Must-Try Foods In Kochi (Cochin) (Kerala) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Kochi (Cochin), Kerala, India

Kochi, historically known as Cochin, is a melting pot of diverse cultures and culinary influences due to its history as a port city that attracted traders from across the world. The cuisine here is characterized by the use of fresh spices, coconut, and seafood. Kochi's food has been heavily influenced by its long-standing trade relationships with Arab traders, Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonists, each of whom left indelible marks on the local cuisine. Besides, the Jewish community known as the Malabar Yehudan also contributed to Kochi's gastronomy. The staple food is rice, and the ubiquity of coconut is evident in many dishes.

Must Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Kochi (Cochin), Kerala, India

1. Appam with Stew (Non-Veg) - A rice pancake with a soft and thick center and a thin, crispy exterior, served with a richly spiced stew, usually containing chicken or mutton.
2. Puttu and Kadala Curry (Veg) - Steamed cylinders of ground rice, layered with coconut, usually eaten with a chickpea curry.
3. Karimeen Pollichathu (Non-Veg) - Pearl spot fish marinated in a blend of spices and grilled in banana leaves.
4. Kerala Prawn Curry (Non-Veg) - A flavorful curry made with prawns, kokum, coconut milk, and a variety of spices.
5. Kerala Sadya (Veg) - An elaborate banquet traditionally served on a banana leaf, featuring an array of vegetarian dishes, pickles, papadams, and a dessert called payasam.
6. Idiyappam with Egg Curry (Non-Veg) - String hoppers made from rice flour batter, paired with a spicy egg curry.
7. Erissery (Veg) - A pumpkin and lentil dish that is mildly spiced, tempered with fried coconut, mustard seeds, and curry leaves.
8. Thalassery Biryani (Non-Veg) - A biryani variant from the nearby town of Thalassery, known for its distinct flavor owing to the use of small-grain Khyma rice and the special spices.
9. Vegetable Stew (Veg) - A mild yet flavorful curry made with a mix of vegetables, delicately spiced and cooked in coconut milk.
10. Palada Payasam (Veg) - A sweet milk-based dessert with thin rice flakes, sugar, and cardamom, often a part of the Sadya.

Top Famous Restaurants in Kochi (Cochin), Kerala, India

1. Fort House Restaurant
   Address: 2/6A, Calvathy Road, Fort Kochi, Kochi
   Famous Food: Grilled Seafood Platter (Non-Veg)
2. The Rice Boat
   Address: Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Willingdon Island, Kochi
   Famous Food: Meen Moilee (Fish curry) (Non-Veg)
3. Kashi Art Cafe
   Address: Burger Street, Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi, Kochi
   Famous Food: All Day Breakfast with Homemade Bread (Veg)
4. Trilogi
   Address: Crown Plaza, Kundanoor Junction, Maradu, Kochi
   Famous Food: Malabar Parotta with Kerala Beef Fry (Non-Veg)
5. Fusion Bay
   Address: Santa Cruz School Road, K.B. Jacob Road, Fort Kochi, Kochi
   Famous Food: Fish Molly (Non-Veg)
6. Oceanos Restaurant
   Address: Elphinstone Residency, Elphinstone Road, Fort Kochi, Kochi
   Famous Food: Squid Roast (Non-Veg)
7. Grand Pavilion
   Address: Koder House, Tower Road, Fort Kochi, Kochi
   Famous Food: Biryani (Non-Veg)
8. Ginger House Restaurant
   Address: Jew Town Road, Mattancherry, Kochi
   Famous Food: Ginger Ice Cream (Veg)
9. Malabar Junction
   Address: Malabar House, Parade Road, Fort Kochi, Kochi
   Famous Food: Thali (Veg)
10. Menorah
    Address: K.L. Bernard Master Road, Fort Kochi, Kochi
    Famous Food: Malabar Fish Curry Meal (Non-Veg)

Please note that the classification of food dishes as 'Veg' or 'Non-Veg' is a general reference and may not account for variations in preparation or custom requests, so always check with the restaurant for specific dietary preferences.