BRICS Content Creators Fall in Love with Kerala’s Food, Culture and Warm Hospitality

When the last echo of the BRICS summit faded, a colourful convoy of 36 influencers from the bloc’s member and partner nations set off on a three‑day odyssey across Kerala. Their mission? To go beyond diplomatic speeches and capture the everyday magic of the Indian state for followers back home.

On Monday, the travelling troupe met Kerala’s Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan at the breezy Cliff House in Thiruvananthapuram. Satheesan, ever the enthusiastic host, painted a picture of a land that stretches over 600 km of coastline, is cradled by the biodiverse Western Ghats, and is fast becoming a hub for global investment. He also nudged the conversation toward Kerala’s impressive literacy rates, its push for digital inclusion, and the ambition to attract legacy universities.

From the capital they ventured to the Kerala Arts & Crafts Village in Kovalam. Here, the creators swapped stories with local artisans, tried their hands at weaving, and filmed the vibrant stalls that showcase the state’s age‑old crafts. The ambience was electric, and the resulting clips are already lighting up Instagram feeds.

Food, however, stole the show. Jamie, a creator from China, described a “best ever thali” she received – a sprawling banana‑leaf spread featuring 32 distinct dishes. “We were greeted with drums, a little ceremony, and then that mountain of flavors,” she laughed, promising to convince her Chinese audience to book a ticket to Kerala.

Not far behind, Shah from Malaysia talked about the novelty of dining on a banana leaf. “It was beautiful, the taste, the texture, the whole experience – everything felt so warm and genuine,” he said, his eyes lighting up as he remembered the fragrant rice and tangy curries.

Iman, an Egyptian creator based in Saudi Arabia, confessed she was on her second visit and had fallen deeper in love with the state’s culture. “Traditional sadhya during Onam? Absolutely mesmerizing,” she noted, adding that the communal feast felt like a celebration of togetherness.

Even culinary parallels emerged. Abdul Hafeez from Nigeria remarked that Kerala’s food reminded him of home – spicy, hearty, and served with a smile. “It’s like being in Nigeria again, but with a distinctly Keralite twist,” he mused.

Beyond plates and crafts, the journey sparked personal dreams. Ethiopian creator Qasim Makka, a lifelong fan of Hindi cinema, finally walked the streets he’d seen on the silver screen. “Meeting the people, hearing the language, feeling the rhythm – it’s a childhood dream realised after two decades of effort,” he reflected.

Across the board, the sentiment was clear: Kerala’s blend of natural beauty, artistic heritage and open‑hearted hospitality left an indelible mark on each visitor. As the delegation prepares to head home, their videos promise to carry a slice of Kerala’s soul to audiences far beyond India’s borders.