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The reputed travel guide—Lonely Planet—named Kerala’s cuisine in its list of ‘25 Best Experiences In 2026’, bringing global recognition to the state’s diverse culinary heritage. Spotlighting the cuisine under the title ‘Dig in to Kerala’s Culinary Culture,’ the list celebrated the haven of gastronomic adventures by highlighting its sub-cuisines as well as its famed spice trade which has historic roots globally. A description in the guide states, “A food-focused journey through this unhurried southwest pocket of India not only reveals the sizzling secrets and traditional roots of its kitchens but also spotlights an intriguing history in which locally grown spices—pepper, cardamom, turmeric—have always played a key role. Even within Kerala, cuisine varies enormously, from the rich Mappila cooking of the northern Malabar region to the south coast’s coconut-laden stews mopped up with fluffy appam (rice pancake).”
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Being India’s solo entry on the list that encapsulates noteworthy experiences afrom around the world, the city of Kochi is mentioned as an inspiring place to explore the state’s food culture. The travel guide’s recommendation suggests enrolling for an evening food walk with the Kochi Heritage Project which takes visitors on a tour of Mattanchery—known to be a historic spice trading quarter as well as a melting pot for 30 different communities that settled in over the course of centuries. The description also mentions Kerala’s famous sadhya—an elaborate meal served on a banana leaf, while also mentioning its seafood specialities as something to look forward to when visiting the state.
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Local favourites such as pathiri, egg curry with appam, duck and chicken curry, pork fry, kallummakkaya (mussels) and pazham pori have also received special mentions—encouraging travellers to get a taste of these along with traditional, home-cooked meals. P.A.Mohammed Riyas—the tourism minister of Kerala, echoed his pride in the newfound recoginition for the state by pointing out that global acknowledgement reflects the appreciation for its rich food heritage. Calling the inclusion a ‘proud moment for the state,’ he also said that Kerala positions itself as a leading destination for food enthusiasts from around the world. The travel guide also included a video presentation by Govind Pallipurath, who takes viewers on a visual journey through some of its most beloved eateries like Paragon, Edelle Hotel, Gokul Oottupura in Kochi, Keerikuzzhy Toddy Parlour in Kumarakom and Chandrettan’s Tea Stall in Kozhikode.
