‘Syrian Christians cuisine is a delight for non-vegetarians’

Syrian Christians are a community that has been predominantly converted to Christianity after the visit of St Thomas the apostle in Kerala. Their diet is pre-dominantly non-vegetarian with all kinds of meat and fish included. As there are no restrictions imposed by the religion on eating any particular meat, this community indulges on all things non-vegetarian. But during the time of Lent and other religious events fasting and restricting diet to vegetarian food only is also followed by the community. Rice is the staple food along with a good quantity of tubers, which are locally available are also consumed. Tubers like tapioca are a very common part of the diet with various dishes made with this tuber alone.

There is nothing specific in vegetarian, that is prepared by the community. Vegetarian dishes usually are the local dishes of Kerala like the avial, theeyal, mezhukkuperatty, thoran and other regular options prepared in every household.

Ingredients used are all locally grown and available in around the locality. Different tubers, vegetables, spices which are locally grown like the peppers, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves etc are abundantly used. Meat and fish are appreciated and consumed as a regular fare.