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Nestled along the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, Alleppey (also known as Alappuzha) is a culinary paradise held in high esteem by lovers of seafood. From fresh catches hauled in daily in the early morning by local fishermen to traditional recipes passed down through generations through great-grandmothers, grandmothers, mothers, wives, and aunts, the seafood culinary experiences in Alleppey are an essential part of understanding the town’s rich culture and heritage.
One of the unique aspects of enjoying seafood in Alleppey is its unparalleled freshness. The town is located next to the Arabian Sea and has an intricate network of canals and backwaters, which gives it an abundance of fresh fish, prawns, crabs, squid, and mussels. The seafood comes straight from a fisherman’s net to your plate, cooked deliciously by local chefs who have mastered the art of cooking seafood in true Kerala style.
Visiting a bustling fish market like the Alleppey Beach Fish Market can be an experience in itself.
The market is a sensory feast, with fishermen proudly displaying their day’s catch even as locals and restaurant owners haggle for the best deals. Whether it’s Pearl Spot fish (known locally as Karimeen), tiger prawns, or blue crabs, there is a stunning array of choices you can pick from. If you are on a houseboat, many operators will give you the option of purchasing fresh seafood from these markets. Once you have decided on the seafood you want to try, the chef on board will prepare it for you in authentic Kerala style.
Kerala’s cuisine is marked by bold spices and aromatic flavors, and Alleppey’s seafood is no exception. The region’s culinary identity is deeply tied to its use of ingredients like coconut, curry leaves, tamarind, and a host of freshly ground spices. The cooking methods used are mostly traditional such as steaming in banana leaves, grilling over an open flame, and slow-cooking in earthen pots. These methods ensure you have an explosion of fusion flavors in each bite you take.
Here are some local favorites you must not miss out:
A quintessential Alleppey dish, Karimeen Pollichathu features the region’s prized Pearl Spot fish,
which is marinated in a blend of special spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and then grilled to perfection. The smoky aroma and the tender flavorful fish is to die for.
Venerated for its mild and delicate flavors, Meen Moilee is a fish stew cooked in traditional Kerala style.
The fish is cooked in coconut milk with ginger, garlic, green chilies, and curry leaves thrown in. The concoction reflects the subtlety and versatility of Kerala’s coastal cuisine.
If you like robust flavors, you will love the Njandu Roast, which is a crab stir-fry.
The shellfish are stir-fried in a fiery blend of spices, onions, and tomatoes. The succulent crab meat absorbs the spices, creating a unique flavor that is difficult to forget.
Koonthal Varattiyathu (Squid Roast) is another popular dish where squid is stir-fried…
…with shallots, garlic, curry leaves that blend with the spices. The chewy texture presents a strong contrast to the bold flavors of the spices.
If you’re a hands-on traveler, you should check out cooking classes and culinary tours…
…offered by many local families and culinary schools. Here, you can learn the secrets of cooking Kerala-style seafood dishes. From grinding spices to cooking in traditional clay pots, these experiences will let you take a piece of Alleppey’s culinary heritage home with you.
Moreover, these culinary tours often include visits to spice plantations, fish markets, and local farms, fostering a holistic understanding of the region’s food culture.
The best time to enjoy seafood in Alleppey is during the monsoon season when the backwaters teem with fish and the sea offers its catch as usual. However, winter is also a good time. There’s nothing like sampling some delicious seafood right on the beach even as a mellow sun warms you up in a cozy hug.
Alleppey offers dining options from houseboats to local eateries.
Many houseboats come equipped with skilled chefs who will rustle up a customized menu using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. For a more grounded experience, Alleppey’s local eateries and toddy shops (traditional palm wine establishments) serve up some of the best seafood dishes. Pairing spicy seafood dishes with a glass of locally brewed toddy is a ritual every visitor should try. And then there is fine dining where Alleppey’s upscale restaurants offer curated seafood menus.
Complete your Alleppey adventure by diving into its seafood culture. We assure you, every morsel is worth it.
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