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Kerala’s vegetarian lunch recipes are a vibrant celebration of fresh ingredients, aromatic spices, and traditional cooking techniques.
From creamy coconut-based curries to tangy yogurt-infused dishes, the diversity of Kerala’s vegetarian cuisine offers something for every palate.
Whether you’re looking for wholesome meals packed with nutrition or flavorful sides to complement your lunch, these 28+ Kerala vegetarian lunch recipes showcase the rich culinary heritage of God’s Own Country.
Each recipe brings unique textures and tastes—ranging from crunchy stir-fries and soft lentil dals to comforting stews—that can be enjoyed as standalone meals or paired with steaming rice.
Explore this collection to bring authentic Kerala flavors to your table and enjoy healthy, delicious vegetarian lunches every day.
28+ Delicious Kerala Vegetarian Lunch Recipes to Try Today
With these 28+ Kerala vegetarian lunch recipes, you have a wonderful gateway into the rich and diverse flavors of Kerala’s traditional cuisine.
From creamy dals and tangy yogurt dishes to spicy stir-fries and mild coconut curries, every recipe brings its own unique charm to your lunch table.
By incorporating these recipes into your meal routine, you can enjoy balanced, flavorful lunches that are both wholesome and satisfying.
Celebrate the vibrant tastes of Kerala vegetarian cooking and transform your midday meals into a delicious cultural experience.
Avial
Savor the rich and creamy delight of Avial, a mixed vegetable curry bound together by fresh coconut and yogurt.
The vibrant medley of vegetables delivers a satisfying crunch and softness all at once.
Aromatic curry leaves and a drizzle of coconut oil add warmth and fragrance that fills the kitchen.
Avial shines alongside steaming rice or as a wholesome standalone dish, offering a perfect balance of mild spices and natural sweetness.
Thoran
Experience the crisp freshness of Thoran, a dry vegetable stir-fry tossed with grated coconut and mustard seeds.
The crunchy texture of finely chopped greens or beans mingles with the nutty sweetness of coconut.
Its subtle spiced aroma and light, dry consistency make it a versatile side that pairs beautifully with rich Kerala curries or a simple rice meal.
Thoran brings brightness and texture to any vegetarian lunch plate.
Sambar
Delight in the tangy, hearty warmth of Sambar, a lentil-based stew bursting with tamarind and spices.
The velvety lentils melt into a rich broth, while chunks of fresh vegetables add layers of texture.
Fragrant mustard seeds and curry leaves dancing in hot oil release an inviting aroma that welcomes you to the meal.
Sambar is a comforting companion to rice or idiyappam, perfect for a nourishing and satisfying lunch.
Kalan
Discover the creamy, tangy flavors of Kalan, a yogurt and coconut-based curry with yam and plantain.
Its thick, velvety texture contrasts beautifully with the mild sourness of curd and the natural sweetness of root vegetables.
Tempered with mustard seeds and curry leaves, the dish releases an earthy, soothing aroma.
Kalan is a cooling, comforting addition that perfectly balances spicy Kerala meals.
Pachadi
Enjoy the refreshing, cooling taste of Pachadi, a yogurt and coconut side dish often flavored with green chilies and ginger.
Its smooth, creamy texture carries a subtle spice and tang that cleanse the palate.
The fresh aroma of grated coconut combined with tempered mustard seeds elevates its flavor profile.
Pachadi complements spicy curries and rice, adding brightness and balance to your vegetarian lunch.
Parippu Curry
Relish the simple, hearty goodness of Parippu Curry, a Kerala-style lentil dish simmered with coconut and mild spices.
Its creamy texture and rich aroma from mustard seeds and curry leaves create a comforting warmth.
The subtle spicing enhances the earthy taste of lentils, making it a perfect side or base for any Kerala vegetarian meal.
Parippu Curry pairs wonderfully with steaming rice and a drizzle of ghee for a satisfying lunch experience.
Olan
Indulge in the subtle creaminess of Olan, a coconut milk-based curry with tender ash gourd and black-eyed peas.
Its smooth texture and mild, sweet aroma make it a soothing addition to any Kerala vegetarian lunch.
