingredients that come straight from the earth—these elevate your stay into a true culinary retreat.
So, whether you’re a dedicated foodie or just someone craving flavorful authenticity, a homestay in Munnar promises not just meals, but memories infused with spice, sweetness, and serenity. Your taste buds will thank you—and your heart will carry a piece of Kerala home.
0 Comments
Post Comment