Famous food in Kochi
There used to be a time when we ‘called for a pizza’ whenever we felt hungry and in need of a convenient and quick stomach-filling solution. Indeed, the time is not exactly over. In the modern, digitised era, there are several more solutions to just picking up your phone to order your favourite food. The internet and its digital applications have ultimately taken over. Nowadays, when you do not feel like eating at home or preparing a full-fledged meal as you get back home tired, you can easily order food online in Kochi to make the most of your delicious cravings.
Kochi is regarded as one of the most advanced cosmopolitan cities of Kerala. Over several years, the coastal city has received ample influence from travelers from all parts of the world, along with colonisers. As such, the food and culture scene of the city takes its inspiration from the Dutch, British, Chinese, Arabs, and Portuguese cultures. The city also boasts a vibrant and rich history while serving as home to multiple cultural implications that have created a unique cultural identity.
What are the Must-have Foods in Kochi?
The overall food scene in Kochi is quite rewarding and inviting. The famous foods and best restaurants in Kochi are quite sought-after by those who love to explore new cuisines and food cultures. The divine cuisine of Kochi is significantly influenced by its prime location. Nestled across the beautiful coastline, rice, fish, and coconut are some of the staple ingredients used in the local cooking scene.
As the state of Kerala is also the divine spice land, traditional spices like black pepper, cinnamon, mustard seeds, tamarind, clove, asafetida, and so more bring out the best flavours of the local dishes here. When in the beautiful city, here are some of the must-try foods in Kochi you must not miss out on:
1. Appam and Stew
Appam with Stew is a conventional dish in Kerala. The entire recipe of the dish is light and flavourful. It is a popular rice-based pancake with a thick and soft center and thin, crispy sides. Prepared out of fermented rice flour, coconut water, and coconut milk, Appam can be consumed with delicious veggie gravies like the stew. Appam also serves to be an excellent side dish for non-veg lovers like mutton, chicken curry, and so on.
This sought-after food in Kerala is usually blended with meat or veggie stew cooked in a creamy coconut-based curry. The beautiful combination will indeed leave you surprised.
2. Idli Sambhar: The Delicious, Fulfilling Breakfast
Idli Sambhar is indeed one of the most delicious and fulfilling breakfast options out there. It is one of the most popular breakfast options across the nation as well.
The dish is a perfect blend of cakes prepared out of fermented steamed rice and a rich spicy curry with veggies and aromatic spices in addition to nutritious lentils. While it is a favourite amongst foodies for the overall flavours and tastes, Idli Sambhar is also quite healthy and nutritious. There is no denying the goodness of a plate of soft, steaming Idlis with spicy Sambhar topped off with a drop of creamy Coconut chutney. Have a healthy dose of Idli Sambhar at famous restaurants in Kochi, including BTH Subhiksha, Gokul Oottupura, and Palaaram.
3. Dosa
Rated as one of the most delicious and nutritious food items out there, Dosa is undeniably a must-have food item in Kochi. For a scrumptious combination, try ghee-roast Dosa with delicious Sambhar and coconut chutney. You will be surprised at the amazing concoction of divine flavours.
The classic Dosa batter is made with the help of fermented rice along with lentils. The batter is initially spread out on the hot Tawa and roasted until brown and crispy. The must-try food in Kochi is indeed a delight as you can try it out at the famous eateries, including Hotel Saravana Bhavan, Brindhavan Vegetarian Restaurant, and Paradise Hotel.
4. Idiyappam with Curry
Idiyappam is a modified version of the traditional Appam dish in Kochi. Also referred to as Spring Hopper, the dish is a popular rice-based noodle recipe encompassing several thin, noodle-like strands together to come up with a delicious, soft texture throughout.
Idiyappam is prepared by combining rice flour, salt, and water. The best part is that you can pair this dish with almost any veg or non-veg curry of your preference to enhance the flavours. Order a spicy vegetable stew or egg curry from the best restaurants in Kochi to complement the otherwise bland Idiyappam.
5. Avial, the Authentic Kerala Flavours
Avial is a major component of the conventional Kerala feast named Sadya. The dish is usually mixed with delicious veggies prepared with ground coconut and enhanced with the use of different spices. The dish is a famous hot pot for all flavourful vegetables and can be consumed with rice. As a matter of fact, it is one of the most nourishing vegetarian dishes you will come across in Kochi. Some of the best places to try out the dish are Sylcon Food Factory, Kalavara, and Sukrutham Catering and Restaurant.
6. Puttu Kadala
For a typical Malayali, nothing is more satiating than a steaming hot plate of the famous dish Puttu Kadala curry, especially for breakfast. It is a quintessential dish prepared in almost all households of Kerala. Puttu is a traditional preparation made from ground rice that is ultimately layered with coconut or banana shavings. The mixture is then steamed.
The delicious Kadala curry features Kala Chana or Black Chickpeas prepared in roasted coconut-based gravy. If you happen to be living away from home, several local street food and eateries in Kochi come to your rescue by serving this humble dish throughout the city. Some of the famous places to order food online from are Palaraam, Paradise Hotel, Empire Plaza, and so more.
Conclusion
Do not miss out on the fun of exploring the coastal city by trying out the famous foods in Kochi. If you are running out of energy to visit the restaurant physically, you can easily order food online in Kochi by sitting in the comfort of your home.