Kerala Cuisine— the bold, on-trend flavor profile operators can win with.
56% of Gen Z consumers and 49% of Millenials say they’re interested in trying Kerala cuisine.*
Global flavors continue to influence menus across the US and if you’re going to learn about one new cuisine year, it should be the bold flavors of Kerala, India.
Kerala cuisine encompasses foods and beverages from the southwestern state of Kerala in India. It’s characterized as being seafood and veggie-forward dishes with rice, coconut milk, and spices (Kerala is nicknamed “the land of spices”) like curry leaves, turmeric, mustard seeds, tamarind, chiles, and asafoetida (a pungent, funky, savory spice). T
35% of U.S consumers are interested in operators hosting or offering Sadya— a communal vegetarian feast held in Kerala that showcases up to 28 dishes! This is a no-brainer for operators wanting to offer experiential dining.*
Kerala concepts are popping up stateside, mainly at independent operators, with a variety of operators calling Kerala out dishes/beverages on menus. It’s easy to take inspiration from Kerala foods, flavors, and beverages, as many of the staple concepts are approachable –think Kerala fried chicken or Indian filter coffee (kaapi).
You don’t need to reinvent your ingredient lineup to give this a try! Kerala fried chicken, a spicy street food seasoned with red and green chiles, lime or vinegar, and a marinade featuring spices like garlic, turmeric, ginger and curry leaves. If you want to see how guests will respond without committing to giving a bold, new dish a permanent space on the menu, host a special “Sadya” weekend and build a sampler so guests can tailor their experience (hello, Insta-worthy date with friends)!
More menu applications:
- Shareables: Kerala hot chicken bites with mint-coconut dipping sauce
- Sandwiches: Kerala hot chicken on toasted brioche with lime slaw
- Seafood: Tamarind-coconut shrimp with blistered chiles
- Veggie Main: Cabbage or green bean coconut stir-fry with crispy onions
- Brunch: Kerala spice potatoes with a curry scramble
- Beverage: Iced Kaapi (rich, frothy Indian coffee drink) with cardamom cold foam
If you want to try your hand at something traditional before experimenting with flavors on your menu, try this Kadala Curry recipe from Hema Subramanian on YouTube or on her Home Cooking Show website!
Everything you need to create new, exciting dishes can be found in our catalogue, and you can find more inspiration from Schenck Foods in our quarterly, CRUNCH!
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