Best Foods in Kozhikode
Welcome to Kozhikode, a city of food culture and art. Kozhikode, where food is served with emotion, songs soothe the soul, and beaches connect hearts.Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Kozhikode has something for you — to make you happy and to leave you with unforgettable memories. Ready to taste your way through the city? Here is a simple guide for you;
1. Must-Try Dishes in Kozhikode
● Kozhikode Biryani
There are many varieties of food on the menus of Calicut hotels, but biriyani is like a king who has never lost his crown. Everything about biriyani is perfect when you visit Kozhikode, thanks to the rich traditions they follow. The perfect rice, tender meat, and a fragrant, subtly spiced masala, never failed to satisfy our tummy. Pair it with raita and pickle, and you’ll feel the magic on your taste buds.
Where to try:
https://thecityofspices.com/2024/12/05/best-biriyani-spot-in-calicut/ This blog will help you decide where to try biriyani in Kozhikode from a wide range of options.
● Kozhikodan Halwa
You will definitely see colourful sweet treats made from flour, ghee, and sugar everywhere in Kozhikode streets. The different colours indicate different varieties of flavours. You’ll find rows of jewel-toned halwas stacked high in sweet shops around SM Street. Trying the taste of Kozhikodan halwa will be worth the money.
Don’t miss:
📍 Kuttichira or SM Street shops Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
● Pathiri & Curry
Pathiri is a soft rice flour flatbread typically served with spicy fish or chicken curry. A staple in Malabar Muslim households.
● Seafood, Seafood, Seafood!
Kozhikode is home to several beaches, making it a haven for seafood lovers. Dishes made from fresh fish are among the top-selling items in most restaurants. Grilled prawns, fish pollichathu (fish wrapped in banana leaf), and squid roast are popular picks. Multiple varieties of the same fish are available in different restaurants and along the food streets.
●Street foods
As dusk falls over Kozhikode, the city transforms into a world of street food. The variety of items you’ll find while exploring the street food scene will amaze you. The people of Kozhikode have a natural curiosity for trying new things — something you’ll experience firsthand when you stroll through the city’s vibrant streets.
Don’t miss:
📍Kozhikode beach, Kovoor food streets, Mugadhaar beach.
● Mandi – Arabian Flavors, Kozhikode Style
Originally from Yemen, Mandi has made a big splash in Kozhikode. It’s a fragrant rice dish cooked with Arabic spices and served with juicy grilled chicken or mutton. The smoky flavor and spicy mayo dips make it a crowd favorite.
Where to try:
📍Nahdi Mandi, Mandi house, soofi mandi, Ikku Bhai’s
2. Kozhikode Beach Food Scene
Evenings at Kozhikode Beach are magical – not just for the view, but for the local eats. Try:
- Ice Orathi (cold milk drink with crushed ice, basil seeds, and dry fruits)
- Masala peanuts
- Roasted corn on the cob
- Chicken rolls and egg puffs
3. Don’t Leave Without Trying…
- Mutta Mala – Made with egg yolks and sugar, it’s a visual and tasty delight.
- Unnakkaya – A deep-fried snack made of plantains, coconut, and nuts.
- Elanir Payasam – A refreshing coconut milk dessert served cold.
Kozhikode isn’t just a stop on the map – it’s a place to taste. From street-side snacks to five-star seafood, every bite tells a story of trade, tradition, and togetherness. So come hungry, leave happy — and maybe carry a little extra halwa for the road.
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