Lonely Planet just named Kerala’s cuisine a Top 25 World Experience for 2026. Discover why “God’s Own Country” is a global foodie paradise and how to plan your culinary trip.
The secret is officially out.
The world’s most trusted travel guide, Lonely Planet, has unveiled its coveted “Best in Travel 2026” list, and sitting proudly among the Top 25 Best Experiences in the World is Kerala.
The entry, titled “Dig in to Kerala’s Culinary Culture,” is a massive global endorsement for the state, placing its food on the same pedestal as its world-famous backwaters and lush hill stations.
This isn’t just another travel article; it’s a declaration. Lonely Planet is telling the world that a trip to Kerala is one of the most essential, life-changing experiences a traveler can have.
But what does this mean for Kerala tourism? And more importantly, what makes its food so special that it’s now a globally-recognized “must-do”?
As a One Click blog, we’re diving deep into why this is a huge deal and how you can plan your own gastronomic journey to “God’s Own Country.”
Why This Lonely Planet Feature is a Game-Changer
When people search for “Why visit Kerala?”, the top answers are almost always “backwaters,” “Munnar tea plantations,” or “Ayurveda.” This Lonely Planet award changes that.
- Global Authority: Lonely Planet is a benchmark for travel. This feature elevates Kerala from just a “beautiful place” to a world-class culinary destination.
- Shifts the Focus: It tells travelers that you don’t just see Kerala, you taste it. The food is no longer just a part of the trip; it is the reason for the trip.
- Attracts Foodie Travelers: This puts Kerala on the map for “gastronomic tourists”—people who travel the world specifically to eat. It places it in the same league as culinary giants like Italy, Vietnam, and Mexico.
This recognition highlights a truth that locals have always known: Kerala’s food is a journey in itself, a story of its history, geography, and culture served on a banana leaf.
What Makes Kerala Cuisine a World-Class Experience?
So, why did Kerala’s food beat out thousands of other global experiences? Our analysis of what travelers and foodies ask about Kerala cuisine reveals it boils down to three things: unmatched diversity, fresh-from-the-earth ingredients, and unique culinary traditions.
1. It’s a Symphony of Spices and Coconut
You cannot talk about Kerala without talking about spices. This is, after all, the “Spice Coast of India,” the place that launched Columbus’s ships and built empires.
But it’s not about fiery heat. It’s about flavor.
- Fresh Spices: Think of the aroma of freshly cracked black pepper (the “black gold” of Malabar), the floral notes of cardamom, the warmth of cloves, and the earthy glow of turmeric.
- The Coconut Trinity: Coconut is the essence of Kerala’s cuisine. It’s used in three forms: coconut oil for cooking, coconut milk for rich, creamy curries, and grated coconut for texture and flavor.
2. You Can Taste the Landscape
Kerala’s geography is its pantry.
- From the Sea: The long coastline provides an incredible bounty of fresh seafood. The Meen Curry (fish curry with tangy tamarind) and Karimeen Pollichathu (pearl spot fish marinated in spices and grilled in a banana leaf) are legendary.
- From the Backwaters: The tranquil backwaters provide freshwater fish and, famously, the giant Malabar Prawn.
- From the Hills: The Western Ghats provide all the spices, plus tea, coffee, and fruits like bananas and jackfruit.
3. It’s Home to “Must-Try” Culinary Icons
Many user queries focus on “what to eat in Kerala.” The answer is a list of unforgettable food experiences.
- The Kerala Sadhya: The ultimate vegetarian feast. This banquet of 20+ dishes is served on a single banana leaf, perfectly balanced in flavor, color, and texture. It’s a cultural and culinary masterpiece.
- Malabar Cuisine: In the north, Mappila (Kerala Muslim) cuisine is a rich blend of Arab, Zamorin, and Malabari cultures. The Malabar Biryani, with its fragrant, short-grain rice, is a world away from its northern counterparts.
- The Perfect Breakfast: Forget cereal. Keralites start their day with wonders like Appam (a lacy, bowl-shaped rice pancake) with a mild, creamy Ishtu (stew), or Puttu (steamed rice and coconut cylinders) served with a hearty Kadala Curry (black chickpea curry).
4. The Kochi Connection
Lonely Planet’s article specifically highlights Kochi as an “under-the-radar culinary hub.” This is key. Kochi (formerly Cochin) was the center of the ancient spice trade. Its food is a living map of its history, with Jewish, Portuguese, Dutch, and Arab influences all in one place. The guide recommends a food walk through Mattancherry, and for good reason—it’s like eating your way through a history book.
Plan Your Kerala Culinary Adventure (Your Questions Answered)
This Lonely Planet feature is going to inspire a wave of new visitors. To help you plan, we’ve answered the most common questions travelers ask when planning a trip to Kerala.
“When is the best time to visit Kerala for a food tour?”
The best time to visit Kerala is during the winter season (September to March). The weather is cool, dry, and pleasant, making it perfect for exploring food stalls, spice plantations, and markets. The monsoon season (June to August) is lush and beautiful but can make travel difficult.
“Is Kerala food too spicy?”
This is a common worry! The answer is no. Kerala food is about flavor, not just heat. While some dishes have a kick, most are balanced with creamy coconut milk, tangy tamarind, or sour kokum. Chefs are always happy to adjust the spice level for you.
“Is Kerala good for vegetarians?”
Kerala is a vegetarian’s paradise. The traditional Sadhya is entirely vegetarian. You’ll find an endless variety of dishes made from lentils, yams, ash gourd, pumpkin, and beans, all cooked in delicious coconut-based gravies. Just ask for “veg food,” and you’ll be treated to a feast.
“What else can I do in Kerala besides eat?”
The best part is that you can combine your culinary tour with all of Kerala’s other iconic experiences:
- Backwaters: Hire a traditional houseboat in Alappuzha (Alleppey). A personal chef will cook you the freshest fish and curries on board.
- Hill Stations: Visit Munnar or Wayanad. Walk through the tea gardens and spice plantations to see where your food’s ingredients come from.
- Beaches: Relax on the beaches of Varkala or Kovalam and eat at the “toddy shops” (local taverns) or seafood shacks right on the sand.
Your Seat at the Feast is Waiting
Lonely Planet’s 2026 “Best in Travel” list has just confirmed what food lovers have known for years: Kerala’s cuisine is one of the most unique, delicious, and memorable experiences on the planet.
It’s a journey that delights all the senses—the aroma of spices, the sound of a sizzling appam, the sight of a colorful sadhya, and, of course, the incredible taste of a culture refined over thousands of years.
So, take Lonely Planet’s advice. Don’t just book a trip to Kerala. Book a culinary pilgrimage.
Ready to “Dig in to Kerala’s Culinary Culture”? Contact us today to start planning your custom Kerala food tour!