Discover Kerala’s Irresistible Banana Chips: The Ultimate Tasty Souvenir for Unforgettable Memories!
One of Kerala’s most cherished culinary gifts to the world is its banana chips, known locally as kaya varuthathu or upperi. This beloved snack ranks high alongside traditional dishes like appam, avial, and fish curry. While Kerala also offers chips made from tapioca, beetroot, potato, sweet potato, and colocasia, it is the banana chip that travelers often request as a souvenir from friends and family.
Historically, banana chips were simple salted crisps, but today’s market boasts a plethora of flavors, including sweet variants made from ripe bananas, spiced, pepper-coated, and even innovative offerings like peri-peri and tomato flavors. Among these, the classic salted banana chip remains a crowd favorite. “The golden, salted chips are what people love the most,” says I. Muralindranath, co-owner of Malabar Chips, a staple in Kochi’s snack scene for over 43 years. Known for their thick, salted variety and the unique sharkaraperatti-banana chips coated with jaggery-this shop sees particularly high demand around the Onam festival.
Malabar Chips began as a small operation near Ernakulam South railway station, founded by four friends from Kozhikode. It quickly became a must-visit for locals. “When we started in Kochi, our aim was to supply to bakeries, but we soon opened our own shop,” Muralindranath explains. Their process sets them apart: unlike many shops that slice bananas directly into boiling oil, Malabar Chips soaks the slices in water first, removing sap before frying in coconut oil. “The price of our chips is pegged to the cost of coconut oil. Currently, a kilogram sells for ₹460,” he notes.
Another essential stop is Varavukada, a newer contender in the banana chip market, located in Kadavanthra. This shop specializes in kaaya varuthathu and has become well-known since establishing itself in Kochi 14 years ago. “Kochi was an ideal market with its tourist influx. Over the years, we have expanded to three outlets, including our latest in Kadavanthra opened in 2023,” says founder Abdurahman V. The success of Varavukada has also led to an online presence, allowing them to ship their products nationwide and even internationally. “Most of our regular customers are based outside Kerala,” he adds.
Varavukada’s offerings include various fried snacks and sweets prepared in a central kitchen to ensure quality. The shop features both raw and ripe banana chips, along with innovative snacks made from colocasia, beetroot, potato, and sweet potato. “Our raw materials are sourced locally, and during the Sabarimala season and Onam, we see a notable increase in sales,” Abdurahman remarks.
Malabar Chips recently opened a branch at the Armaan Collective in Mattancherry, capitalizing on the influx of visitors during the Biennale festival. “Tourists often leave with one or two kilograms of our plain salted chips, as they embody the essence of Kerala,” Muralindranath shares.
For those heading to the airport, convenience stores like Kerala Chips Centre and 5 Star HOT Chips and Spice offer a variety of choices. Both Malabar Chips and Varavukada are also available for online ordering. Whether you prefer traditional salted chips or explore the vibrant flavors of Kerala’s fried snacks, these shops are essential destinations for anyone wanting to savor a taste of Kerala.
Features: Food, Kerala Cuisine, Culinary Culture
Tags: Banana Chips, Kerala Snacks, Malabar Chips, Varavukada, Food Souvenirs
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/food/features/keralas-iconic-banana-chips-a-must-try-edible-souvenir-for-tourists/article70545238.ece
Category : Features
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Publish Date: 2026-01-24 15:17:00
