Alappuzha (Alleppey), with its charming backwaters and vibrant culture, is also a haven for food lovers, especially those looking to indulge in local Kerala street food. The town offers a rich variety of delicious, flavorful, and affordable street food that captures the essence of Kerala’s culinary heritage. Whether you’re in the mood for spicy snacks, fried delights, or sweet treats, here’s a list of the Top 10 Street Food Destinations in Alappuzha, complete with details to help you make the most of your culinary experience!
1. Mullackal Street (Mullackal Junction)
- Description: Mullackal Street, one of the busiest and most popular areas in Alappuzha, is home to a vibrant mix of street food vendors. From small stalls to makeshift carts, the street is filled with the aroma of Kerala’s most beloved snacks.
- Top Food Items:
- Sadhya (Banana Leaf Meals) – Traditional Kerala vegetarian feast with rice, curries, and pickles.
- Banana Chips – Crispy fried banana slices, often paired with chutneys.
- Pazham Pori (Banana Fritters) – Deep-fried ripe bananas, sweet and crispy.
- Cost per person: ₹100 – ₹200
- Location: Mullackal Junction, near Mullakkal Temple.
2. Alappuzha Beach Road
- Description: Alappuzha Beach Road is known for its picturesque setting and food stalls. Whether you’re looking for a snack after enjoying the beach or a quick bite before a backwater tour, this street is the place to be.
- Top Food Items:
- Fish Fry – Freshly fried fish marinated in traditional Kerala spices.
- Kappa (Tapioca) with Fish Curry – A delicious combination of boiled tapioca served with spicy fish curry.
- Corn on the Cob – Grilled corn served with chili powder and lemon.
- Cost per person: ₹150 – ₹300
- Location: Alappuzha Beach Road, near the Lighthouse and beach.
3. Thiruvampadi Street (Near Mullakkal Temple)
- Description: This street is famous for its local snacks and sweets, especially catering to those visiting the Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple. The area is filled with vibrant food stalls.
- Top Food Items:
- Vada – Savory fried lentil donuts, crunchy on the outside and soft inside.
- Samosa – Fried pastry filled with spiced potatoes, perfect for a quick snack.
- Payasam – Traditional Kerala sweet made from rice, milk, and jaggery.
- Cost per person: ₹50 – ₹150
- Location: Thiruvampadi Street, near Mullakkal Temple.
4. Punnappra
- Description: Punnappra, located along the backwaters, offers a range of street food that showcases Kerala’s coastal cuisine. The bustling markets are filled with fresh seafood and regional delicacies.
- Top Food Items:
- Kallummakkaya (Mussel Fry) – Local mussels fried with aromatic spices.
- Karimeen (Pearl Spot Fish) Fry – A must-try for seafood lovers, Karimeen is fried to perfection.
- Appam with Stew – A delicious pairing of soft appams with a spicy vegetable or meat stew.
- Cost per person: ₹150 – ₹250
- Location: Punnappra, near the backwater areas.
5. Thevara Road (Near the Railway Station)
- Description: Thevara Road, near the railway station, is filled with food vendors offering quick bites to travelers passing through. It’s an ideal place to grab a local snack before or after a train journey.
- Top Food Items:
- Fried Fish and Chips – A simple yet flavorful dish with crispy fried fish served with a side of fries.
- Puttu and Kadala Curry – Steamed rice cakes (puttu) served with a hearty black chickpea curry (kadala).
- Chili Bajji – Deep-fried chili fritters stuffed with spicy potato filling.
- Cost per person: ₹100 – ₹200
- Location: Thevara Road, near Alappuzha Railway Station.
6. Vandanmedu Market (Near Kuttanadu)
- Description: This market, located near the Kuttanadu region, offers a glimpse into Kerala’s rural food culture. The vendors here specialize in fresh, locally sourced produce and snacks.
- Top Food Items:
- Chakara (Sweet Tapioca) – Sweet, spiced tapioca served with jaggery and grated coconut.
- Kadala (Chickpea) Sundal – A popular evening snack made with boiled chickpeas mixed with coconut, mustard, and spices.
- Elayappam – A traditional Kerala sweet wrapped in banana leaves.
- Cost per person: ₹80 – ₹150
- Location: Vandanmedu Market, Kuttanadu.
7. Kuttanadu Road (Kuttanadu Backwaters)
- Description: The Kuttanadu Road, lined with small eateries and street vendors, is famous for its fresh produce and local snacks, often made with ingredients harvested from the backwaters and farms.
- Top Food Items:
- Steamed Banana with Coconut – Bananas steamed in their peel, served with grated coconut and jaggery.
- Fried Tapioca with Fish Curry – A popular local dish where crispy fried tapioca is paired with spicy fish curry.
- Sweet Potato (Chena) Fry – Deep-fried sweet potatoes, perfect for an evening snack.
- Cost per person: ₹100 – ₹200
- Location: Kuttanadu Road, along the backwaters.
8. Beachfront Food Stalls (Near Alappuzha Beach)
- Description: Alappuzha Beach is not only a tourist attraction but also a haven for food lovers. The street food stalls here offer a mix of local favorites and quick snacks.
- Top Food Items:
- Chana Chaat – A spicy chickpea salad mixed with onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
- Prawn Pakora – Fried prawn fritters, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
- Ice Cream and Fresh Juices – Refreshing treats to beat the heat after a day at the beach.
- Cost per person: ₹100 – ₹250
- Location: Alappuzha Beach, near the Lighthouse.
9. Kayani Food Stall
- Description: Kayani Food Stall is a hidden gem for street food lovers. Located in the heart of Alappuzha, it is known for serving a range of traditional Kerala snacks at affordable prices.
- Top Food Items:
- Kallappam with Beef Curry – Soft rice pancakes served with spicy beef curry.
- Prawn Biryani – A fragrant rice dish cooked with prawns and spices.
- Mutton Samosas – Spicy mutton-filled samosas, perfect for an on-the-go snack.
- Cost per person: ₹100 – ₹300
- Location: Kayani Food Stall, Alappuzha Town.
10. Azhikkal Food Street
- Description: Located in the Azhikkal area of Alappuzha, this food street offers a delightful variety of Kerala snacks, perfect for anyone looking to enjoy authentic local flavors.
- Top Food Items:
- Parippu Vada – Lentil fritters, crispy on the outside, soft inside.
- Puttu and Kadala Curry – Steamed rice cakes served with black chickpea curry.
- Vegetable Samosas – Crispy triangles filled with spiced vegetables.
- Cost per person: ₹50 – ₹150
- Location: Azhikkal, Alappuzha.
Summary of Cost Per Person
- Budget: ₹50 – ₹150 (Azhikkal Food Street, Thiruvampadi Street, Vandanmedu Market)
- Mid-Range: ₹150 – ₹250 (Mullackal Street, Kuttanadu Road, Beachfront Food Stalls)
- Premium: ₹250 – ₹300+ (Punnappra, Kayani Food Stall)
Conclusion
Alappuzha offers a fantastic range of street food options that are sure to satisfy your taste buds and introduce you to the flavors of Kerala. Whether you’re after a quick snack, a filling meal, or a sweet treat, the street food culture here has something for everyone. Enjoy the local delights while exploring the beautiful landscapes, beaches, and backwaters of this wonderful town!