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Where to eat in Kochi: The Rice Boat restaurant at Taj Malabar, Wellingdon Island offers an experience like no other!

Wondering what is the best place to have lunch in Kochi? The vibrant cosmopolitan culture has something for every type of foodie. For those wondering what is special food in Ernakulam, I'd say everything! 

Be it scorching summers or beautiful monsoons, there is no place as enchanting as Kochi, which offers culinary delights to suit every palate. You can be a vegetarian or a non-vegetarian.  I have just got back from God's own country and I am missing the delicious Kerala food already, especially sea food. If you love Continental food, check out The Avenue Regent's coffeeshop called Cocoa Tree on MG Road. If Kerala's delectable cuisine appeals to you, head to The Grand Hotel on MG Road, as it has a tantalising spread of non-vegetarian options. 

What is famous to eat in Kochi?
From delicious coastal food to the tastiest vegetarian sadhya and traditional Kerala meals, there is every enticing flavour to tantalise your tastebuds.

Not sure where where to eat a delicious lunch in Kochi?  A family favourite for late evenings is the Pavilion restaurant at Abad Fort Kochi Hotel.  Special occasions are made more memorable at The Gateway Hotel Marine Drive. 

For those who want to explore Fort Kochi, don't miss a leisurely dinner at the iconic Brunton Boatyard. The hospitality is a masterclass in what culinary craftsmanship and tasting is all about. Plus, the non-vegetarian spread is a sensory indulgence; don't miss it.

We have celebrated few birthday lunches and dinners and each time was made more memorable than earlier. The staff are very warm and welcoming.

What Not To Miss In Kochi

So much to explore in Kochi, yet so little time to enjoy it all, right? 

Explore the charm of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. Watch sunset on the beach. Have nice walks around the ground; take care to wear some anti-mosquito lotion. In the evenings, Kochi's mosquitoes have a special talent in hounding you! If city life and shopping is what catches your fancy, head out to Lulu Mall but be mindful of serpentine traffic jams.

The Chinese fishing nets are a visual treat to behold; it embodies a quaint charm that beckons as a recurring motif of Kerala's vibrant culture. Take a stroll around Marine Drive. Be wary of anti-social elements. Take care of your wallet/handbag. 

For those who want to explore some hidden gem cafes in Kochi, head out to Cocoa Tree on MG Road, East India Cafe in Mattancherry, Kashi Art Cafe and Qissa Cafe in Fort Kochi. French Toast offers a warm and uber cool environment and a delectable menu with savories as well while The Oven which is located at Durbal Hall Ground, Opposite to Shiva Temple Ground, brings an exciting Continent spread at the most affordable prices; don't miss checking out their freshly baked breads and tea cakes. In Panampilly Nagar, hop in and check out Coffee Cube or enjoy an indulgence of diverse menu options such as pizzas, shakes, quiches, pastas, a variety of mocktails, seafood and dessert options. The ambience, the music and the vibe is amazing. The service can be better but no complaints! The overall experience is too good!

As a city, Kochi brims with popular coffeeshops, cafes, ice cream places and of course, fine dining restaurants for those who like a dash of sophistication and style while they enjoy lunch or dinner. 

The city offers plenty of options but a clear favourite with foreigners and Kochiites turns out to be 'The Rice Boat'.  For delectable Kochi seafood, the Rice Boat restaurant at Taj Malabar in Wellingdon Island offers a culinary delight like no other. 

Does Kochi have a night life?
Kochi is famous as the Queen of the Arabian sea; nighlife, however, isn't a popular thing here. In Kerala, 'night life' is not a social norm. This doesn't mean there are no late night parties or clubs; but if you are new to Kerala and you expect a fun-filled night life, Kochi isn't the best place for it.


Just sitting by the 'boat-like' restaurant and watching the waves and the spectacular water front view and occasionally spotting dolphins adds to the joy of simply savoring every moment and basking by the Queen of the Arabian sea.


The Rice Boat restaurant is the perfect setting for any occasion that you want to cherish. It can be a romantic date or a meeting of friends who are catching up after a long time. Better still, it can be a lunch outdoors with parents and relatives. 

You can opt for their Seafood platter which is an elaborate course of seafood dishes, served one after the other. It starts off with a signature starter dish that comes with a starter comprising of tiger prawns (delicious!) and squid. The crab soup is sure to soothe you with its soft-as-cream mushroom-like texture. 

Foodies will find it hard to resist the main platter once it comes in, with fish cooked in three distinct yet local style. The spices, the aroma and the textures are just out of this world.

Wait, you are not done yet! The dessert is special and unlike anything you may have tasted in any other restaurant in Kerala. 

A burst of eye-popping caramel colours spring to lace its route through the white landscape of karikku souffle and coconut ice cream. While the karikku souffle is a soft and sober in presentation and taste, the coconut ice cream bursts with flavours that tantalise your senses.  

You have to spoon in the coconut ice cream with a dash of the caramel sauce to let your taste buds experience a burst of sweet explosion of sugary notes. 

For those wondering which is the best bakery franchise in Kochi, I would recommend a few that I have personally tried and regularly buy such as:
  • Ashis Coffee Shop on Marine Driver (affordable and tasty tea time snacks!) 
  • Navya Bakers, Panampilly Nagar
  • Pandhal Cafe, Panampilly Nagar
  • Ann's Bakery, Panampilly Nagar
  • Best Bakers, Kacheripady Junction


Where to eat breakfast in Kochi
Plenty of breakfast options in Kochi and here are a few popular ones:
  • i’DELI CAFE, near Stadium, Kaloor
  • Saravana Bhavan, near Venduruthy
  • French Toast, Chittoor Road
  • Forte Kochi, Fort Kochi
  • Kashi Art Cafe, Fort Kochi
  • Brindavan, Palarivattom

Whatever the occasion, Kochi has an amazing and diverse range of restaurants that elevates your culinary and visual experience.



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Swapna Raghu Sanand said…
Do check it out, the place has an almost magical feel to it and the seafood is out-of-this-world!
September 8, 2019 at 1:41 PM
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