What I Ate on My Road Trip to Munnar – A Foodie’s Travel Experience

Recently, I went on a short road trip to Munnar. It was a beautiful and refreshing journey, filled with scenic views, fresh air, and tasty food. For me, road trips are not just about reaching the destination. They are about enjoying the journey, stopping at small roadside stalls, trying local foods, and experiencing the flavours of the region. On my trip to Munnar, I tasted several interesting things along the way. Let me take you through my food journey on the road.

Starting the Trip – Tender Coconut for Hydration

The trip began in the late morning, and the weather was already warm. I knew that staying hydrated was important, so the first thing I had was a tender coconut from a roadside vendor.

Why Tender Coconut?

• It is natural and fresh.
• It keeps you cool.
• It’s healthy and filled with nutrients.
• It’s the perfect refreshing drink during travel.

The vendor cut open the coconut right in front of me, and the sweet, cool water was so refreshing. After drinking the water, I also ate the soft, white flesh inside the coconut. It was tender, creamy, and slightly sweet.

First Food Stop – Hot Veg Maggie by the Roadside

After driving for a couple of hours, I felt hungry. I saw a small shop by the side of the road, with a simple wooden bench and a stove. The smell of Maggi noodles cooking in the air pulled me in.

Why Maggie?

• It’s quick and easy.
• It tastes delicious.
• It’s a perfect comfort food when you’re traveling.
• It’s hot and filling, perfect for roadside snacking.

The Maggie noodles were cooked with vegetables like carrots, peas, and beans. There was a slight spicy twist, and the warm noodles felt perfect in the cool mountain air. Sitting there, enjoying steaming Maggie while watching the green hills, was a simple yet magical experience.

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables – Nature’s Treat

As I drove further, I saw several small vendors selling fresh vegetables and fruits. These were all seasonal, and many of them were grown locally in the nearby farms.

What Fruits Did I Try?

• Guavas – Fresh and crunchy, with a sprinkle of chili powder and salt for extra taste.
• Pineapples – Sweet and juicy, cut into long slices, perfect for munching on while driving.
• Raw Mangoes – Tangy, sour, and served with salt and chili powder. This was my favourite!

What Vegetables Did I Try?

• Cucumber – Peeled and sliced, sprinkled with salt, and super refreshing.
• Carrots – Sweet, crunchy, and freshly pulled from the nearby fields.

The beauty of these roadside stalls is that everything is fresh and natural. There’s no fancy packaging, just the pure taste of nature.

Tasting Local Pickles – Burst of Flavours

One of the most exciting parts of the trip was tasting the local pickles. Munnar and nearby areas are famous for homemade pickles, made using traditional recipes. I found a small shop with jars full of colourful pickles.

Types of Pickles I Tasted

• Mango Pickle – Spicy, tangy, and full of flavour.
• Gooseberry (Amla) Pickle – A mix of sourness and spice.
• Lemon Pickle – Slightly bitter, very tangy, and bursting with citrus taste.

Each pickle had its own unique taste and was made using local spices. The shop owner even gave us some pickles packed in small pouches, so we could carry them along and snack on the go.

Palm Fruit (Ice Apple) – Nature’s Cool Dessert

As I drove further up the winding roads, the weather became warmer. That’s when we stopped at a stall selling Palm Fruit, also known as Ice Apple. This is a summer specialty, known for its cooling properties.

Why Ice Apple?

• It’s natural and cooling.
• It has a jelly-like texture, which feels fun to eat.
• It’s slightly sweet, almost like coconut water in solid form.

The vendor peeled the outer shell, revealing the soft, transparent fruit inside. Eating Ice Apple in the middle of a hot day felt like a blessing. It cooled me down instantly and gave me a boost of energy.

A Mix of Food and Scenic Beauty

What made this food journey even more special was the scenic beauty around me. Every time I stopped for food,  it was surrounded by lush green hills, tea plantations, small waterfalls, and winding roads. Each bite felt more special because of the beautiful view in front of me.

Tea Time – Classic Munnar Chai

No trip to Munnar is complete without stopping for a cup of tea. I found a small tea shop overlooking a valley covered with tea plantations. It was the perfect spot for a tea break.

What Made This Tea Special?

• It was made using fresh tea leaves grown in Munnar.
• It had a strong flavour, with a hint of cardamom.
• It was served in a small glass, piping hot.

Sipping this strong, aromatic tea while looking at the endless green tea gardens was a moment to remember. It felt like Munnar itself was in my cup.

Simple Foods, Big Memories

This road trip to Munnar was not about fancy meals or five-star dining. It was about simple foods, eaten on the roadside, prepared by local people, and enjoyed in the heart of nature. Each food item – from tender coconut to Maggi noodles, from raw mangoes to pickles – added a new memory to my journey.

Final Thoughts – A Trip Full of Flavours

As I reached Munnar, my stomach was full, but more importantly, my heart was full of happiness. This journey taught me that food is not just about eating; it’s about experiencing culture, connecting with locals, and creating memories.

Whether you are a food lover, a nature lover, or someone who just loves exploring, I highly recommend taking a road trip to Munnar. And don’t forget to stop, taste, and enjoy the local foods along the way.