Coconut is used in both sweet and savoury Indian dishes. Fresh coconut is now widely available, however, desiccated coconut, and coconut cream, which is made from grated coconut will make acceptable substitutes in most recipes. Coconut milk is used to thicken and enrich Thai and Indian curries. Many chutneys are also prepared with freshly grated coconut.

The husk of the coconut makes excellent rope antd the milk inside is a refreshing drink. The oil is also used in India for cooking or on the hair or skin.