CUISINE
& CRAFTS
For
those who are willing to experiment with local cuisine, Kerala offers several
gastronomic opportunities. Spices that flavour the local cuisine give it a sharp
pungency that is heightened with the use of tamarind, while coconut gives it
its richness, absorbing some of the tongue-teasing, pepper-hot flavours. As
in much of South India, there is a tendency towards vegetarian restaurants.
However there is a good deal of sea food available, and the prawn curries in
their beds of coconut gravy are exceptionally good. Curries are eaten usually
with plain steamed rice. The hotels in the larger towns serve a medley of international
cuisines too, and these include Chinese as well as selected Continental choices.
There is an equally wide variety of handicrafts available, ranging from souvenirs
to art in its range.
Since
the sale of ivory products is no longer permitted, ivory carving has became
extinct, though it flourished until the very recent past. That same craftsmanship,
however, is applied to rosewood and teak, crafting everything from pretty and
furniture.
Papier-mache masks, coir products including long-lasting floor rugs, hand-woven
cottons, temple lamps and brass containers form some of the exciting choices
available all over the state. Most hotels have shops that display examples of
the fine Kerala craftsmanship, though for a wider choice, a visit to the shopping
areas in each city is recommended.
