Kozhikode, also known as Calicut, is one of the biggest cities in Kerala, India. It is renowned for its unique culture and food. It has been a major center of trade and commerce since the ancient times, and this is reflected in its culinary repertoire.
Kozhikode’s cuisine is a blend of traditional Indian and modern world flavors. Its famous dishes include specialties such as Thalassery Biriyani, Kozhikodan Halwa, Kozhikodan Biryani, Malabar Porotta, and Malabar Pathiri. All these dishes are made from locally grown ingredients like rice, coconut milk, spices, and vegetables.
Thalassery Biriyani has been a part of Kozhikode’s cuisine since the days of the Mughals. It is made with basmati rice flavored with saffron, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, bay leaf and other spices.
The dish is served with a spicy gravy called dum korma or kaliya.
Kozhikodan Halwa is another popular dish which originated in Kozhikode. It is a sweet made from wheat flour, sugar and ghee. The dough for this sweet is kneaded by hand to give it the desired texture.
Kozhikodan Biryani is an exotic dish that consists of layers of basmati rice cooked with vegetables like potato, carrot and peas along with spices like turmeric powder and garam masala.
Malabar Porotta (also known as parotta) is an unleavened flatbread made from maida flour (refined wheat flour). This flaky bread can be eaten plain or stuffed with vegetables or meat.
Malabar Pathiri (also known as pathal) is a type of flatbread made with rice flour or coconut milk. This delicacy can be served both hot or cold with curries like chicken stew or beef fry.
Conclusion:
The famous food of Kozhikode includes Thalassery Biriyani, Kozhikodan Halwa, Kozhikodan Biryani, Malabar Porotta and Malabar Pathiri. These dishes have been part of the city’s cuisine for centuries now due to their rich taste and flavor that are reflective of its unique culture.