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Best Places to eat in Fort Kochi : Restaurants & Cafe Guide
As a foodie traveller, I find immense joy when good food touches my taste buds. Kochi, a port city in India on the Arabian Sea, delighted me with its delicious seafood.
My vegetarian spouse, Sahana, was initially worried about finding suitable options, but Fort Kochi surprised her with local vegetarian delicacies.
Fort Kochi is a popular destination for both domestic and foreign travellers, catering to diverse tastes.
Does this mean it’s hard to find local food in Kochi? Are the best places to eat in Kochi only for big spenders?
What to eat in Fort Kochi while keeping the trip budget under control?
We wondered the same before spending four days exploring Kochi’s street food and budget-friendly fine dining.
In this Kochi food guide, we’ll show you the best restaurants in Kochi and the aesthetic cafes in Fort Kochi you must try (and also avoid).
After reading, you’ll know where to find the best food joints in Kochi that suit your taste and budget. Get ready to be hungry!
Where to eat like a local in Kochi?
To eat like a local in Kochi, head to Ernakulam. You can find local food in Fort Kochi, but it’s often tailored for tourists and more expensive in fine dining places. Ernakulam is the best place for Local food joints in Kochi – this is where residents come to eat more than tourists.
To find these places, ask an auto rickshaw driver or your homestay host, as we did, and specify that you want to eat local food. They will provide the best suggestions.
Best restaurants in Ernakulam for local food
Sree Muruga Cafe in Ernakulam
Known for: Fish Biryani, Beef Fry with Pazhampori, veg dish Kozhukattai.
Price for two: ?300
Location: Mini Bypass Tripunithura Rd, Ernakulam
Although it says “cafe,” Sree Muruga is a proper local food joint in Cochin. This iconic spot is popular among the working crowd and families and is one of the most affordable restaurants in Kochi.
They have two options for dining: ground floor seating, where service is quick and perfect for those in a hurry, and the first floor with a bit more sophisticated seating, where families usually choose to dine.
Must-try food at Sree Muruga Cafe includes Fish Biryani with Fish Roast for non-vegetarians. Their star dish is beef fry with Pazhampori. Kozhukattai, Rice dumplings filled with jaggery and coconut at Sree Muruga Cafe is the best option for vegetarians.
Dhe Puttu
Known for: Various types of Puttu
Price for two: ?500
Location: Edapally Ernakulam
Dhe Puttu is all about Puttu- A great place for dinner and lunch in Cochin. It is the best among all the popular eateries in Kochi for locals.
Puttu, a traditional Kerala food, is steamed cylindrical rice cakes paired with spicy coconut gravy. But Dhe Puttu brings out at least 30 varieties of it! From Beef Puttu to Chicken Puttu, Veg Biryani Puttu to Chocolate Puttu – it is the world of Puttus here.
You can plan to have lunch at Dhe Puttu while coming back from Malarikkal water Lilly lake in the afternoon.
While Chocolate Puttu definitely isn’t locally authentic and didn’t taste nice, their original Puttus are great. I loved the Chicken Puttu, and Sahana loved the Vegetarian Puttu with Kadala Curry.
Ceylon Bake House Woodland Junction
Known for: Coin Paratha with Beef/mutton/veg Curry
Price for two: ?400
Location: SRV Road Ernakulam
Ceylon Bake House in Ernakulam is the place for Kerala’s signature ‘Coin Paratha.’ You hardly find tourists here, and the ambiance is modern, not typical of a local food spot, yet it serves authentic Kerala food in Kochi.
Plan to have lunch or dinner here when you are coming back from Kayaking at Kadamakkudy Island.
These parathas are flaky, soft, and layered, made with flour and cooked on a griddle with oil or ghee. The Coin Parathas with beef curry are the most famous.
As a non-beef eater, I tried the mutton curry with coin paratha?it was deliciously spicy.
Sahana enjoyed the vegetarian curry with coconut gravy and coin paratha, which was also delicious.
Best Places to eat in Fort Kochi
Fort Kochi, a hotspot of historical sites in Kochi, boasts many excellent but expensive dining options. Most good restaurants in Fort Kochi are part of heritage hotels.
While staying in these boutique hotels, housed in 300-year-old colonial buildings, is cool but pricey, their restaurants serve both continental and Kerala food at affordable prices.
