KOCHI - Pickup
Kochi (also known as Cochin) is a city in southwest India's coastal Kerala state. It has been a port since 1341, when a flood carved out its harbor and opened it to Arab, Chinese and European merchants. Sites reflecting those influences include Fort Kochi, a settlement with tiled colonial bungalows and diverse houses of worship. Cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, typical of Kochi, have been in use for centuries.
Besides its historical significance and many tourist attractions, one aspect that makes Kochi truly unique is its food culture. Bestowed with the sobriquet, the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Kochi is perhaps the best example of how cultural exchanges leave a long-lasting trace in India which are then seamlessly interwoven into the local cultural fabric.
- Puttu Kadala - A quintessential dish in almost every household in Kerala, Puttu is a preparation of ground rice, layered with coconut shavings (and sometimes banana), and then steamed; while Kadala curry comprises kala chana or black chickpeas cooked in roasted coconut gravy
- Thattu Dosa - Thattu dosa is rather thick. But its humility is perhaps what makes it a street favourite—that accompanied with simple chammanthi (chutney) will fill your stomach as well as your heart.
- Kulukki Sarbath - Kulukki Sarbath is their gift to the world. A local lemonade with a twist, the sarbath is filled with khus-khus seeds, served after being vigorously shaken by the seller—often with elaborate gesticulations. In fact, the word “kulukki” in Malayalam means “shaking”.
- Kappa Boti - A dish that is originally quite local to Thrissur, the delectable combination of Kappa (mashed tapioca) and Boti (goat’s gizzards) is one that will sweep most non-vegetarians off their feet. The dish is so loved in Kochi that you’ll find it in most restaurants in the city.
- Meen Molagita Curry - A hyper-local delicacy that you won’t find elsewhere in the world, Meen Molagita curry translates to a fish curry doused in chillies. In reality, it comprises smoked freshwater fish with chillies and coconut milk. People head to Kochi sometimes for the sole purpose of trying out this dish—such is its flavourful charm.
- Naadan Biriyani - Speaking about best delicacies in Kochi, how can one miss Biriyani—the naadan, or traditional one.While countless outlets in the city will answer all your Biriyani cravings, we have this quaint yet iconic eatery named Kayees Rahmathulla Hotel in Mattancherry, whose simple, wood-fired preparation, is one that you mustn’t miss.
- Fish Molly - Yet another classic delicacy from Kochi, Fish Molly or fish molee, enjoys quite a fan following across the world. Always on demand by tourists, the versatility of this dish is in its mild flavours, unlike most fish curries in Kerala that are high on spice.With subtle hints of green chillies and black peppers that are smoothly overpowered by the creamy texture of coconut milk, the fish is cooked to perfection and tastes divine with appam. Any restaurant in Kochi will provide you with this epic delicacy—so do try it out!
- Kurukku Kalan - A vegetarian dish that is truly local to Kochi, Kurukku Kalan is made of thick curd and toasted raw banana or yam. An integral part of every Sadhya, this curry can be consumed with hot rice. The expertise with which the curd is infused with a tempered mix of spices and curry leaves makes this a must-try for vegetarians who’d like to indulge in the local meat-free delicacies.