Kochi is known for art, architecture, and a vibrant cafe culture. The port city is famous for its rich cuisines with flavours romancing your palette. It was once the port for the spice trade from China, Europe, and West Asia. These influences have given rise to a melting pot culture with influences from the Portuguese, Dutch and English. This is also reflected in the food of the city with dishes like Pozhmi Pori and Beef Fry to Malabar Parotta and Prawn Mango Curry. We round up some of the most interesting cafes that you can take a break in while exploring the city.
Looking for a scrumptious breakfast in the city Then sharing your qissas (stories) at the Qissa Cafe while sipping on your morning French Press coffee is the right place. Nestled in Fort Kochi, the cafe is known for the delicious French toast, Banoffee pie, tuna cheese omelette, and lemon-pesto pasta. The interiors of the cafe have been designed in a quirky manner with upcycled furniture and warm tones of brown and yellow.
Address: Ground Floor No. 18 Hotel, KB Jacob Rd, Opposite Police Station, Fort Kochi, Kochi
This art cafe in Kochi Fort is known for its traditional Kerala bungalow interiors offering peaceful vibes. The cafe, as the name suggests, houses various artworks of Indian and international artists. The place is ideal to spend a lazy day with friends munching on French toast, spinach and mushroom omelette, or lasagnas, and fresh juices and coffee. The interiors of the cafe are striking, with rustic walls, green corners and abstract art. Don't forget to try their special Kashi Roast Chicken, which is flavourful and fulfilling.
Address: Burger Street, near Police Station, Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi, Kochi
Another notable cafe on Princess Street is Loafers Corner Cafe. With a shelf stacked with books for readers. Choose a corner seat on the balcony and settle down with your cup of hot chocolate. The place is known for its cosy green plant decor. And famous for its one-of-a-kind preparation of Vindaloo Beef Tortilla Wrap and Spinach Mushroom Pesto Pasta. For the coolers, you can grab a glass of Pomegranate Lemonade to beat the heat if you are an afternoon explorer. The peanut butter cheesecake is all you need to finish your meal which will surely melt in your mouth, leaving your taste buds tingling and happy.
Address: 1/351, Princess St, Opp. Park Avenue Hotel, Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi, Kochi
Looking for some authentic Kerala biryani? Head to Kayee Ramthulla Cafe. The place is famous for its spicy and flavourful Kerala-style biryani and breakfast dish -- fresh mutton chops with puttu. V.K. Kayee was a cook and a waiter in the British Army in the 1940s. And he eventually set up a small tea shop of his own in 1948, which evolved into Kayees Rahmathulla Cafe, a restaurant and catering service in Mattancherry. If you are looking for a meal that is true to its roots in the cafe culture of Kochi, then this place will be the perfect choice.
Address: Gujarati Rd, Near Gujarati Temple, Mattancherry, Kochi
The East India Street Cafe truly lives up to its name. Set up in the former warehouse of the East India Company, the cafe specializes in delicious breakfast combos, crunchy waffles, scrumptious quesadillas, yummy desserts and refreshing beverages. Moreover, all the produce used in the cafe are organic. Besides the regular fare, there are chef's specials every week.
Address: Near SBI Calvathy, Calvathy Bazaar Road, Fort Kochi, Kochi