"Tourists don’t know where they’ve been, travelers don’t know where they’re going."
- Paul Theroux

WORLD OF AIRDA

Views and Interviews

August 2025

World Tourism Feature

The aromatic flavors of Kerala Tourism


Kerala has emerged as a cherished destination in world tourism, through scenic beauty and cultural canvas, and through the soul of its home-grown cuisine. The state's unique taste traditions offer a flavor experience shaped by climate, geography, and cultural influences. From authentic regional fare to contemporary fusion adaptations, Kerala’s evolving culinary landscape is seen as a defining element of a tourist’s experience.

What makes this melting pot so essential to tourism? Let’s explore how local culinary expressions complete the journey for vacationers and tourists alike.



Unique Flavor Profile Kerala’s culinary character is defined by a distinct interplay of flavors—layered, vibrant, and unmistakably rooted in tradition. Coconut, a popular ingredient, imparts creamy richness to curries, stews, snacks, and desserts—enhancing the signature appeal of each preparation. The use of turmeric and cumin, often paired with fresh herbs like coriander, curry leaves, and cilantro, also contributes to the vibrant and nuanced taste for which Kerala is celebrated.

Traditional cooking practices favor slow-cooking in earthen pots or over wood-fired stoves to infuse that unmistakable depth and aroma. These ancestral techniques are often blended with contemporary methods like steaming or grilling, resulting in meals that respect heritage while embracing modernity. In doing so, Kerala continues to preserve its culinary memory while remaining responsive to evolving tastes.



Food Festivals and Events Kerala’s food calendar comes alive with festivals and events that honor its rich culinary heritage. These vibrant gatherings invite guests into immersive tasting experiences, where time-honored recipes meet cross-cultural expressions—delighting the senses through flavor, story, and shared celebration.

Through curated experiences like cooking classes and guided food tours, guests engage with Kerala’s flavors beyond the plate—learning techniques, discovering stories, and connecting with communities. These programs create meaningful entry points into culture, extending hospitality beyond accommodation.



Economic Impact and Cultural Empowerment Sourcing ingredients from nearby farms and plantations ensures freshness, in addition to supporting local farmers and producers. This emphasis on proximity not only maintains flavor integrity but also furthers sustainable agriculture—all part of Kerala’s larger commitment to regenerative tourism.



This ripple effect creates employment across the ecosystem—from culinary entrepreneurs and food artisans, to tour guides and festival organizers—weaving hospitality with livelihood and local enterprise.

How resorts can bring tourists closer to Kerala’s evolving cultural spaces

  • Spice Plantation Journeys: Collaborate with regional spice farms to offer guided tours, showcasing Kerala’s prized produce like black pepper, cardamom, and turmeric.
  • Cooking Workshops: Host hands-on classes that spotlight traditional techniques and recipes, allowing guests to connect with Kerala’s culinary wisdom.
  • Live Sadya Showcases: Present this popular multi-course vegetarian feast through storytelling and live demonstration, celebrating ritual, and community dining.


  • Malabar Food Fest: Curate regional food festivals that showcase Malabar’s distinctive blend of multi-cuisine influences, drawing attention to culinary convergence.
  • Local Food Trails: Partner with neighborhood experts and guides to design exploratory food walks—enabling guests to sample, learn, and engage with small-scale eateries and local storytellers.
  • Media Partnerships: Align with culinary tourism networks to amplify Kerala’s food identity and range of attractions.

A Flavor-Led Future Kerala’s distinctive culinary traditions have become a key ingredient in its tourism promotion. In embracing Kerala’s culinary legacy, resorts become storytellers—narrating journeys of taste, identity, and transformation. And when guests leave with lasting memories flavored by authenticity, they carry a piece of Kerala with them, long after the meal is done.


AIRDA member resorts in Kerala

Club Mahindra Holidays
Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited

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Images used in this article are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of any specific products or services from our partners or affiliates. Image credits: Images sourced from pexels.com (pexels-saveurssecretes)


Content Disclaimer: The views expressed in our interviews and stories do not necessarily reflect the official policies, practices and guidelines of the All India Resort Development Association, or its members. These views are based on personal experiences, private opinion, or open source information. Images used here are either paid-for stock photos, images shared by the people we interview, or images under one of the open source licenses such as Creative Commons and others. For some of our features we acknowledge the use of AI referencing and writing inputs from Bard (Google) and Bing/Edge (Microsoft). We also acknowledge the use of publicly available AI assistants to generate relevant images for our feature stories.

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