Traditional Kerala Snacks: Perfect Treat for Kids and Adults
Kerala, a beautiful state on the southwestern coast of India, is known for its natural beauty, rich culture, and its incredible cuisine. Kerala's food culture showcases its diverse culture, and is a unique blend of spices, fresh local ingredients, coconut, and traditional cooking methods. Among the many delicious dishes that Kerala offers, the state is particularly famous for its variety of snacks that are cherished by people of all ages, especially children.
From the crispy, golden Kerala banana chips to the soft and sweet unniyappam, these snacks are not only a piece of everyday life but are also a perfect treat for festivals, gatherings, and celebrations. The bold and aromatic flavours of these traditional snacks, highlights the unique spices such as cardamom, cloves, coconut and curry leaves that Kerala is famous for.
In this writing we look into authentic Kerala snacks that are enjoyed by kids, celebrating their rich taste, cultural
significance, and nostalgic appeal.
Kerala Banana Chips: A Crispy Delight
When we talk about traditional snacks of Kerala, banana chips come first to our mind . These crispy raw banana chips prepared using the Nendran variety of banana are a beloved snack for kids and adults alike. Kerala chips are known for their crunchiness and mildly sweet flavour, and are one of the most popular and iconic snacks from Kerala.
The crunch and flavour makes them perfect for munching and so appealing to kids. Kids are always delighted to munch on these crispy treats. These chips are a healthier snack option as they are made with natural ingredients and coconut oil.
Today the popularity of these chips has grown worldwide. Those who have visited Kerala or tasted the chips during their travels have fond memories of this delightful snack.
Variations of Banana Chips
Even though the traditional Kerala banana chips are deep fried and salted, several varieties are available today. Popular ones are:
Sweet Banana Chips: Made by coating the fried banana slices in jaggery syrup, giving them a sweet and a caramelised flavour. These are loved by kids, as the sweetness complements the natural flavour of the bananas.
Spicy Banana Chips: This variant has a blend of spices like chilli powder, black pepper, and sometimes even garam masala, making the chips spicier and more flavourful.
Baked Banana Chips: These chips are not fried, but instead baked in the oven. It is the best option for those looking for a healthier alternative.
Unniyappam: Soft and Sweet Snack
It is a favourite snack among kids in Kerala. These sweet, small, round fritters are made from rice flour, jaggery, bananas, and a few spices like cardamom. Unniyappam is deep-fried in ghee or coconut oil, which gives them a rich, aromatic flavor.
The use of jaggery and bananas gives Unniyappam a soft texture. The slight tartness of the ripe bananas balances the sweetness from the jaggery and the cardamom provides an aromatic touch that enhances the overall flavour. It is also a popular snack that is served during the Kerala festivals like Onam and Vishu.
Different parts of Kerala have different styles of preparing Unniyappam but the essence remains the same – soft, sweet, and slightly crispy exterior texture. Traditionally, Unniyappams are served as a part of the tea time snacks or as a dessert.
Pazham Pori: A Simple Yet Flavourful Snack
Crispy exterior with sweet and soft interior of the banana make it an irresistible treat for kids. Pazham pori is usually served as a snack during tea time. Easy preparation methods have made it one of the most common snacks across households in Kerala.
Achappam: The Crispy, Crunchy Delight
Achappam is often served during festivals and special occasions, but it is also a popular snack for kids throughout the year. The shape of the cookies makes them appealing to younger children, and their light, crispy texture is something everyone enjoys.
Vada: The Crispy Lentil Snack
Vada,a deep-fried savory snack made from ground urad dal, is enjoyed by both kids and adults. Vadas are crunchy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and are often served with coconut chutney or sambar.
The slight spiciness and savory flavour make Vadas an excellent option for those who enjoy more savory snacks. They are a common snack during festivals and special occasions but commonly enjoyed as a part of Kerala breakfast.
What Makes Kerala Snacks Loved by Kids
Kerala snacks are equally liked by kids and elders for several reasons:
Natural Ingredients: Most Kerala snacks are made using fresh, natural ingredients like coconut oil, raw bananas, jaggery, and rice flour. These ingredients add authentic flavours that children love and are also healthy.
Flavour: Most Kerala snacks offer a good balance of sweet and savoury flavours, making them attractive to kids with different taste preferences. All get addicted to this crispy, crunchy texture and the rich flavours.
Nutrient-Rich: Ingredients like bananas, rice flour, and lentils provide essential nutrients that support children’s growth.
Easy to Eat: Snacks like Kerala banana chips, Unniyappam, and Pazham pori are easy to hold and eat, making them perfect for little ones. Kids find them fun and convenient to eat, especially during playtime or when they’re on the go.
Conclusion
The traditional snacks of Kerala are not only delicious but also take us into the rich cultural heritage of the region. The crispy golden Kerala banana chips to the sweet and aromatic Unniyappam, Kerala’s snacks hold a special place in the hearts of kids and adults alike. Natural ingredients packed with flavours, Kerala snacks, are an integral part of Kerala’s food culture and will continue to be a favourite of children for generations to come.
On your next visit to Kerala make sure you try these snacks or even something new, to experience the rich culinary heritage. It will take you to a world of crispy, sweet, and savoury delights that are sure to leave you craving for more.
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