The gentle flavors, enhanced by fresh curry leaves and a hint of ginger, provide a refreshing contrast to spicier dishes.
Olan is perfect paired with steamed rice, offering a delicate, comforting taste that delights the palate.
Kootu
Experience the wholesome blend of vegetables and lentils in Kootu, a mildly spiced curry enriched with grated coconut.
The thick, creamy texture combines soft veggies with the nutty flavor of coconut, tempered with mustard seeds and curry leaves.
Kootu’s subtle aroma and comforting warmth make it a versatile side dish that complements both rice and roti.
This nutritious dish is a staple in Kerala vegetarian lunches, balancing taste and health with ease.
Pachadi
Savor the cooling freshness of Pachadi, a yogurt-based side dish mixed with cucumber or pineapple and grated coconut.
Its creamy, tangy profile, balanced with the mild heat of green chilies, refreshes the palate.
Tempered mustard seeds and curry leaves add an inviting aroma, making Pachadi a perfect partner to spicy Kerala curries.
Enjoy it as a light, vibrant addition to your vegetarian lunch spread.
Thoran
Delight in the crunchy textures of Thoran, a dry vegetable stir-fry tossed with freshly grated coconut and mustard seeds.
Whether made with cabbage, beans, or carrots, its mildly spiced flavor and coconutty sweetness enliven any meal.
Thoran’s crisp bite and fragrant seasoning make it an indispensable Kerala lunch side dish.
It pairs wonderfully with rice and curry, adding freshness and texture.
Parippu
Relish the simple, earthy comfort of Parippu, a dal cooked with split red lentils and coconut.
Its smooth, creamy consistency and mild tempering with mustard seeds and curry leaves create a nourishing staple.
Parippu is often enjoyed with rice and ghee, offering warmth and subtle flavors that harmonize perfectly with Kerala vegetarian meals.
Kichadi
Enjoy the refreshing and light flavors of Kichadi, a yogurt and cucumber dish mixed with grated coconut and tempered spices.
The creamy texture and gentle tang soothe the palate, balancing the heat of accompanying spicy curries.
Kichadi’s subtle aroma from mustard seeds and curry leaves makes it a cool, vibrant addition to any Kerala lunch.
Pazham Pori
Delight in the crispy sweetness of Pazham Pori, Kerala’s famous banana fritters.
Ripe plantains are coated in a lightly spiced batter and fried to golden perfection.
With a crunchy exterior and soft, sweet interior, Pazham Pori makes a versatile snack or a delicious side to a simple vegetarian lunch.
Its inviting aroma and satisfying texture brighten any meal.
Kalan
Experience the creamy tang of Kalan, a traditional Kerala curry made with yogurt, coconut, and root vegetables like yam and plantain.
Its thick, smooth texture and gentle sourness are tempered with mustard seeds and curry leaves, creating a comforting and aromatic dish.
Kalan perfectly balances spicy meals, making it a must-have for any Kerala vegetarian lunch.
Parippu Curry
Enjoy the hearty warmth of Parippu Curry, a simple yet flavorful lentil dish cooked with coconut and spices.
The creamy dal, tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and dried red chilies, releases an earthy aroma that fills your kitchen.
This comforting dish is perfect alongside steaming rice and a drizzle of ghee, creating a wholesome vegetarian meal.
Oothappam
Savor the soft, spongy delight of Oothappam, a thick, savory rice and lentil pancake topped with onions, tomatoes, and chilies.
Its slightly crispy edges and fluffy interior make it a versatile dish for lunch, paired with coconut chutney or sambar.
Oothappam’s warm aroma and balanced flavors are sure to satisfy your vegetarian cravings.
Thenga Choru
Indulge in the fragrant richness of Thenga Choru, coconut rice infused with curry leaves and mustard seeds.
The fluffy, subtly sweet rice pairs beautifully with a variety of vegetarian curries and dry vegetable sides.
The fresh coconut aroma and the mild tempering spices make it a favorite Kerala lunch staple.
Aviyal
Discover the wholesome goodness of Aviyal, a medley of vegetables cooked in a coconut and yogurt-based sauce.
