By Shireen Jamooji
Kerala cuisine is rich in flavours and histiry, but unfortunately, if you don't understand the language, ordering at a restaurant can be confusing. Here are a few words you can keep in mind to help you explore this amazing cuisine with ease.
Meen curry, meen fry, meen everywhere! Meen just means fish. Simple as that.
A steamed rice cake, usually served with kadala curry or banana.
Usually associated with Kerala Beef Fry, this preparation is dry, heavily spiced eaten with parotta.
A traditional dish made by layering rice, vegetables, and meat or fish, spices and coconut milk, steamed in a banana leaf packet.
A sweet pudding made with milk, sugar, rice, vermicelli, or lentils, often with cardamom, saffron, or other spices.
If you love crustaceans, look no further. Chemmeen is the word you'll spot on all shrimp and prawn dishes.
Is there any meat that's as universally as popular as chicken? Keep an eye out for the word Kozhi to sample Kerala's chicken dishes.
You'll probably spot this word all over a menu, and associated with all sorts of meat and seafood. It just means 'cooked in traditional style'.
Kadukka Fry is a quick and easy preparation of mussels that are stir-fried with onions, tomatoes, and spices.
Image Credits: Sanjay Ramchandran/Instagram
Moilee is a mild and creamy curry - usually with fish - made with coconut milk and a blend of spices.