By Sky Bloom IT 
Known as “God’s Own Country,” Kerala is renowned for its backwaters, verdant scenery, and diverse culinary traditions. But one of the most unique and unforgettable experiences it offers is Kerala houseboat tours not just for the tranquil journey through scenic waterways, but for the flavors served on board.
Imagine cruising along palm-fringed canals and tranquil lagoons on a traditional wooden boat, while the aroma of coconut, curry leaves, and spices wafts from the kitchen nearby. Kerala’s houseboats, also known as kettuvallams, are not just about sightseeing — they are floating homes equipped with full kitchens and expert local chefs who serve authentic Kerala meals, made fresh as you sail.
Let’s explore how Kerala houseboat tours give you a true taste of the region’s culinary culture, with meals that are as much a part of the journey as the backwaters themselves.
The Floating Kitchen: A Culinary Journey Begins
Most houseboats come with an onboard chef who prepares all meals in a compact yet well-equipped kitchen. Despite limited space, these chefs create mouthwatering dishes using fresh ingredients, often sourced locally from the morning market or nearby villages.
What makes the experience so special is the home-style cooking, which focuses on traditional recipes handed down through generations. While the views outside enchant your eyes, the meals inside delight your taste buds.
A Typical Meal on a Kerala Houseboat
A standard itinerary on Kerala houseboat tours includes lunch, dinner, breakfast, and tea with snacks. Here’s what a typical day of floating cuisine might look like:
Lunch
Lunch is usually the star of the culinary experience, served shortly after boarding.
- Steamed Rice (often Kerala’s own matta rice)
- Sambar or Parippu Curry (dal-based dishes flavored with coconut and spices)
- Vegetable Thoran (dry stir-fried veggies with grated coconut)
- Aviyal (mixed vegetables in a coconut-yogurt sauce)
- Mezhukkupuratti (a dry fry, often with raw banana or beans)
- Kerala Fish Fry (spicy and crispy, made from the catch of the day)
- Pappadam and Pickles
Tea-Time Snacks
After an afternoon cruise, tea is served with light local snacks like:
- Banana Fritters (Pazham Pori)
- Uzhunnu Vada (fried lentil doughnuts)
- Ethakka Appam (banana pancakes)
Dinner
Dinner is lighter but equally flavorful, often featuring:
- Chapati or Appam (fermented rice pancakes)
- Chicken or Fish Curry
- Vegetable Stew
- Coconut Chutney
Breakfast
Wake up to a fresh breakfast spread that may include:
- Idiyappam (string hoppers) with coconut milk or stew
- Dosa with sambar and chutneys
- Upma or Puttu with banana
All meals are customized according to guest preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options. You can also inform the chef in advance about spice levels and dietary restrictions.
Local Ingredients, Global Delight
What sets Kerala’s cuisine apart is its use of locally grown ingredients: coconut in many forms (grated, milk, oil), curry leaves, mustard seeds, tamarind, green chilies, and a host of spices like cardamom, black pepper, and clove.
Many kerala houseboat tours source fish fresh from the very waters they cruise on. Local fishermen often row up to the boat offering their catch, allowing you to choose your fish and have it cooked to order — a hyper-local, sea-to-plate experience.
Seafood Galore on the Backwaters
No culinary journey in Kerala is complete without diving into its coastal seafood culture. On a houseboat, seafood is not just part of the menu — it’s a highlight.
- Karimeen Pollichathu: Pearl spot fish marinated with spices, wrapped in banana leaf, and grilled.
- Chemmeen Curry: Spicy prawn curry made with coconut milk and tamarind.
- Crab Roast: Rich and spicy, cooked with onions, pepper, and aromatic masalas.
- Squid Fry: Crispy and spicy, often served as a snack or side dish.
Pair these with rice or tapioca and enjoy a meal that captures the true flavor of Kerala.
Vegetarian Delights with Coconut Infusion
For vegetarian travelers, Kerala houseboat tours offer an abundance of flavorful, plant-based options. Most vegetarian dishes are enriched with grated coconut, curry leaves, and mustard seed tempering.
Signature vegetarian dishes include:
- Kalan – A curd-based curry made with yam and raw banana
- Olan – A gentle stew of ash gourd and red beans in coconut milk
- Erissery – Pumpkin and red beans cooked with coconut
These dishes are not only satisfying but also incredibly healthy and aromatic.
Dining with a View
Part of what makes food on Kerala houseboat tours so magical is the setting. Meals are usually served in the open dining area of the boat, where you can enjoy the stunning views of lush paddy fields, waving coconut palms, and quiet villages as you dine.
Early mornings often begin with birdsong and mist-covered waters, while dinners are served under starlit skies with the gentle lapping of water providing a natural soundtrack. It’s a multisensory experience that few dining settings in the world can match.
Tips for the Best Culinary Experience on a Houseboat
- Inform dietary preferences early – Let your tour operator or chef know your food choices ahead of time.
- Try local delicacies – Don’t shy away from trying new dishes like puttu, fish curry, or tapioca mash.
- Buy fresh seafood – If a fisherman rows up to your boat, ask to pick your own fish for a truly authentic meal.
- Avoid food wastage – The portions are generous, so let the chef know how much you’d like.
- Stay hydrated – Kerala’s weather can be humid; drink plenty of water, and try coconut water for refreshment.
Final Thoughts
Kerala houseboat tours are more than just a scenic cruise — they are a celebration of Kerala’s rich culinary heritage served in the most unique setting imaginable. With every dish cooked fresh and every ingredient carrying the essence of the region, dining on a houseboat becomes a memorable part of your journey.
From the sizzle of a fish fry in coconut oil to the soothing taste of coconut milk curries, this floating kitchen serves up an unforgettable experience that lingers long after your trip ends.
So next time you plan a backwater escape, come hungry — because Kerala’s houseboats don’t just float, they feast!