Kochi, Cochin, Ernakulam - Kerala
So after many years of living in Tier 1 cities, we live in Kochi now. Personally, I was resistant to this change of moving from Bangalore to Kochi. It's been a year since we moved here. We explored a few places and I sort of like the fact that Kochi is coming up to speed. People are a lot more cosmopolitan, than I had picturised. Though the larger population is still very "Mallu" (a short form for Malayalees - natives of Kerala), I believe the crowd is getting trendier. And this phenomenon, in my opinion, is due to this. In the last decade or so, most Mallus have shifted from the "Gelf" going "Ungles" phenomenon. Many study abroad or work abroad, living in many countries of the world and other metros in India. Families travel across borders. With that exposure and getting used to a certain way of life, Mallus seems to want a lot more from here. Well, there is a lot more to the phenomenon I am sure, but I am listing down a few places we explored and may help a few of you travelling to Kochi for a vacation or may be even shifting to Kochi with a long face like me, ;)
PLACES TO EAT:
This is what we do on most of our weekends. Find new places to eat and EAT. :D
COCOA TREE - This is a Cafe/Restaurant located in Panampilly Nagar, Kochi. The food here is a welcome surprise. The portions are large and they put their heart into every plate of food that is served. The cafe is well decorated - largely painted in dark chocolate brown and apple green. I particularly like the use of old 'goli soda' bottles as a part of their decor. The menu has a segregation of steaks, hotdogs, sandwiches, burgers, pasta, a kids menu and needless to say a good list of sinful, decadent desserts. Yes, I have a Big Sweet Tooth popping out of my nose!! :D. The good thing about this restaurant is that they make their food like it should be made. The food we've tried so far are as follows.
Charred Mushroom Soup - Warm and comforting. Love it!
Tenderloin Steak - My husbands favourite and his regular order every time
Zingy Asian Style Chicken Wings - Zingy spicy starter. They have milder versions too
Pesto Penne Pasta - My 2 year old niece gets restless once the pasta is ordered. Once the order arrives, we share it while she is sitting on my lap and there is no cute conversation = enjoying the pure bliss of eating hot pasta.
All American Burger - My 11 year old nephew swears by it
Mushroom Burger
Moroccan Lamb and Couscous
Shrimp Pops
Butterscotch Sundae
Creme Brulee`
Banofee Waffle - Don't make the mistake of ordering it after a full meal unless you intend to share. It's a rather big portion even for an adult. It's freshly made in the Waffle Iron at the counter and yummy yum.
I am yet to try the Quesadilla Platter, Mudslide and all the other desserts. :D
Price - They are slightly high priced than other restaurants. A meal and dessert for 2 of us costs between 1500/- and 2000/- rupees usually. But it's totally worth it. I prefer paying for good food than pay less for bad food. Here's the facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/cocoatreecafe
BIRIYANIS:
Biriyani is a mixed rice dish made of chicken, beef, mutton/lamb or fish. There are vegetarian versions too.
A mixture of either meat or vegetable with rice, ghee and spices and after a long cooking process becomes an end product called Biriyani. India being vastly varied in culture, the Biriyani has many varied versions too across the country. The malabar biriyanis are mildly spiced and fragrant. That's info for visitors.
KAYEES BIRIYANI - If it's a weekend and you want to have biriyani at Kayees, you better set out ahead of time. They are packed on weekends and you have to share tables with other people. The wall boasts of reviews from the who's who, newspaper cut-outs and the world famous painter and artist M.F.Hussain. The biriyani is great. They have mutton, egg, fish and chicken biriyani. We didn't have the time to look at the rest of the menu as it was a weekend and it was crowded. I must say the food is good. Though there is wait time on weekends, it's not a long wait.
TELICHERRY KITCHEN - They boast of the Thalasherry / Malabar biriyani. Their mutton biriyani is awesome. But make sure you ask for the Malabar or Thalasherry biriyani. They also have mysore biriyani in their menu which is quite different in flavour. "Be a Mallu in the Mallu land, I say!!" :D
CHILLIES RESTAURANT - This is an Andhra restaurant and serves authentic Andhra meal. I grew up in Vishakapatnam and Telugu food fancies me. Sumptuous south Indian meal served on a plantain/banana leaf. Eating a meal here for me is such a feel good factor. If you like spice, try their mutton pepper fry - it will make your eye balls merry-go-round. Haha! I thoroughly enjoy it. The Andhra Mutton biriyani is good too.
DESSERTS AND COFFEE SHOPS:
DONUT FACTORY - Yes, they serve donuts and coffee. One of a kind in Kochi. All the children and adults in our household love donuts from donut factory. I asked my nephew, "Is it better than the donuts you have in Bangalore?" His reply with a chocolate smeared face - "What a question, Ammayi?" The Panampilly nagar store is small, neat and clean. There are tables outside as well, which is where we sit most times. They have takeaways too. Box of 6, 12 etc.
What we've had:
3 chocolates
Black or White
Marble
Custard Filled
Chocolate filled
UFO
Oreo Delight
White Chocolate
Dark Chocolate
They have many more in the list. We usually land there around 830-ish in the evening and they are left with a select few. Land up early for a larger spread. Here's the facebook page for a visual treat.
https://www.facebook.com/coffeemeetsdonuts
NATURALS - They are well known for their ice creams made of seasonal fruits. They have watermelon, chikoo, jackfruit (chakka), custard apple, mango, jamun, tender coconut etc. They are not icecreams made of fruit flavouring agents but made of the actual fruit itself. Naturals has branches across India. It's a pleasure to have them in Kochi.
SIDE WALK CAFE` - This is a Pizzeria, indeed placed on the side walk of Woods Manor Hotel. A side walk or verandah converted into a simple well furnished restaurant. It's located on the main road, so it's easy to find - yet very calm inside. They have an open kitchen with the old world,wood-fired, dome shaped brick oven. If you're interested in thin-crust wood-fired pizza, this is a great place. The pizzas take time as they are made on order in the wood-fired oven but the wait is totally worth it. They leave olive oil and seasonings on the table. We tried the lamb, chicken and vegetarian pizzas.
CHILLI OUT CAFE` (CHERAI) - Chilli Out is a touristy shack located on Cherai Beach. It's a bamboo structure with bamboo tables. The best part of this shack is that it faces the beach. You can walk through the restaurant onto the other side and you step into the beach sand. Especially pretty during sunset. Chilli out is owned by a French man who lives here with family. You won't see the hustle bustle of waiters around here like in most restaurants. He serves good crepes and mostly European food. Good place to relax and unwind listening to the coconut trees rustle in the sea breeze. Yes, there are coconut trees by the shack.
BTH (Bharat Tourist Home) - BTHs coffee shop is called Kempu. We usually go there for coffee and snacking up in the evening. They have a good list of South Indian snacks like Vada, Idly, Dosa, Uthappam. Our favourites are Pazhampuri (Banana fry) and Coffee.
So that's the list for now. More to come in the next blog. We are going for lunch tomorrow at Chillies!!! Yippeee!! :D
