From spicy biryani to tangy chaats, the city of Trivandrum or Thiruvananthapuram has an abundance to offer, especially when you are looking for street-side delicacies. Be ready to indulge in the divine local flavours of the city as you get an opportunity to experience the bustling street food scene of the famous city in South India. We have prepared a list for all food-lovers out there to help you experience the divine gastronomical experience the popular city has to offer.
The capital city of Kerala, Trivandrum, is a famous coastal city that is renowned for its rich taste and seafood culture. The city is also quite popular amongst tourists due to its scenic beauty and famous landmarks. As you pay a visit to this city, make it a point to try out its lip-smacking street food delicacies as well.
Which is the Best Street Food in Thiruvananthapuram?
In Trivandrum, natural as well as man-made beauty is quite evident, particularly reflected in the local cuisine as well. Using a myriad of fresh, local ingredients, the local food vendors and small eateries of the city prepare unique recipes that are a must-have while visiting God’s Own Country.
From the classic dosas and idlis to exotic seafood recipes, there is something in store for everyone out there. As you go ahead exploring the beautiful bylanes of the city, you will encounter a series of food stalls and eateries some of the most delicious delicacies you will ever have. Here are some of the must-have street food items of Trivandrum:
1. Puttu
Well, this is a must-try delicious, soft steamed rice cake. This cylindrical rice cake is decorated with layers of rich ingredients like grated coconut. To enhance its overall taste, these cakes are served with a spicy chickpea curry. As you explore the streets of Trivandrum, you will come across traditionally prepared Puttu from morning until late afternoon. Locals here mostly try grabbing a plate of Puttu as the staple breakfast dish.
2. Idiyappam
Idiyappam, or string hoppers, is a traditional noodle made from rice batter. The batter is prepared like fresh dough. It is put through a perforated hand press and eventually steamed. The dish is served with an egg-based coconut curry during breakfast and is also enjoyed during other meal times. It is a divine match for rich Kerala curries.
Usually, Idiyappam, along with the spicy curry, is served on a traditional banana leaf across leading stalls and eateries in Trivandrum. When steamed Idiyappam is served on a fresh banana leaf, the leaf imparts the dish a unique flavour and aroma. Most vendors still use old cooking methods to prepare this rich delicacy in the city.
3. Appam
Quite similar to the classic Dosa, Appam is a traditional pancake that is also a famous breakfast item in Trivnadrum. The dish is readily available in street-side stalls and carts all around the city. Paper-thin and crispy throughout, Appam feature a thicker circumference and softcore to enhance the overall taste. It is a common breakfast staple in the city and is served with an assortment of delectable chutneys.
Prepared out of fermented rice, Appam is made out of ground batter and cooked in a traditional wok known as Kadai. These conventional pancakes are easy to prepare as well. While you can enjoy a plate of Appam with either beef or fish curry in Thiruvananthapuram, simply having it on its own is a great healthy start to your day.
4. Idli
When in South India, you cannot escape the goodness of this yet another must-have snack. Idlis are soft rice cakes prepared from a batter of fermented rice. Served with delicious chutneys and hot sambhar for a hearty breakfast, you can find a number of stalls and street-side carts selling freshly prepared idlis right out of their stainless steel vessels.
Conventionally steamed and served hot on a fresh banana leaf, local shops and eateries offer a touch of authenticity that is not easily found across high-end restaurants. Rich, flavourful Sambhar and an assortment of delicious chutneys are great accompaniments to soft idlis.
5. Fish Molee
Prepared with the freshest species of seasonal fish in Kerala, Fish Molee is a traditional coconut-based curry-like dish in Kerala that is best known for its rich, spicy flavours. With influences from recipes all the way from Malaysia and Sri Lanka, Fish Molee in Trivandrum is quite authentic and unique. Slightly spicy, the rich gravy is prepared first and then, fried pieces of fresh fish are added to the same.
Additional aromatic ingredients like ginger, turmeric, lemon, and curry leaves are also added to impart a rich, thick consistency. The final result is the thick, delicious, creamy coconut milk curry with tender pieces of fried fish. A slight touch of green chilli to the dish imparts it a unique kick, quite a contrast from the famous meen fish curry in Kerala. Fish Molee is easy on your palate and light in the stomach. Served either with appam or steamed rice, the rich curry is immensely delicious to have plain.
Conclusion
When in Kerala, there is no dearth of options when it comes to trying out the famous local food. Whether you are a vegetarian or a non-vegetarian, the city of Trivandrum has something in stock for everyone out there. You can relish the rich taste of the street food of Trivandrum by trying out its local delicacies. Now, you can order food online in Thiruvananthapuram from Swiggy to make the most out of your touristy experience.