Must-Try Fort Kochi Restaurants
Oceanos
Known for: Kappa and Fish Curry
Price for two: ?800
Location: Elphinstone Road, Fort Kochi
Oceanos on Elphinstone Road serves the best seafood in Kochi. Located in a residential neighborhood away from the major Fort Kochi tourist attractions, Oceanos offers a pleasant ambiance. It was close to our homestay in Bishop Garden, so it was convenient to walk back to the room even at night
The Kappa and Fish Curry?a delightful tapioca and fish dish?is a must-try at Oceanos. They also have options with shrimps and squid.
The only drawback of Oceanos is the limited vegetarian choices, except for some North Indian-style rice items like Ghee rice.
Jetty Restaurant
Known for: Traditional Vegetarian Sadhya
Price for two: ?1200
Location: Forte Kochi heritage hotel, Princess street.
Jetty Restaurant is part of the beautiful heritage hotel “Forte Kochi where travellers can stay.” They are known for both lunch and dinner, but I recommend their traditional vegetarian Sadhya meals served on particular days.
A Sadhya meal in Kerala is a traditional vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf, typically during festivals and special occasions like Onam. It includes a variety of dishes such as rice, sambar, rasam, avial, thoran, olan, pachadi, and pickles, accompanied by pappadam and banana chips, ending with payasam, a sweet dessert.
For vegetarians seeking traditional meals, Jetty Restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Fort Kochi
And don’t forget to try Kulukki Soda at Jetty Restaurant. Kulukki soda is actually a streetside drink crafted by vigorously mixing zesty lemon juice, alluring basil, Chia seeds, a touch of sugar syrup, a hint of fiery ginger, and a green chili into plain water, all topped with ice cubes.
Food Mill
Known for: Kerala Paratha with Kurma
Price for two: ?600
Location: Abad Dutch Bungalow, Fort Kochi
Food Mill is the signature restaurant of the heritage hotel “Abad Dutch Bungalow.” Don’t assume it’s expensive just because it’s part of a heritage hotel.
The traditional Kerala paratha here is delicious and costs just ?30 per plate. Catering to foreign travellers, they offer Mediterranean and Italian food along with traditional Kerala dishes.
The “Kairali Fried Chicken,” a spicy boneless chicken with Kerala-style masala, is a favourite.
For vegetarians, the Kerala paratha with Kurma is really delicious.
Aah of Post Card Mandalay
Known for: Ela Ada, Pazham Pori – Thattukada style food in international standards.
Price for two: ?1500
Location: Synagogue Lane, Fort Kochi
The in-house restaurant of the most expensive heritage hotel in Fort Kochi, “Postcard Mandalay Hall where luxury travellers opt to stay,” is called “Aah.”
Aah is an experimental fine dining place (so expect the rates to be pricey) that brings traditional local flavours of Kochi to a global level, emphasizing traditional Kerala cuisine in Kochi. They even offer snacks made in “Thattukada”?roadside food stalls in Kerala?as part of their dining experience.
As one of the most expensive restaurants, they can alter the spice levels in the food you order based on your preference.
Their must-try food is “Ela Ada,” a traditional sweet delicacy of Kerala made with jaggery and coconut filling stuffed in dough made from rice flour and steamed in a banana leaf.
Pazham Pori, banana fritters and a popular Kerala snack, is another Thattukada-style street food. They’re made by deep-frying ripened bananas coated in flour, turmeric, and salt until golden brown. While I tried Pazham Pori in many roadside stalls in and around Kochi, I found the best one at Aah of Postcard Mandalay Hall.
Ginger House Restaurant
Known for: Meen Pollichathu, Appam with Vegetable Stew
Price for two: ?1200
Location: Mattancherry, Fort Kochi
Ginger House Restaurant, located near Mattancherry Spice Market, offers more of a dining experience by the waterfront than just food. It’s part of India’s only museum hotel, “Ginger House Museum Hotel,” a heritage hotel in Fort Kochi.
The menu features a mix of traditional Kerala cuisine and international dishes, with highlights like the seafood platter and Kerala-style fish curry. The ambiance is enhanced by antique furnishings and a serene view of the backwaters.
