Food is at the heart of every Malayalee gathering. At the Sault Ste. Marie Malayalee Association, our potlucks have become more than just shared meals – they’re a chance to preserve tradition, tell stories and pass down recipes to the next generation. Over the years, a few dishes have emerged as perennial favourites. If you’ve ever walked into one of our event halls and been greeted by the aroma of coconut, curry leaves and spices, you’ll know exactly what we mean. Here are five Kerala dishes that never fail to delight our community.

1. Avial – The Quintessential Vegetable Medley

Avial is a colourful mix of vegetables cooked gently with coconut, green chillies and yoghurt, tempered with curry leaves and coconut oil. This dish is a staple of every Onam Sadhya and appears frequently at SMA potlucks because it is healthy, mildly spiced and loved by all ages. Members often bring their own variations – some add raw mango for tang, others prefer drumsticks and ash gourd.

2. Appam & Stew – Soft Laced Pancakes with Creamy Curry

Nothing says Kerala breakfast like soft, lacy appams paired with a fragrant coconut milk stew. At our potlucks, you’ll often see large casseroles of vegetable or chicken stew next to stacks of appams kept warm in foil. This combination is especially popular with children and newcomers who may be tasting Kerala cuisine for the first time.

3. Nadan Chicken Roast – Spicy, Aromatic and Perfect with Rice

This is a dish that disappears quickly! Chicken pieces slow-cooked with onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic and a blend of home-ground spices until the gravy clings to the meat. Served with rice, porotta or even bread rolls at our events, it’s the go-to dish for meat lovers and a shining example of Kerala’s robust flavours.

4. Banana Chips & Sharkara Varatti – Crunchy Snacks Everyone Loves

No Kerala table is complete without a jar of crispy banana chips and their sweet cousin, sharkara varatti (jaggery-coated banana fritters). Members often bring these in bulk from home kitchens or local suppliers so everyone can munch while waiting for the main meal. These snacks are simple but instantly transport us back to Kerala tea shops.

5. Payasam – Sweet Ending to a Shared Meal

Payasam is not just dessert; it’s an emotion. Whether it’s ada pradhaman, palada, or semiya payasam, there is always at least one large steel pot of this creamy delicacy at our potlucks. Ladling out warm payasam at the end of a long meal is often the highlight of the gathering, sparking conversations about family recipes and festival memories.

More than Just Food

These dishes do more than satisfy our taste buds. They keep our culture alive, help our children recognise the flavours of home, and offer a warm welcome to friends from other communities. Next time you attend an SMA potluck, look out for these classics – or better yet, bring your own favourite Kerala dish to share!