St. Andrews, Kerala

Apart from its obvious European heritage, St. Andrews also has a Tamil influence as people from Tamil Nadu settled here in the past mainly for the purpose of trade. Traces of Tamil culture has its influence and reflection in the church songs which used to be sung in Tamil also.

The most singular and distinctive influence on St. Andrews without doubt remains the Portuguese legacy. Because of the Portuguese influence the food prepared in many household in St. Andrews bears an uncanny resemblance to Goan cuisine. They have a unique taste, flavor, and even have names different from that of typical Kerala cuisine.

The distinctive food habits in St. Andrews have led to some interesting culinary observations. For instance, Pork Vindaloo which is popular in St. Andrews, and also in some parts of Kollam and Cochin is also popular in Goan and Anglo-Indian cuisine. Thought the taste of vindaloo curry differs, all the dishes have the common tangy taste. The similar food traits have been brought in by Portuguese or by Christian missionaries from Goa.

The dishes which have a clear Portuguese originated which is still popular in this are includes: Pork Vindaloo, Baked Chicken Mince, Scone, Tharidosi (Coconut cake), Orapam, Churi Appam and Plum Cake. But the most sought after delicacy of St. Andrews is the Milk Halwa which remains exclusive to this region. Even though it is termed as Milk Halwa, maybe because of its distinct European influence, it has no similarities with the traditional halwas with which Keralites are familiar. Moreover, only a few persons remain who has the knowledge to make this delicious sweet.

The Portuguese influence can also be seen in the language spoken here.

Several members of the community have immigrated to countries like Sri Lanka, Singapore and Malaysia over the past years and this has further added the diversity of its food ways by the introduction of new culinary practices. Because of this fact, St. Andrews has the enviable position of a seaside hamlet with an interesting melting pot of several cultures and traditions.

St. Andrews Grotto

St. Andrews’ residents mainly belong to the Latin Catholic Christian community.

St. Andrews Church - The center of all religious and social activities

A church facing the sea, which was named after St. Andrew, the patron saint of fishermen and singers. The St. Andrews Parish church started taking shape in the year 1918. This parish belongs to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Trivandrum. About 480 families belong to this parish. The parish also has a Parish hall where various events relating to the parish are conducted.

The church remains a unique landmark in the tapestry of the village as it has the rare distinction of having the place name and church name as one. The church has a rich heritage dating back to the Portuguese. The church was initially made of Rosewood but now as years passed it has taken on modern form but has managed to retain its heritage nature. The fishing hamlet comes alive with a lot of festivities on during the Christmas-New Year season and also on St. Andrews Day which is celebrated with much fan fare on 30 November.

St. Andrews Grotto is located on the opposite side of the church close to the beach.

• Jyothi Nilayam School, Thiruvananthapuram which is owned and administered by Ursuline Sisters of Mary Immaculate. This school is affiliated to CBSE.
• St. Andrews Upper Primary School

• Xavier Institute of Management (part of St. Xavier's College)

• Ursuline Convent

• State Bank of India
• Union Bank of India

• St. Xavier's College Post Office

• Ann's Bakery
• Joy Store
• SM Stores, St. Andrews
• St. Antony's Aquarium Shop
• Capitan's Cafe
• Mom's Magic Bakery & Restaurant
• Orchard Supermarket
• Muthoot Fincorp

• St. Andrews Ground - mainly Football and Cricket
• The Box - Badminton Court
• FASC Ground
• St. Xavier's College Football Ground
• St. Xavier's College KCA Ground

• Ocean View Homestay and Yoga Centre