Its thick, creamy texture and mild spices, enhanced with curry leaves and coconut oil, create a dish that is both comforting and flavorful.
Aviyal complements rice perfectly, making it an essential part of Kerala vegetarian lunches.
Sambar
Dive into the tangy and hearty flavors of Sambar, a spiced lentil stew simmered with fresh vegetables and tamarind.
Its rich, aromatic broth is tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and dried red chilies, filling your kitchen with irresistible warmth.
Sambar pairs beautifully with steamed rice or idiyappam, making it a comforting and versatile dish for any Kerala vegetarian lunch.
Olan
Enjoy the mild and creamy Olan, a traditional Kerala curry made with ash gourd, cowpeas, and coconut milk.
The smooth, silky texture combined with the subtle sweetness of coconut milk creates a soothing, aromatic dish.
Olan is a perfect side for rice, balancing out spicier curries with its gentle flavors.
Thoran
Savor the crunchy, fresh flavors of Thoran, a dry vegetable stir-fry cooked with grated coconut and mustard seeds.
Made with vegetables like cabbage, beans, or carrots, its light spices and coconutty aroma make it an essential Kerala lunch side.
Thoran’s crisp texture and vibrant taste add a refreshing contrast to rich curries and rice.
Pachadi
Experience the cool and tangy Pachadi, a yogurt-based side dish often combined with cucumber or pineapple and tempered spices.
Its creamy texture and mild heat refresh the palate and complement spicier dishes perfectly.
The fresh coconut and tempered mustard seeds enhance its flavor, making Pachadi a staple in Kerala vegetarian lunches.
Kootu
Delight in the hearty goodness of Kootu, a mildly spiced vegetable and lentil curry thickened with coconut.
Its creamy consistency and subtle seasoning make it a comforting and nutritious addition to your lunch spread.
Kootu pairs well with steamed rice or flatbreads, offering a wholesome taste of Kerala’s vegetarian cuisine.
Parippu
Relish the simple and nourishing Parippu, a red lentil dal cooked with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and coconut.
The creamy texture and balanced spices create a warm, comforting dish that pairs perfectly with rice and ghee.
Parippu is a foundational Kerala lunch recipe loved for its wholesome flavor and ease of preparation.
Kichadi
Enjoy the cool and creamy Kichadi, a yogurt-based dish blended with cucumber or ash gourd and grated coconut.
Its smooth texture and mild spices offer a refreshing contrast to spicy Kerala curries.
Tempered mustard seeds and curry leaves add a fragrant touch, making Kichadi a soothing, perfect side for rice.
Moru Curry
Savor the tangy, mildly spiced Moru Curry, made with buttermilk, coconut, and green chilies.
This light and creamy curry is tempered with mustard seeds and curry leaves, giving it a fresh aroma.
Moru Curry complements rice beautifully and serves as a cooling accompaniment to rich Kerala vegetarian meals.
Pulissery
Delight in the sweet and sour notes of Pulissery, a yogurt and coconut-based curry often prepared with ripe mango or cucumber.
Its creamy texture and gentle spices create a refreshing, palate-cleansing dish.
Pulissery’s subtle aroma and balanced flavor make it an ideal companion to a variety of Kerala vegetarian lunch recipes.
Chakka Curry
Indulge in the unique flavors of Chakka Curry, a traditional Kerala curry made from tender jackfruit cooked in a coconut and spice gravy.
The soft, fibrous texture of jackfruit absorbs the rich, aromatic spices beautifully.
Chakka Curry is hearty and satisfying, making it a standout dish in any vegetarian lunch spread.
Conclusion
Exploring this collection of 28+ Kerala vegetarian lunch recipes reveals the incredible depth and variety of Kerala’s plant-based cuisine.
Each dish, with its blend of fresh vegetables, lentils, and signature spices, offers nourishing comfort and vibrant flavors.
Whether you’re new to Kerala food or a longtime enthusiast, these recipes make it easy to bring authentic, healthy vegetarian lunches to your home kitchen.
Enjoy the wholesome goodness and aromatic delight of Kerala’s vegetarian traditions with every meal you prepare.
