Kerala: The land of coconuts

Home-made Keralan food near Ft. Cochin. Specialties of Syrian Christian Keralites. Tea plantation near Thekkadi. (photos by Equalizer)

Kerala, literally means the land of coconuts in the south of India. I didn't know what to expect I was invited there for a Syrian Christian wedding in Ft. Cochin. The Syrian Christians of India are beleived to be one of the earliest Christians in India, way before the Portuguese set foot on the western shores of Goa in the 1400's. Kerala is supposed to be the spice backbone of India, trading in everything from cardamon to cinnamon to nutmeg. The abundant presence of fresh fruits and coconuts means that it heavily influences the cuisine. Foods like fish curry cooked with red chili, coconut milk and Kokum (souring agent) which is a Syrian Christian specialty is common dishes.

I was wondering, do we really think that we know what Indian food is about? Its so stupid to think so. It like someone comes up to you and says...."Hey I have tried Arabic food!" Mmmmm what is that supposed to mean? That is a very broad statement because Arabic food is anything from shawarma to tashreeba to kabsa to couscous. It is the same with Indian food, it is different from region to region. Apparently what we know is mostly North Indian cuisine. So if you love to experience something new head to Kerala for true and authentic south Indian cuisine. Try the idli which is an indian fine flour vermicilli like noodles served with vegetable curry for breakfast, or the famous fiery fish curry with coconut milk. The muslims of Kerala have a dish called "Alissa" which is basically cooked wheat and meat, similar to porridge in consistency and served in Ramadan. Sounds familiar? :p