If You Can Relate To These 10 Things, You Are A True Blue Malayali
Niharika has a passion for all things art, music, and travel and has over 4 years of experience in writing for social media. During her spare time, she likes experimenting in the kitchen, playing vide... read full bio
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There are many reasons why Kerala is called “God’s Own Country”. One of the many reasons is that Kerala is believed to have been brought into creation by Lord Parashurama, a form of Lord Vishnu. Kerala is a state where cultures and various religions live peacefully, and we Malayali folk are rightfully proud of our association with the state. Malayali folk can be found all over the planet and are often made fun of for their accent. However, we are highly adaptable and do not give up as quickly. We’re a unique bunch and have plenty of impressive qualities that are almost impossible to list out in one article. We also have a unique sense of identity that only other Malayali comrades will get. So here are ten things you can relate to if you are a true blue Malayali person:
1. You Have A Lot Of Cousins In The “Gelf”
Nearly every Malayali person you meet will have a cousin in one of the Gulf countries. Malayalis have an attraction towards the Middle East and share a special bond with those seven countries. At least one person in each Malayali family would have left to work and live in one of the gulf countries. So much so that you’ll probably find a Malayali in every corner of the gulf countries.
2. Having To Stand In Queue For Alcohol While In Kerala
Yes, fine. We’ll admit that we Malayali folks love our alcohol. You will know exactly how much we love it when you have to wait in the middle of a long queue outside your local bar just to buy some Brandy. All the some barely 20-year-olds waiting in line with uncles twice their age is an interesting sight, and you’d probably not see it in other states.
3. Who Needs Amitabh When You Have Mohanlal And Mammootty
No hate to Amitabh as he’s a legend in his industry and genuinely one of the most talented actors in India, but can we please get some love for Malayali cinema? Mollywood is a film industry that churns out some of the most interesting films in India and on a limited budget too. While there are many heated debates over whether Mohanlal is the greatest star or Mammootty, the two share no bad blood and are superstars in their own right.
4. The Joy That Overwhelms You When You Eat Payampuri And Kattan Chaaya
Malayali folks like to have payampuri (banana fritters) with their tea, and it doesn’t matter if you are in Kerala or another state. All you need to do is point us to a Malayali tea shop, and we will know exactly where to find the scrumptious delight that is kattan chaya (black tea) and payampuri.
5. You Can’t Live Without “Benena” Chips
What’s not to love about banana chips, right? Well, as much as the rest of India loves banana chips, it’s us Malayali folk who truly adore them. If you have a relative going to Kerala or coming back from Kerala, you would have definitely asked them to get you some “benena” chips.
6. You Would Sell Your Soul For Kallum, Meenum Pinne Kappayum
We bet you’re already smashing your lips. “Kullum,” or “Toddy,” as it’s called in other coastal regions, is an alcoholic beverage made from palm and coconut trees. It tastes so good that you will never find a non-teetotaler Malayali person who hasn’t tasted it. Thanks to its sweet and sour taste, it’s much more palpable than other alcoholic drinks. Tapioca is called Kappa, and Meen is seafood. You can even replace the fish curry with a good beef roast, and this is a popular food combination in Kerala.
7. You Are Well Acquainted With The Powers Of Coconut Oil
Every Malayali person knows that coconut oil can be used for everything. From oiling your hair, to massaging your skin and adding it to your fish curry, coconut oil has earned a well-deserved spot in our kitchens. The magical oil will be present in any Malayali home you go to, whether they live in Kerala itself or in any other part of the world.
8. Jackfruits, Jackfruits, Jackfruits, And More Jackfruits
Every home that has a garden in Kerala has a jackfruit tree. Why? Because the delicious fruit can be used in everything! Only now the rest of the world is catching on, and jackfruit is gaining popularity. The delicious fruit can be used as a vegan supplement to meat and cooked in multiple delicious ways.
9. A Road Trip Around Kerala Involves Hitting All The Beaches
There’s just something about Kerala’s beaches that hit different. From the lighthouse in Kovalam to the beautiful backwaters of Alappuzha to the peaceful serenity of Marari beach, Kerala is blessed with beauty and serenity in all corners. Even if water bodies aren’t really your thing, you can always go inwards and embrace the ethereal beauty of Munnar or
10. Every Communist You Know Aspires To Be Che Guevara
Che Guevara was a revolutionary, and any Malayali person that you talk to will tell you that. Communism has a significant presence in Kerala, followed by West Bengal and Tripura in the North and Northeast, respectively. In today’s day, the Communist Party of India and Communist Party of India (Marxist) are the largest communist parties in Kerala politics.
Kerala is an exquisite coastal state, and Malayalis have an ever-growing presence in society. Whether you were brought up in Cochin or in Canada, we bet you can relate to many things mentioned in our list. So, how many did we get right? Let us know all of your thoughts on this title in the comment section.
