By Pakhi Rewri Updated: December 28, 2023
Lakshadweep Island is nestled off the coast of Kerala in the beautiful Arabian Sea. It boasts a rich gastronomic tapestry that is still hidden from the rest of the world. The people of this island are deeply connected to their authentic food practices and culinary heritage. Let us take you through some traditional cooking methods and food preferences of the people living on the island.
One of the most interesting things about the island of Lakshadweep is its enigmatic culture and food practices. Although the people living on this island have never consciously tried to hide anything, the food preferences and culinary heritage of this island are still not widely known by people in the rest of the country. The locals of Lakshadweep Island are very connected to their roots and have followed hundreds of years old traditional cooking methods and recipes that have been passed down through generations as a treasured possession.
The cuisine of Lakshadweep largely relies on the fact that there is an abundance of fresh seafood available throughout the year. This seafood is very cleverly combined with locally available ingredients that bring out the flavor of the seafood. However, the cuisine of this island is not limited to the use of local products, but also includes meticulous cooking methods that give the food its true divine touch. Let’s take a look at some important cooking techniques followed by the people living in the Lakshadweep islands that give the food a sophisticated look.
The people of Lakshadweep usually use stone vessels which are called Kalchatti in the local language. This is very important in Lakshadweep culture. Vessels are usually made of soapstone or granite. Both stones are extremely durable and can hold heat well and also allow food to be cooked on low heat. Slow cooking food allows the food to retain the most flavor. Stoneware is used in the preparation of several curries and fish dishes and is even used in the preparation of rice. This really helps hold the flavors of the dish together and is a very important part of Lakshadweep cooking practices.
Coconut is at the center of Lakshadweep cuisine and the use of coconut is quite prevalent in most Lakshadweep dishes. The food landscape of Lakshadweep is based on some main pillars, one of which is coconut. Coconut is used to add depth and creaminess to food. Most of the authentic dishes offered in Lakshadweep Island exude freshness and creamy texture thanks to the coconut. It is used grated, ground and also squeezed to extract coconut milk or oil. You will find it used in the preparation of rice, soups, curries and stews.
This is a traditional smoking method that involves preserving the fish by exposing it directly to smoke. The people of Lakshadweep island hang the fish over a fire and let the smoke enter the fish. The fish slowly begins to absorb the aroma of smoke and later becomes completely infused with a very distinctive aroma of fire. This technique is not only useful for extending the shelf life of the fish, but also adds layers of flavor to the soft flesh of the fish. The Tavaru technique is used in the preparation of many recipes on the island.
Most dishes prepared on Lakshadweep Island rely heavily on fish. Tuna is one of the staple foods of the people of Lakshadweep and is dried very carefully in the sun to extend its shelf life. It is stored very carefully and wears out over time. Dried Tuna is also known as Masi in Lakshadweep Island. It gives a very unique flavor to fish curry and is also one of the traditional dishes eaten on the island. Tuna is usually eaten after drying in the sun.
The dishes prepared in Lakshadweep are very similar in terms of preparation and flavor palette to that of the Malabar cuisine of Kerala. This includes the extensive use of coconut oil as well as curry leaves. The community present on the island also enjoys famous Kerala dishes including biryani, dosa, idli and avial. Even Malabar Parotta is also very famous among the people of the island. Due to the geographical proximity, the similarity between the two cuisines is uncanny.
The taste and cooking methods of Lakshadweep are proof that India is full of diverse flavors in every corner of the country. Although the islanders of Lakshadweep have been exposed to many foreign tastes and dishes, they have remained intact with their authentic recipes and cooking techniques. These dishes and cooking methods are not just survival items for people, but a way to live their lives and keep the memories of their ancestors indelible.
