Archive · 14 Nov 2025
Kerala Recognized for Culinary Culture by Lonely Planet's 2026 List
A travel guide called Lonely Planet made a list of the best places to visit in 2026.
They picked Kerala, a state in India, because of its delicious food!
Kerala has food that is spicy and full of flavor, often using fish, coconut, and special spices.
They highlighted dishes like fish cooked in banana leaves and a type of pancake with yummy fillings.
The article also talks about Mappila cooking, which comes from a special part of Kerala and has influences from traders.
While Kerala's food is amazing, the writer also thinks other Indian places like Bengal, Pondicherry, and Kashmir have great food too.
Lonely Planet also mentioned other food experiences like a food tour in Dubai and eating in Melbourne.
Kerala has been included in Lonely Planet's 'The 25 Best Experiences in 2026' list, recognized for its culinary culture.
The list highlights Kerala as the only Indian destination featured, noting its spicy and flavorful cuisine.
Key dishes mentioned include pollichathu (fish marinated and grilled in banana leaves) and Mappila cuisine from the Malabar region.
The article notes Kerala's use of fresh ingredients like fish, coconut, and a variety of spices, often with influences from historical trade.
While Kerala is celebrated, the author suggests other Indian states like Bengal, Pondicherry, and Kashmir could also be strong culinary contenders.
- Who
- Lonely Planet
- What
- Included Kerala on its 'The 25 Best Experiences in 2026' list, specifically highlighting its culinary culture.
- When
- 2026
- Where
- Kerala, India
- Why
- To recognize Kerala's unique and flavorful culinary traditions.
Author's View
Lonely Planet's Description
Masala Dosa Filling
Author's View
Describes the filling of lightly spiced potatoes and onions as a stretch to call 'curried vegetables,' though still worth savoring.
Lonely Planet's Description
Described as 'wafer-thin masala dosa (curried vegetables inside a lentil crepe)'.
- List Name
- The 25 Best Experiences in 2026
- Featured Destination
- Kerala, India
- Reason for Inclusion
- Culinary culture
- Specific Kerala Dishes Mentioned
- Masala dosa, pollichathu, Mappila cooking, Irachi Pathiri, Thalassery Biryani, Chatti Pathiri
- Key Ingredients/Flavors
- Spicy, flavorful, fish, prawns, crab, beef, mutton, coconut, various spices
- Other Food Mentions on List
- Cultural food tour in Dubai, Willamette Wine Country (Oregon), Melbourne (Australia)