We weren’t expecting the food to be tasty as we were there for the ambiance, but Ginger House Restaurant surprised us.
The Meen Pollichathu (fish in banana leaf wraps) was the best steamed fish I’ve had in Kerala.
Sahana tried Appam with vegetable stew?lacy rice pancakes with crispy edges, served with a creamy coconut milk-based vegetable stew?which was super healthy and delicious.
Food Street at Tower Road
If you want to taste the best Kochi street food, you have come to the food joints at Tower Road at Vasco Da Gama Square in Fort Kochi at night. There are at least a dozen food joints on this 100m stretch, and they remain open until midnight.
Freshly caught shrimps, local fish, cuttlefish, and sardines are fried, steamed, and turned into delicious dishes. Karimeen Pollichathu, Chemmeen Roast, stuffed mussels, and Fish Moilee are some of the must-try foods on this street.
The best thing to do at Tower road is to come after 9 pm and try small portions at each joint! They even serve small quantities like two fried shrimps. This way, you can try a variety of seafood at different places on Tower Road Street food joints.
Fort Kochi Cafes
Fort Kochi is buzzing with cafes because it’s got this cool mix of history and artsy vibes. Tourists and locals love hanging out in the charming old buildings.
These cafes offer a mix of local and international treats, making them perfect spots to chill and socialise.
There is some similarity between Fort Kochi and Varanasi Cafe vibes. While Varanasi cafes are not as polished as the ones here.
Fort Kochi Heritage buildings transformed into cafes dish out Western treats like pudding and croissants, with a surprise twist of local gems like Pazhampori. Some even sweeten the deal with a mini-library or an art gallery.
It’s not just foreign travelers; even the young crowd from India is all in. So whether you’re into selfie-taking or quietly admiring artists at work, Fort Kochi’s cafes have got it all.
But if you’re watching your budget like we do, make sure to check those prices before you settle in!
Must Try Fort Kochi Cafes
Loafers Corner Cafe
Known for: Cheesecakes, Cappuccinos
Price for two: ?500
Location: Princess Street, Fort Kochi
Loafer’s Cafe Corner is a hard-to-miss spot with its inviting charm. Located on the first floor, it features wide, short windows adorned with potted plants, creating a cozy and peaceful atmosphere.
They don’t have a collection of antiques, but the charcoal drawings on the wall, old kettles, and cups add to the vibe of the place.
The rustic interiors, combined with these charming windows overlooking Princess Street, make it a unique destination.
They serve delicious cheesecakes (we tried the blueberry cheesecake), wraps, and cappuccinos. Loafer’s Cafe Corner felt like heaven after a long two-hour heritage walking tour we took.
Seats next to the windows are always occupied, so you must wait in line for those. However, their open-to-sky courtyard and other seating don’t require a wait. Keep in mind that it is a fan-only cafe?no air conditioner.
Lila – Curated Experiences
Known for: Fish Mango Curry with Idiyappam, Croissants
Price for two: ?800
Location: Parade Ground, Fort Kochi.
The first of the aesthetic cafes in Kochi is Lila Art Cafe (listed as Lila Curated Experiences on Google Maps). Housed in a 300-year-old Dutch-era building, it serves as an art gallery and boutique shop for local souvenirs
The ground floor features a cafe with a food counter and tables surrounded by boutique shops, with corridors for additional seating and exhibit displays.
The courtyard includes a well and boulders, reflecting an ancient Kochi house. The first floor, with red oxide flooring, is equally charming.
They serve local Kerala food like fish mango curry with idiyappam, Italian pasta, and vegan options, including kombucha. Sahana says their croissants are the best she’s had outside Vienna.
Cafe Jew Town
Known for: Mattancherry Spice Tea
Price for two: ?600 for 2 teas and a cake
Location: Synagogue lane, near Paradesi Synagogue.
Cafe Jew Town, which is actually an antique shop cum cafe, sells the best Mattancherry spice tea. It is the best place to take a break from exploring after visiting Paradesi Synagogue.
Sitting here, sipping the signature Kochi tea, feels like sitting in an antique museum.
Their cinnamon and banana French toast is also surprisingly delicious. The only drawback is it is expensive, but it’s worth the money.
Haji Ali Fresh Fruit Juices
Known for: Fresh Fruit Juices, Falooda
Price for two: ?200
Location: Jacob Road, next to Fort Kochi Mosque.
