Literally meaning a grove of coconut trees, Kovalam beach is a popular tourist destination in Kerala, located in the Thiruvananthapuram district. Popular street food in Kovalam is a treat for both vegetarian and seafood lovers, with a range of South Indian food and Indianized version of European dishes.
Here is the list of the best street food in Kovalam, along with the top eating outlets on the beach. Try these to complete your Kovalam experience!
Famous Street Food in Kovalam
Be it an early morning breakfast or a dinner by the beach, Kovalam beach has a variety of food items to offer to its visitors. While South Indian breakfast items such as idlis, dosas, and uthappams are commonly served, you must try some of the following local specialities, which can be listed among the best food in Kovalam.
1. Puttu
An authentic breakfast food that is served in Kerala, Puttu is a healthy steamed dish made of rice flour and layered with coconut. This soft and light food item are usually consumed with Kadala curry or red bananas, making it among the top picks for famous food in Kovalam.
2. Kerala Appam
One of the well-known street foods in Kovalam, Appam is a popular breakfast in Kerala. Prepared using fermented rice and coconut pulp dough, Appam is served with vegetable stew or with chicken or other meat dishes.
3. Kappa
Looking for some health-packed food in Kovalam? Kappa (or Tapioca) is a spicy dish, packed with rich proteins and vitamins. Kappa is basically a rich herb, cooked with rock salt and garnished with grated coconut or coconut water. Among the famous food of Kovalam, Kappa tastes best when paired with fish curry.
4. Karimeen
Fish lovers can get a taste of the local fish cuisine when in Kovalam, with the Karimeen (or pearl spot fish) preparation. This local fish is commonly found in the backwaters of Kerala and is cooked in different ways for a range of exotic dishes. If you are fond of seafood, dishes made using crabs and lobsters are common and among the best food in Kovalam.
5. South Indian plate
The best way of enjoying the rich mix of dishes in Kerala is by ordering a South Indian plate. Usually served on a banana leaf, a typical South Indian plate/meal comprises rice, chapatti, mixed vegetables, dal, curd, and dessert. Served as a common street food in Kovalam, there are several varieties of the South Indian plate.
Best Food Places in Kovalam
Along with sunny beaches and great food, Kovalam beach is dotted with numerous eating joints and restaurants, some of which are associated with beach hotels.
Here is the list of the best food places in Kovalam that you must give a try for a range of Kerala vegetarian and seafood cuisines.
1. German Bakery and Waves Restaurant
Located on the beach front, the German Bakery and Waves restaurant offers a spectacular view of the Lighthouse beach. Famous for its Asian and Continental cuisine along with bakery items, this restaurant also offers choicest seafood preparations and a range of vegetarian dishes, making it the ideal choice for the best food in Kovalam.
2. Suprabhatham
Among the best food places in Kovalam for authentic vegetarian Kerala cuisine, Suprabhatham has located slightly away from the Lighthouse beach and is practically open through the day. Along with the best of local dishes, this restaurant with its rustic settings is also easy on your pocket.
3. Malabar Cafe
Located right on the Lighthouse beach, Malabar Café is a complete treat for seafood lover and serves some of the best food in Kovalam. Depending on the morning catch, their seafood offering can vary from Pomfret, sea salmon, red or white snapper fish, along with the servings of crab and lobster dishes. This beautiful café is recommended for its butter garlic fish and tandoori fish, and a wide range of pasta and curries for vegetarians.
4. Swiss Cafe
If you are a fan of the Swiss cuisine, you cannot skip this café, located on the beach front of the Lighthouse beach in Kovalam. Along with the soothing view of the ocean (particularly during sunset), this restaurant serves the best food of Kovalam when it comes to Swiss treats like the Rosti (made of grated potatoes), the Zurich schnitzel (made of chopped chicken) and a wide variety of Swiss-made pizzas.
5. Devi Garden Restaurant
One of the best food places in Kovalam for home-cooked meals, Devi Garden restaurant is part of the Devi Holiday Inn hotel on the Kovalam beach road. This family-run restaurant serves freshly-prepared Indian delicacies and is pocket-friendly.
Food lovers visiting Kovalam beach can treat themselves to a range of gastronomical delights from South Indian breakfast, bakery delicacies, and a variety of seafood delicacies.
We would love to hear about your favorite food item that you had on your trip to Kovalam beach. Do share with us, along with the name of the restaurant where you tasted the dish.
