HotKannur Fish Curry
Non-vegA fiery north-Malabar fish curry with coconut, chilli and kokum — fresh from the Kannur coast, best with rice or kappa.
₹150–350
Eat in Kannur
What to Eat in Kannur Today?
Search Kannur dishes by craving — kannur fish curry, kerala banana chips, nadan kozhi curry and more.
Kannur is one of the best places in Kerala to try Malabar food. The cooking here mixes coastal seafood, coconut and spices with the rich Mappila cuisine of the region's Muslim community, so biryani and soft rice pathiri sit next to fish curry and rice on most menus.
If you are wondering what to eat in Kannur, start with Thalassery biryani and a plate of pathiri with chicken curry, then try the day's fish.
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5 Kannur dishes found
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Kerala Banana Chips
VegGolden coconut-oil-fried raw-banana chips — a classic Kerala snack, crisp and moreish.
₹40–250
Medium spiceNadan Kozhi Curry
Non-vegA country-chicken curry in a roasted-coconut Malabar masala — hearty and aromatic, eaten with pathiri, appam or rice.
₹150–350
Medium spicePathiri & Curry
Non-vegSoft rice-flour pathiri with a rich Malabar chicken curry — a signature north-Kerala Mappila dinner.
₹80–250
Medium spiceThalassery Biryani
Non-vegThe celebrated Thalassery (Kannur) biryani, made with fine short-grain kaima rice and gently spiced chicken or mutton — a north-Malabar icon.
₹150–350
Famous Food to Eat in Kannur
Malabar food is generous, spiced and full of coconut. These are the dishes to look for.
Thalassery Biryani
Thalassery, a short drive south of Kannur, gives its name to this biryani. It is made with a short-grain rice called kaima rather than basmati, and the chicken or mutton is gently spiced rather than fiery.
Pathiri & Curry
Pathiri is a thin, soft flatbread made from rice flour. It is a Mappila favourite, usually eaten with a rich chicken curry for dinner.
Kannur Fish Curry
A hot, tangy fish curry made with coconut, chilli and kokum. It is best with plain rice or kappa (boiled tapioca).
Nadan Kozhi Curry
A country-style chicken curry cooked in a masala of roasted coconut. Eat it with pathiri, appam or rice.
Kerala Banana Chips
Thin slices of raw banana fried in coconut oil until crisp. They are sold in bakeries and shops across town and make an easy snack to take home.
Snacks and Bakeries in Kannur
Malabar bakeries are part of daily life in Kannur. Look for trays of fried and sweet snacks, fresh banana chips and strong tea in the evenings. Around Payyambalam Beach, evening stalls sell light snacks as families gather for the sunset.
Food Tips for Travellers in Kannur
- Try Thalassery biryani at least once, as it is quite different from biryanis elsewhere in India.
- Ask for the day's catch at seafood restaurants.
- Kannur food can be spicy, so ask for less chilli if you prefer.
- Most local dishes are non-vegetarian, but vegetarian meals with rice, sambar and vegetable curries are easy to find.
- Carry some cash for small eateries and bakeries.
Questions
Kannur — FAQ
What food is Kannur famous for?
Kannur is known for Thalassery biryani, pathiri with chicken curry, Kannur fish curry, nadan kozhi curry and Kerala banana chips.
What is special about Thalassery biryani?
It uses kaima, a short-grain fragrant rice, instead of basmati. The meat is cooked with mild spices, ghee and fried onions, so it is rich rather than hot.
What is pathiri?
Pathiri is a thin flatbread made from rice flour. It is a Mappila speciality of north Kerala and is usually eaten with chicken curry.
Can vegetarians eat well in Kannur?
Yes, although most famous local dishes are non-vegetarian. Look for rice meals with sambar, thoran (stir-fried vegetables with coconut) and other vegetable curries, and snacks like banana chips.