When one talks of Kerala, the banana chips sure have to find mention. It is an inseparable part of the Kerala meal. The yummy crispy banana chips are deep fried slices of raw banana. They can be eaten as snacks or also as an accompaniment with the main meal. . It is referred to in Malayalam as “Kaya varatatu” or even “uperi” in some parts.

Raw banana is used in Kerala to make crispy chips that are an important part of any Kerala meal. The traditional Kerala meal or the “Sadya” is incomplete without the banana chips. The banana chips preparation coated with jaggery is also an integral part of the Kerala meal, it is then known as “sharkaravarati”.

The one to the left are banana chips, to the right tapioca and the packets on top comprise of jackfruit chips.

With banana chips finding favor outside the state, the shops dealing with the chips are doing brisk business. The shops have people employed solely for chopping and frying these chips the whole day long so as to be able to meet the growing demand. The chips have become a big business opportunity for the Kerala businessman. Making the most of the available resources is what it is all about.

Chips in Kerala are however, not restricted to the banana alone. Chips of jackfruit and tapioca are also very popular.