God's Own Country
Kerala, land of coconuts
Kerala, which means "Land of Coconuts", is lovingly referred to as "God's Own Country". This narrow strip of land on the southwestern coast of India is a scenic world of coconut trees, cool backwaters, sparkling palm-fringed beaches, and stretches of turquoise blue water.
Exotic wildlife, green-carpeted rolling hills, lush woods, and tea plantations are scattered with sleepy villages. From all over the world, traders once came to collect the valuables and riches this land possessed: spices, condiments, coconuts, sandalwood, oils, tea, medicinal herbs, perfumes, and more.
The state is a fine blend of the classic and the contemporary, offering a kaleidoscope of fascinating history, rich culture, unique architecture, and interesting customs.
Kerala
A culture of harmony and celebration
Kerala has served as a treasure house of ancient, ethnic, and vibrant art forms and cultural religious fairs. The festivals of Kerala are symbolic of the spirit of its people, encapsulating communal harmony and bringing together people of many cultures and backgrounds.
This tolerance of cultural values has persisted throughout the centuries. Kerala has incorporated some of the highest levels of collective human achievement in the fields of art, language, culture, healthcare, religion, and philosophy.
Our name, Arranged Marriage, speaks to the marriage of Kerala cuisine and ideas in a New Zealand setting.
Tastes of Kerala
Spices, coconut, and a meeting of cultures
The magical cuisine of Kerala is an intelligent combination of potent spices and the generous use of coconut. Its cooking styles are influenced by neighbouring states and traders from many countries who sailed to the Malabar Coast, often in search of black pepper.
This cuisine reflects a meeting of cultures. Kerala Hindus have a largely vegetarian menu and use coconuts that grow along the coast. Syrian Christians eat more fish and meat, and Muslims make delicious breads and sizzling biryani.
Prepare yourself for a culinary journey into this delicious and largely unexplored cuisine. What you taste here at Arranged Marriage is prepared in the same spirit as back home, preserving authentic traditional recipes from Kerala all the way to New Plymouth and Palmerston North, Aotearoa.
