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| My 1st real taste of Kerala Cuisine cum Vegetarian food (Credit: M. Mathew) |
In the morning of 29 August 2023, my colleague was asking if anyone wanted to try Kerala cuisine because it was the Onam Festival. Was still thinking about going or not but after understanding more about this festival, I decided to give it a try to expand my food exposure and also something different for my blog readers.
The Malayalis in the southern state of Kerala, India celebrate Onam, an annual harvest festival, and also commemorate King Mahabali, who is known for his benevolence and generosity. It is celebrated for 10 days and 29 August 2023 is when King Mahabali comes to visit his land and subjects. So they welcome him with a wide range of food which you will see in the following photos.
GENESIS OF ONAM
It is the day of the visit of King Mahabali to Kerala which is celebrated as Onam every year. The festival is celebrated as a tribute to the sacrifice of King Mahabali. Every year people make elaborate preparations to welcome their King whom they affectionately call Onathappan. They wish to please the spirit of their King by depicting that his people are happy and wish him well. The second day, Thiruvonam is the biggest and the most important day of this festival. It is believed that King Mahabali visits his people on the second day.
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| Our Complete Meal with bottled water |
I kept counting numerous times but I still couldn't get the supposed 25 items. Even asked my colleague to count and she said probably they mixed the lime and mango pickles together. Beats me. And the dishes may differ for they wanna have a mix of flavours from sweet, and sour to savoury. My favourite of all will be Aviyal (a standard in the meal with a medley of local-produced vegetables), Olan (there are peas in the dish which I love) and Kalan. That aromatic flavour with every mouthful that lingers in your mouth (and fingers too).
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| Straight row of us and food (Credit: M. Mathew) |
We sat in one straight row (so were other diners) because the size of each banana leaf was big in order to contain all the sides. And so we were focused on our food in front and mingled with one another side by side. Each serving of dishes in small portions, a spoonful each maybe. You can ask for more if needed. Good enough for me. My colleagues were asking for more banana chips and papadam. Hehe...
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| Matta Rice |
If you take a closer look, the rice is light pink in colour. It is Kerala Matta Rice. Fat, round grains, unlike basmati rice which is thin and long. It has more health benefits than brown rice, like antioxidants and vitamin A-C. The amount of rice given was enough for you to mix with your favourite dishes or you can ask for more (when needed, don't waste food please).
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| Eating with my hand |
Mister is good at using his hands to eat, especially when I buy biryani. So I decided to give it a try with this meal and yeah... I finally got the hang of it based on what Mister told me before. He even told me that he saw someone who used their hands to form it into a rice ball to eat. Wow...
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| Credit: M. Mathew |
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| 4 little tubs of wonder |
Let's review these 4 little tubs of wonder before ending the post, starting from Rasam (Indian Soup). It is on the savoury side, like Tom Yum soup without the spiciness. Remember to stir it well before drinking. Next, the buttermilk. According to my colleague, it is good for digestion so drink up! It tasted like watery milk cooked in different herbs/spices. It just tasted savoury (again). And lastly, the desserts. The way to have them is by pouring them onto the papadam and eat. I actually dipped the papadam to try both and it was okay, like those Chinese paste desserts (eg. Black Sesame Paste).
Because I seldom have food on banana leaf so don't really know the way you fold them represents how much you like their food. By folding them inwards (towards you), it means their food is good and you are satisfied with your meal. You can easily tell from my colleague's reaction! You have got her endorsement! Hahaha...
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| Credit: M. Mathew |
A wonderful dining experience for me. Happy Onam! See you next year!
Kaayaloram Authentic Kerala Restaurant
77 Boat Quay
Singapore 049865
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place
Disclaimer: All the above were paid by the writer and friends. Not a sponsored post. All reviews are based on the writer's preference and taste buds and do not represent anyone other than herself and her friends.