Food & Shopping

Food & Shopping

Kozhikode is Kerala’s culinary capital and a shopper’s paradise — a city where the aromas of biryani, the sweetness of halwa, and the charm of old-world bazaars create an unforgettable experience. From historic snack streets to modern malls, the city is a vibrant mix of flavor and flair.

 Must-Try Foods in Kozhikode

 1. Malabar Biryani

✅ A Kozhikode classic! Made with short-grain rice (jeerakasala), tender meat, and gentle spices
 Where to Try:

• Paragon Restaurant – Mavoor Road (iconic!)
• Rahmath Hotel – SM Street
• Zains Hotel – For homestyle biryani

 Tip: Pair it with Sulaimani tea (spiced black tea) for a true Malabar finish.

 2. Kozhikode Halwa

✅ The famous chewy, glossy, ghee-rich dessert in dozens of flavors: banana, jaggery, coconut, pineapple, and more
 Where to Buy:

• SM Street (Mittai Theruvu) – Halwa stalls everywhere
• Sankaran Bakery & Rahmath Sweets
• Mambally's Bakery – One of the oldest in Kerala

 Tip: Buy halwa wrapped in banana leaf for best freshness and flavor.

 3. Seafood & Coastal Specials

✅ Try spicy fish curry, mussel fry (kallummakkaya), squid roast, and karimeen pollichathu
 Best Spots:

• Hotel Sea Queen – Great seafood with a view
• Topform Restaurant
• Beachside stalls near Kozhikode Beach (fresh & fiery!)

 4. Evening Snacks & Iftar Treats

✅ Must-try Kozhikode/Malabar Muslim snacks:

• Unnakkaya – Banana stuffed with coconut and jaggery
• Kozhi Ada – Crispy chicken-filled pockets
• Chatti Pathiri – Layered pastry with sweet or spicy filling
• Arikadukka – Stuffed and fried mussels

 Find these at:

• Local snack shops near Mananchira
• Hotel Bombay (for old-school snacks)
• Evening street stalls around Palayam & Mavoor Road

 5. Sulaimani Tea

✅ A spiced black tea with lime, cardamom, and love
 Order it after meals in most restaurants, or try it at:

• SM Street Tea Shops
• Hotel Sagar
• Kozhikode Beach tea stalls

 Tip: Sip slowly while watching the sunset for a calming experience.

 What to Shop in Kozhikode

 1. Kozhikode Halwa & Banana Chips

✅ Freshly made, warm halwa and crispy banana chips are the most popular edible souvenirs
 Best Places:

• SM Street (Mittai Theruvu)
• Sankaran Halwa Shop
• Mambally’s & Top Form Sweets

 Tip: Ask for vacuum packs for travel or gift-wrapping.

 2. Kasavu Sarees & Kerala Handloom

✅ Traditional Kerala sarees with golden borders and Muslim bridal wear
 Buy From:

• Kalyan Silks, Seematti, Jayalakshmi – MG Road
• Local boutiques near Mananchira and SM Street

 Tip: Look for handloom tags and feel the soft cotton texture.

 3. Spices, Herbal Oils & Ayurveda

✅ Buy authentic Kerala spices like black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, turmeric, and Ayurvedic oils
 Where to Shop:

• Spice shops near SM Street
• Arya Vaidya Sala Outlets
• Khadi/Ayurvedic stores on Mavoor Road

 4. Perfumes & Islamic Items

✅ Local attar (natural perfumes), prayer caps, tasbih, religious books
 Best Spots:

• Pavangad Bazaar
• Shops near Mishkal Mosque and Kuttichira
• Ponnani (short trip from Kozhikode)

 5. Local Handicrafts & Souvenirs

✅ Bamboo crafts, wooden toys, Kathakali masks, mural art miniatures
 Find them at:

• Kerala State Handicrafts Emporium (Kairali) – Near Mananchira
• Sargaalaya Arts & Crafts Village – (Day trip to Iringal)

 6. Books, Umbrellas & Vintage Finds

✅ Kozhikode is known for its bookshops, handmade umbrellas, and antique stores
 Try:

• DC Books, Modern Book Stall (Mananchira)
• Umbrella shops at Palayam Market
• Curio shops in Valiyangadi

 Top Shopping Areas in Kozhikode

 Food & Shopping Tips

✔️ Shop for snacks in the evening when they’re freshly made
✔️ Bargain gently in markets, especially for textiles and crafts
✔️ Carry cash + UPI apps — both are widely accepted
✔️ Buy halwa in banana-leaf or paper wrap — eco-friendly and aromatic!
✔️ Taste before you buy — especially halwa and chips!

Kozhikode is a city of flavors and feels — where every bite tells a story, and every street offers something to take home. Whether you’re buying a box of halwa, a golden-bordered saree, or just sipping Sulaimani by the beach, the experience stays with you long after.