The cuisines of a region are a direct result of the cultural and social character of that destination. Palakkad, however, imbibes the best of two different cultures and serves a number of dishes that are unique to the conjoined cultural ethos of the region. Being the northeastern border of Kerala with Tamil Nadu, the way of life of the people has been influenced by the Tamilian culture as well. Especially with regard to the Brahmin community who have had a heavy influence in the locale’s local cuisine.
Though Palakkad serves many different varieties of food, the dishes that are quintessential to Palakkad are mostly vegetarian. This can be attributed to the influence of the Brahmin community who have migrated to Palakkad from various parts of Tamil Nadu. Some of these are very traditional in nature and have been passed on from generation to generation. The staple food is rice. Some of the most popular dishes include Sambar, Rasam, Injippuli, Koottucurry, Vattals, Madhura Dosai, Kozhukkatta, Sukhiyan and so on. Some of the more distinct dishes include Nellikka arachu kalakki, Pavakka pitla, Arachchuvitta sambhar, Rasavangi, Palada pradhaman and Idichchupizhinja payasam. All these and various other special items make up for the amazing taste of Palakkad cuisines.