Jacob Road boasts a low-key juice bar that may not win any beauty contests, but it’s a hidden treasure trove of fruit-based desserts you never knew existed!
When most Fort Kochi cafes are expensive, Haji Ali is an affordable oasis with a variety of juices and desserts.
On a sunny afternoon after visiting Mattancherry Palace, head to Haji Ali shop.
Order as many juices as you want or try the custard apple yoghurts. Even better, go for the Haji Ali special falooda like I did. This fruit-filled dessert quenches your thirst and satisfies your cravings without spending too much.
Overrated Cafes in Fort Kochi
Kashi Art Cafe
Kashi Art Cafe is hailed as one of the best cafes in Fort Kochi. Everyone who travels to Kochi wants to visit Kashi Art Cafe, and so did we. But it was a huge disappointment.
Surely, the ambiance is great with courtyards and sculptures surrounding the seating. However, the crowd is overwhelming. Social media-focused travelers call Kashi Art Cafe one of the most Instagrammable cafes in Fort Kochi, so it’s filled with selfie-stick travelers.
The waiting time was about an hour, even in the off-season (I went in August). The price for a simple fruit platter is about ?550!
There’s nothing peaceful about this place, with people clicking pictures and dancing for TikTok. Expecting a silent oasis on Burger Street, we were disappointed.
We waited 45 minutes for our seat but left immediately due to the over priced food and crowd, reminiscent of the mad crowd at Oia in Santorini.
Pepper House
One of the most beautiful places in Fort Kochi is “Pepper House,” which used to be a warehouse where pepper was stored in olden days. It is also famous for a scene from the Malayalam movie “Premam.“
However, the trickiest part of Pepper House is that it isn’t always open. I’m not talking about weekdays, weekends, or timings during the day.
It opens only during peak season! When I visited in August, it was closed. We were told that Pepper House opens only during the Kochi Biennale festival, as it is one of the venues (which happens once every two years).
Another friend who visited Kochi during Christmas found the cafe open, even though it wasn’t time for the Kochi Biennale. A month later, someone else who visited found the cafe closed!
Parisian Cafe
Parisian Cafe is located amidst pretty boutique stores on Bastian Street. The term “Parisian” made us expect French cafe food like baguettes, brioche, and mille-feuille.
Forget all these; they didn’t even have croissants! The most French item they had was macarons. The overpriced coffee was not worth the money, and the ambiance was very basic, like any other cafe.
Tea Pot Cafe
Tea Pot Cafe used to be one of the most celebrated cafes in Fort Kochi. They were known for their crispy, delicious samosas and a variety of teas.
With much expectation, we went there but were quite disappointed. Although the menu outside listed many items, we hardly had any options inside, and the samosa wasn’t good.
Their interiors, famous for the variety of tea kettles, were in a dilapidated, unattended condition when we visited in 2022. It felt like the cafe was about to be abandoned. Unfortunately, it did close down in 2024.
FAQ
What is the staple food of Kochi?
The staple foods in Kochi include rice and tapioca, often served with various side dishes. Coconut is essential in every dish, reflecting its abundance in the state. Locals favour fish, poultry, and red meat, with beef being commonly consumed, even among Hindus.
Best Breakfast Spots in Kochi
Brindhavan Vegetarian Restaurant in Ernakulam and Loafers Corner Cafe in Fort Kochi are the best places for breakfast in Kochi.
Which are the best Indian food restaurants in Kochi
Sree Muruga Cafe in Ernakulam is the best Indian food restaurant in Kochi. Rasoi Fort Kochi is also a famous for North Indian cuisine.
Are there Vegan restaurants in Fort Kochi
There are only a countable number of Vegan and Pure veg restaurants in Fort Kochi like Coriander Veg & Vegan Restaurant, Loving Earth Cafe are pure veg places that serve plenty of Vegan food
Which are the Must-try dishes in Kochi
Meen Polachhu, Fish Biryani, Idiyappam with veg curry, Coin Paratha with chicken/mutton/beef/veg kurma, Pazham Pori and Ela Kada are the must try dishes in Kochi
Did we help you find the best places to eat in and around Fort Kochi? Let us know in the comment section below.
