Best Snacks for Tea Time: South Indian & Kerala Favorites
Tea time in South India is more than just a break—it’s a cherished ritual that brings families together over aromatic chai or filter coffee, accompanied by delicious snacks. Whether you crave something crunchy, spicy, or sweet, South Indian and Kerala snacks are the perfect companions for your tea time. Here are some of the best traditional snacks to enjoy with your cup of tea.
1. Banana Chips
One of Kerala’s most iconic snacks, banana chips (also known as "Upperi") are made from raw plantains sliced thin and deep-fried in coconut oil. These crispy delights have a unique flavor that pairs perfectly with tea. Brands like Jacme and Kozhikoden's offer authentic banana chips that taste just like homemade.
2. Murukku
A crunchy, spiral-shaped snack made from rice flour, urid dal, and spices, Murukku is a staple tea-time treat. It has a light, crispy texture with a hint of cumin and sesame. Taste N Eat offers a variety of Murukku options, from classic to spicy flavors.
3. Mixture
South Indian Mixture is a spicy and crunchy combination of fried lentils, nuts, curry leaves, and sev. It is the perfect blend of textures and flavors, making it an addictive tea-time snack. Brands like Jacme and Malabar Treat have authentic versions of this popular snack.
4. Achappam (Rose Cookies)
Achappam, or rose cookies, are deep-fried snacks made from rice flour, coconut milk, eggs, and sugar. Their delicate crispiness and mild sweetness make them an excellent choice for tea lovers who enjoy a subtle treat.
5. Unniyappam
Unniyappam is a soft and sweet Kerala snack made from rice, banana, jaggery, and coconut. These small, round fritters are deep-fried and have a caramelized outer layer with a soft, flavorful inside. Enjoy them warm with a strong cup of tea.
6. Pakoras & Bhajis
Crispy and deep-fried, pakoras and bhajis are made with gram flour and various vegetables like onion, spinach, or chili. Onion Pakoras (Ulli Vada) and Banana Bhaji (Pazham Pori) are especially popular during the monsoon season, best enjoyed with masala chai.
7. Jackfruit Chips
Another Kerala favorite, Jackfruit Chips are made from ripe jackfruit slices deep-fried to a golden crisp. Their natural sweetness and crunchy texture make them a must-try.
8. Kuzhalappam
This traditional Kerala snack is a crispy, tubular-shaped delicacy made from rice flour, coconut, and cumin. It offers a mildly sweet and salty taste, making it a great choice for tea time.
9. Sukhiyan
A popular evening snack in Kerala, Sukhiyan is made from green gram, jaggery, and coconut, coated in rice batter and deep-fried. It has a sweet, crunchy shell with a soft, flavorful filling inside.
10. Ela Ada
Ela Ada is a steamed snack made with rice flour dough filled with jaggery and coconut, wrapped in banana leaves. It has a soft, chewy texture with a rich, coconutty sweetness that pairs well with black tea.
Where to Buy Authentic Tea-Time Snacks?
You don’t have to travel to Kerala to enjoy these delicacies! IndiaMate offers a variety of traditional South Indian and Kerala snacks from brands like Taste N Eat, Kozhikoden's, Jacme, Malabar Treats, Tasty Munch, and more. Browse our collection and bring home the authentic flavors of India.
Tea time is incomplete without a delicious snack by your side. Whether you prefer something sweet or spicy, there’s a perfect South Indian snack waiting for you. So brew your favorite chai, grab a plate of crunchy delights, and enjoy the true taste of India!