Thalassery cuisine

Thalassery cuisine
Thalassery Faloodha
Alternative namesThalassery biriyani or biriani (or biryani)
CourseMain course
Place of originIndia
Region or stateKerala
Created byMalabar variant
Main ingredientsKaima/Jeerakasala rice, chicken, spices
Food energy
(per serving)
250 kcal (1,000 kJ)
Other informationAccompaniments:
raita, grated coconut, mint chutney, pickle

The Thalassery cuisine refers to the distinct cuisine from Thalassery city of northern Kerala, which has blended in Arabian, Persian, Indian and European styles of cooking as a result of its long history as a maritime trading post.

Thalassery is known for its Thalassery biryani (in local dialect, biri-yaa-ni). Unlike other biryani dishes Thalassery biryani is made using kaima/jeerakasala, an Indian aromatic rice instead of the usual basmati rice.

Influences of Arabian and Mughal cultures are evident, especially in the dishes of the Muslim community, though they have also become popular generally.

Thalassery also occupies a special place in the modern history of Kerala as the pioneer of its bakery industry, since the first bakery was started by Mambally Bapu in 1880 and the Western-style cakes were introduced in 1883.