Home to bustling Tamilian community, Palakkad has distinctive cultural tradition of its own that is a perfect combination of the best influences from Kerala’s and Tamil’s traditions. The locals of also have their very own style of cookery as well. The cuisine of Palakkad has several indigenous traditions. In a similar manner like traditions, recipes in the houses of this town have been passed on from generations to generations.
The Brahmins of Palakkad are known to have their own culture, quite unique in itself. Even the men of the family are well-versed with the art of cooking and can manage the kitchen well. This city is well-known for churning-out some of the world’s best recipes. Although a major of chunk of population of this place is vegetarian but there are some non vegetarians as well. While rice is staple food, there are certain other popularities as well including various kinds of Vatthals and Pickles, Sambhar, Rasam, Injippuli and Koottucurry. There are some specialties of Palakkad too such as Ada, Madhura Dosa, Sukhiyan, Kozhukkatta and Vatthal Kozhambu.
There are some recipes that are prepared only on special occasions like weddings, a family get together or a religious ceremony. Molaguvellam, Olan, Rasakalan, Pulingari Mulagoshiam, Kalan, Erisseri and varieties of Prathamans are some of such delicacies. Most of these dished are mainly prepared in coconut oils and coconut pieces are added in abundance. Rice powder and Tuvar dal are added to most of the dishes in the form of a thickening agent generally added in every dish. Food in Palakkad is spicy and green chilies are used in abundance.
There are various options for people who love sweets such as Boondi, Laddu, Ravakesari, Jalebi and Mysorepak. Along with the main dishes, there are some snacks too that Cheeda, Thatta, Ribbon Pokkavada and Murukku.
Along with these, there are certain exclusive dishes of Palakkad that you can enjoy in platter such as Nellikka arachu kalakki, Pavakka pitla, Idichchupizhinja payasam, Rasavangi, Palada pradhaman and Arachchuvitta sambhar.
The food of Palakkad is largely associated with the history of the regions community and their traditions. Tamilian influences are also found in the cooking of communities like Palakkad chettiars.
