Foodie Frenzy: The Weirdest and Most Wonderful Pairings

 You must have noticed that some people follow some weird food combinations. We will tease them until we taste it. At first glimpse, these groupings might seem downright bizarre, but occasionally, mixing unanticipated flavours can lead to culinary magic. Recently, I happened to taste some items from the ACAS Food Fest. Some dishes are well prepared and some are unique to the culture, some of them are rare combos. These combos will surely glutton our mouths if we see it for the second time. If you are a foodie looking to experiment or just interested in the odd things people eat in Kerala, here’s a list of some weird food combos that unpredictably taste incredible.

1. Banana chips and Payasam:

Quite strange? But, if crispy banana chips dipped in creamy payasam (especially ada or semiya) make an oddly satisfying coupling. The salty crunch of the chips counterparts the sweet, rich texture of the payasam. This blend is often relished during festive occasions and sadyas. It is an outstandingly to-be-tasted combo.

2. Parotta and Ice cream

 If you've ever had excess parotta and wanted to be creative, you might have hooked upon this combo. The crumbling, buttery layers of parotta pair amazingly well with the cold, sweet creaminess of ice cream. It’s a delightful contrast of textures and temperatures that somehow works. Try it with a scoop of tender coconut or vanilla ice cream for an unsurpassed experience.

3. Watermelon and Spicy Buttermilk (Sambaram)

       The sweet, juicy freshness of watermelon joined with the tasty, spicy kick of sambaram generates a stimulating and unexpected treat. The flavours poise each other out, making it perfect for hot Kerala afternoons. To enhance the taste, add a sprinkle of salt and a dash of green chili.

4. Popcorn and Coconut Chutney

     Popcorn is the perfect outright canvas for flavour testing, and adding coconut chutney takes it to the next level. The buttery, slightly sweet popcorn contrasts brilliantly with the spicy, piquant chutney, creating an exceptional snack that’ll keep you coming back for more.

5. Pazham Pori (Banana Fritters) and Beef Curry

     This is a cherished combo in various parts of Kerala. The sweet, crispy pazham pori pairs beautifully with the spicy, rich flavours of beef curry. It’s a fusion of sweet and savoury that might sound odd but is extremely satisfying. Try it at a local thattukada (street food stall) and you’ll see why it’s a favourite.

6. Mango and Fish Curry

     The tangy sweetness of ripe mangoes adds a surprising twist to spicy Kerala fish curry. This mixture is a staple in some areas, especially during mango season. The fruit’s sweetness stabilities the heat and sourness of the curry, generating a pleasant-sounding blend of flavors.

7. Jackfruit and Prawns

     Chakka (jackfruit) and chemmeen (prawns) might look like a questionable pair, but they make an implausible curry. The fibrous texture of tender jackfruit pairs perfectly with the juicy, flavourful prawns, all brought together in a spicy coconut gravy

8. Dosa and Nutella

     Showery Nutella over a hot, crunchy dosa might sound strange, but it’s a game-changer for those with a sweet tooth. The thin, slightly tangy dosa acts as the perfect canvas for the rich, chocolaty feast. It’s like an Indian crepe with a current twist.

9. Pineapple and Spicy Fish Pickle

     The sweet, tangy pineapple balances the sizzling, tangy hit of Kerala-style fish pickle. This combo will surely shock your taste buds, but it’s a perfect balance of sweet and spicy that’s very difficult to resist. Try this combo, when you get a chance. 

10. Tapioca (Kappa) and Honey

Kappa is usually paired with spicy fish curry. Drizzling honey over steamed tapioca offers a sweet and earthy substitute. The fibrous quality of kappa combined with the smooth sweetness of honey produces a unique, soothing snack, for sure, it will be a treat for your taste buds.

11. Avocado and Coconut Milk

      Avocado is often combined with coconut milk and jaggery for a creamy, rich dessert. The mild, buttery flavour of the avocado blends seamlessly with the sweet coconut milk, nothing to say….it will create an energizing extravagance.

12. Idiyappam and Ice Cream

     Idiyappam (string hoppers) is regularly served with coconut milk or curry. Have you ever tried this combo that pairing it with ice cream adds an amusing twist. The soft, delicate texture of idiyappam complements the creamy sweetness of ice cream, making it a delightful fusion dessert.

13. Ripe Plantains and Ghee

     While ripe plantains are normally deep-fried or steamed, squashing them with ghee forms a rich, decadent treat. Just try this combination, add a sprinkle of sugar or jaggery for extra sweetness. It’s simple, yet unbelievably satisfying.

14. Curd Rice and Pickled Mango (Kadumanga)

        Curd rice is a heartening dish on its own, can you imagine, adding a bit of spicy, tangy kadumanga (mango pickle) and taking it to the next level? The creaminess of the curd mixtures and the scorching punch of the pickle, make a flavour bang in every bite.

15. Puttu and Ice Cream

       Puttu, the beloved steamed rice cake, generally sets with kadala curry or bananas, but swapping in ice cream will surely offer a cool, sweet alternative. The crumbly texture of puttu contrasts beautifully with the creamy ice cream, producing a unique dessert experience.

              Kerala cuisine is well known for its wide use of spices, coconut, and other fresh constituents, making it the perfect playground for testing unusual food combos. Our brains are always bound to enjoy variety. When you blend surprising textures and flavours, it generates a more exciting eating experience. Moreover, trying new things can inflate your palate and open you up to even more delightful encounters.

       So next time, if you feel adventurous, take some of these surprising ingredients and give them an attempt. Maybe, you might just discover your new favorite snack at this moment.

Works Cited

https://www.eatthis.com/weird-food-combinations/

https://www.liveeatlearn.com/weird-food-combinations/

https://www.crazymasalafood.com/20-weird-food-combos-in-india/

Radhika. A, Assistant Professor of English, Al Shifa College of Arts and Science, Keezhattur.