Kerala chicken curry with bone: a guide to the mild, fragrant favourite
If you only know Indian chicken curry as a thick, creamy, bright-orange sauce, Kerala's version may surprise you. It is lighter, golden-yellow, fragrant and built on coconut, curry leaves and a gentle spice blend. It is also very often served with the bone in, for good reason.
What is Kerala chicken curry?
A classic Kerala chicken curry starts with onions, ginger and garlic cooked down in coconut oil, then spices such as turmeric, coriander, black pepper, fennel and a little chilli. Tomato and curry leaves go in, then the chicken, and finally coconut milk to make the sauce soft and rounded. A slice of tomato is sometimes laid on top.
The result is aromatic rather than aggressively hot. It tastes of coconut and curry leaf first and of heat second. It is the mild partner on a table that also has beef roast or a spicy fry.
Why the bone matters
In Kerala, chicken curry is traditionally made with the meat on the bone. Bones add flavour and body to the sauce, and the meat stays juicy while it simmers. That is why you will see it listed as "with bone" on many menus.
How to eat bone-in curry:
- Use your fingers. That is the Kerala way, and the easiest.
- Pull the meat off the bone with a piece of bread.
- Put the bones on the side of your plate, and go carefully with small pieces.
If you prefer no bones, ask us, and we will tell you what is possible that day.
What goes with it
Almost every bread and rice dish in Kerala works, but these are the classics:
- Porotta: the flaky bread soaks up the sauce. See porotta and beef roast, explained for more about porotta.
- Pathiri: thin and soft, made to carry curry. See pathiri, explained.
- Puttu: steamed rice and coconut, a perfect match for the sauce. See puttu, explained.
- Kappa or rice: for a comforting plate.
What to order at kokoland
See today's menu. Regular combinations include porotta with Kerala chicken curry (with bone), pathiri with chicken curry, puttu with chicken curry, kappa with chicken curry and rice with Kerala chicken curry. Everything is cooked fresh, so if you order ahead for pickup, allow about 25 to 30 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Is it spicy? It is fragrant and gentle. If you want it hotter, tell us.
Is it halal or dairy-free? Ask us directly about halal. The sauce is coconut-based, not cream-based, but please ask about the day's recipe if you avoid dairy.
Can I order it without bones? Please ask when you order. Availability can change.
Is it gluten-free? The curry itself has no wheat, but check the bread you pair with it, and note that we also cook with wheat flour in our kitchen.
Find us
Petersburger Str. 39, 10249 Berlin-Friedrichshain, Tuesday to Sunday 12:00 to 22:00. Book a table or order for pickup.
