Fish Names in Kozhikode with Cooking Uses

Kozhikode (Calicut) has one of the richest fishing traditions in Kerala. The fish market here is stocked with a wide variety of fresh sea fish, river fish, and seafood — each suited to different cooking styles.

• •Neymeen (Seer Fish / King Seer) — Firm, flavourful flesh that holds well in spicy gravies.
• •Koori / Chala (Sardine) — Mathi curry with kudampuli (Gamboge) is a Kerala classic.
• •Karimeen (Pearl Spot) — Delicate flavour, perfect for coconut-based Malabar curry.
• •Avoli (Pomfret) — White flesh that absorbs curry flavours beautifully.
• •Mullan (Mullet) — Common in river fish curries around Kozhikode.

• •Ayala (Mackerel) — Oily fish that crisps up perfectly with Kerala red chilli masala.
• •Mathi (Sardine) — Quick shallow fry; budget-friendly and delicious.
• •Aakoli / Vanjaram (King Fish) — Thick slices marinated and pan-fried.
• •Kanambu (Reef Cod) — White, meaty flesh ideal for deep fry.
• •Choora (Tuna) — Firm steaks that work great as a masala fry.

• •Neymeen (Seer Fish) — Dry roast with shallots and curry leaves.
• •Kanava (Squid) — Squid roast is a Kozhikode street food staple.
• •Nandu (Crab) — Crab roast with Malabar masala.
• •Chemmeen (Prawns) — Quick stir-fry or dry roast with coconut.

• •Kallumakkaya (Mussels) — Unique to Kozhikode; nirachathu (stuffed) or fried.
• •Njandu (Crab) — Seasonal; best in masala or roast form.
• •Chemmeen (Prawns) — Available year-round; suits curry, fry, and roast.
• •Kanava (Squid) — Popular in roast and rings fry.
• •Kakka (Clams) — Cleaned and cooked in spicy gravy.

All the fish listed above are available for fresh home delivery in Kozhikode through Onsup Fresh. We clean and cut based on your requirement — curry cut, fry cut, fillet, or whole — and deliver the same day.