A Foodie’s Guide to Alleppey Houseboats: Must-Try Kerala Dishes on the Water

Posted On November 28, 2024 by ATDC

Kerala is known for its exquisite cuisine. From seafood to every kind of Vegetarian food, Kerala has a unique and authentic twist to it. Alleppey, often referred to as the “Venice of the East” is a treasure trove for foodies and travellers alike. There are so many things you get to experience amidst the stunning backdrop of Alleppey’s backwaters and trying authentic Kerala cuisine is something you would not want to miss. Indulging in the different courses of Kerala’s culinary delights made by the chefs on board is truly an immersive experience when you’re on a houseboat, ensuring that the journey is as flavourful as it is picturesque. Here are some must-try Kerala dishes on the water you should check out during your time in Alleppey.

Why is Alleppey every foodie’s paradise?

Alleppey boat houses are not just floating homes you get to stay at. The floating kitchens of Alleppey houseboats travel with you to bring the state’s rich and culturally significant culinary expertise to you. These houseboats offer you an intimate dining experience, tying you to the roots of Kerala with its fresh, locally sourced ingredients, spices and dishes. Houseboats often offer you a curated menu that lets you immerse yourself into the chef’s daily specials where every meal is a unique journey as you travel along Alleppey. 

If you’re wondering, “Is the houseboat experience in Alleppey, Kerala worth it?” Well, we’re pleased to tell you that the food by itself is a truly resounding experience. From traditional steamed breakfast to carefully curated seafood feasts, the food is as delightful and indulgent as the scenic beauty outside. 

Here are some carefully curated picks for you to try on your next trip to Alleppey on a houseboat:

1. Malabar Style Prawn Curry: Prawns are always freshly caught during your trip on the houseboat. Malabar Pray Curry is a coconut milk-based dish made with rich spices , red chillies, turmeric, and curry leaves. This curry is often served with rice or steamed appams. This combination is a heavenly mix of flavours you would not want to miss. This fresh and delicious dish is sure to be one of your favourites onboard!
2. Puttu and Kadala Curry: Puttu and Kadala curry, being one of Kerala’s staple and widely eaten food offers you an authentic introduction to Kerala’s cuisine. Puttu, being steamed rice cakes and Kadala Curry, made of black chickpeas, reflect Kerala’s wholesome breakfast cuisine. Puttu is also served with freshly grated coconut and a banana to offer the perfect sweet-savory balance, making it the perfect breakfast to start off your perfect day on the houseboat.
3. Appam and Curry: Appam is another one of Kerala’s staple dishes. Appam, a dish so versatile, can be paired up with a variety of dishes. Often enjoyed with freshly made vegetable stews, chicken, lamb or fish curries or even coconut milk, Appam is the staple dish you would not want to miss.
4. Karimeen (Pearl Spot Fish) Polichadhu: This is one of Kerala’s signature dishes made out of freshly caught pearl spot fishes on board. These fishes are let to marinate in hot, freshly made spices, wrapped in banana leaves and grilled to perfection. Once it’s out of the grill, the dish is a smoky, heavenly dish that is often paired with rice. The freshness and flavour of this dish makes it all the rage! 
5. Thalassery Biryani: Biryani is a famous dish all over India but there’s nothing quite like a freshly prepared biryani, Thalassery style. It is made with short grain rice, succulent, fresh meat and a blend of aromatic and delicious spices and is cooked on the houseboat on a single pot. This one-pot wonder is a reminder and a beautiful blend of taste and the local culture.
6. Sadhya (Vegetarian Feast): Sadhyas are big feasts enjoyed during festivals. It is one grand meal served on a banana leaf with an assortment of curries, pickles, sweets and dishes. Sadhya is often served with delicious dishes that show Kerala’s culinary diversity with dishes like Sambar, Aviyal, Thoran, Payasam and so on. It’s not just a simple feast but rather, a cultural experience. 
7. Kappa (Tapioca) and Fish Curry with Toddy: Kappa or Tapioca is another widely enjoyed meal, that is best when paired with freshly prepared fish curry. The starchy flavour of tapioca compliments the spicy and tangy fish curry. This is enjoyed on board with freshly prepared toddy, which is fermented coconut sap, adding the sweet and sour note you need in your meal.
8. Sweet treats for your sweet tooth: Kerala has a lot of sweet options that you will love. Finishing your meals with traditional and delicious sweets is the perfect closure you need for your food experience on the houseboat. Houseboats in Alleppey offer you a variety of sweet options like Ada Pradhaman, which is rice flakes in Jaggery and coconut milk, Palada payasam, which is rice pudding, Semiya Payasam, which is rice vermicelli in milk, and so many other sweet drinks and dishes you need to end your meal with. These sweet treats are sure to round off your wholesome meal on the houseboat.

Culinary experience is something every tourist looks forward to. However, miscommunications can happen and to avoid that, here are some curated tips for you to have a memorable culinary experience.

• Try seasonal special food: Many Kerala dishes are seasonal. Trying the food according to the season is ideal so you can try the taste of the season. Mangos and jackfruits during its season are the best delicacies you will need on a houseboat.
• Explore new foods: Trying new food on board helps in diversifying your taste palette and opens your eyes to new dishes and new flavours you never knew you needed.
• Fresh food: Trying fresh food, seafood and fruits help in connecting you to Alleppey, giving you a more immersive experience.
• Communicating your preferences: Communicating your preferences is one of the most, if not, the most important step you can take while travelling. Communicating your preferences, specifying your health conditions or allergy can help in a wholesome and trouble free retreat you need. 

Alleppey is indeed a foodie’s paradise. When choosing from the wide range of Alleppey houseboat packages, food enthusiasts should look for options that embrace the local cuisine. Houseboats often feature experienced chefs who specialize in traditional Kerala recipes. For those planning your trip to Alleppey, consider the Best Time for Houseboating in Alleppey to coincide with festivals or harvest seasons for an even richer culinary experience tied to culture.The serene ambiance of Alleppey’s backwaters, paired with the burst of flavors from must-try Kerala dishes on the water, creates an unforgettable and truly memorable experience for every foodie. With this guide, you can enjoy every bit of your next trip to Alleppey with a more concise idea of the food diversity in Kerala. Whether you’re savouring your freshly prepared Karimeen Pollichathu or enjoying the subtle, yet delicious flavour of Appam or Puttu, every dish savoured in Alleppey has its own story to tell, showcasing Kerala’s exquisite culinary heritage. So, with this idea, pack up your bags, book your trip, prepare your bucket list and get ready to enjoy the charm of Alleppey, all at the comfort of your own houseboat. This journey promises you a culturally tied, immersive experience that you will never forget.